Presented by Matt McCarroll, PhD., Director of the Fermentation Science Institute; Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University
The Fermentation Science Institute (FSI) was formally established in 2014 and has become a core resource for fermentation related businesses. The FSI has a broad impact through its targeted mission of supporting fermentation related business, which range from fermented foods such as cheese and sauerkraut to alcoholic beverages and biotechnology. Along with general support services, the FSI Service Laboratory provides T.T.B certified testing of beer, wine and spirits, which has benefited over 100 clients both regionally and nationally. The FSI also developed and houses the BS degree in fermentation science. Recent developments include a major expansion of facilities that include pilot facilities for brewing, distilling, malting, winemaking and cheesemaking, as well as a production kitchen and formal sensory laboratory. This expansion was enabled by the Illinois Food, Entrepreneurship, Research, and Manufacturing (iFERM) Hub of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN). A project is also underway to establish BioLaunch, which will contain core facilities for biotechnology, analytical and business support. The presentation will discuss the history and impact of the FSI, as well as share plans and expected impact of incorporating BioLaunch and the iFERM Hub into ongoing and future activities.
About the presenter:
Matt McCarroll is a professor of chemistry and biochemistry and founding director of the. He received degrees in chemistry and interdisciplinary studies from Appalachian State University in 1994 and his PhD in analytical chemistry at the University of Idaho in 1998. Dr. McCarroll led the effort to establish the Fermentation Science Institute and the B.S. degree in fermentation science, which is currently one of six 4-year degree programs in north America recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas. He is a certified chemist with the federal Tax and Trade Bureau for beer, wine and spirits. Dr. McCarroll is currently serving a leadership role for a $13M expansion of facilities as part of the Illinois Food, Entrepreneurship, Research, and Manufacturing (iFERM) Hub of the Illinois Innovation Network and the BioLaunch facility.
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