Purdue receives $5 million grant

The Department of Energy announced Tuesday (March 28) that Purdue will receive a grant for $5 million.

The funding is one of five grants awarded for research in the area of cellulosic ethanol.

"Purdue is the only academic institution receiving this award," said Jay Gore, associate dean of research in the College of Engineering.

Nancy Ho, the leader of a molecular genetics group at Purdue, is involved with the University's cellulosic ethanol research.

"The grant is funding Nancy's work in the area of cellulosic ethanol," Gore said.

Cellulosic ethanol is a good alternative fuel because it uses the non-edible parts of corn, Gore said.

"It does not compete with our food supply."

The process Ho is working with involves the use of a genetically engineered yeast, she said.

"Simply, we need more ethanol," Ho said.

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