Jon Van Gerpen, PhD, PE

Dr. Jon H. Van Gerpen is the Project Director. He is a mechanical engineer and the Department Head for the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department. He recently moved from Iowa State University where he worked for 20 years on projects relating to biodiesel production and utilization and diesel engine combustion and emissions. At Iowa State, he directed the design and construction of a pilot plant that was capable of producing about 250,000 gallons/yr of biodiesel. He has also coordinated a series of biodiesel workshops to assist existing and potential biodiesel producers with business management techniques, analytical methods, and production technology.

Charles Peterson, PhD, PE

Dr. Peterson is well known for pioneering work on biodiesel production and use. He has BS and MS degrees from the University of Idaho and a Ph.D. from Washington State University. He is retired from the College of Engineering. His research work has been associated with developing the biodiesel production facility and engine short-term and long-term testing laboratories. He and his graduate students have done much of the fundamental work related to biodiesel production, engine operation, engine emissions, biodegradability, and toxicity.

B. Brian He, PhD, PE

Dr. Brian He is a food and bioprocessing engineer and assistant professor. He has an integrated background in agricultural engineering, biosystems engineering, and chemical engineering. His research interests include renewable energy and value-added products from biobased resources. His research activities in the biodiesel area involve in integrated processing of oil seeds for sustainable biodiesel production and by-products utilization, novel continuous-flow reactor system for biodiesel production.

Douglas Haines, PhD
 

Dr. Douglas C. Haines is an assistant professor of marketing with teaching and research interests in marketing and business strategy. His academic experience is built on fifteen years of business and marketing management experience with the HJ Heinz Company. He is currently collaborating on a feasibility study for a biodiesel production facility in the Treasure Valley of southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. He teaches marketing, management, promotion management, services marketing, selling and statistics.

Dev S. Shrestha, PhD
 

Dr. Dev Shrestha is an agricultural engineer and assistant professor. He is a bioenergy specialist in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Idaho. His expertise includes precision agriculture, production agriculture, and renewable energy. His research interests include energy crop production, Biofuels production, and modeling of renewable energy systems.