Meet the directors

Steven Pueppke
Director, Office of Biobased Technologies
MSU Assistant Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies
Director, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station
517-353-9607
pueppke@msu.edu

As director of the Office of Biobased Technologies, Steve Pueppke works to identify, encourage and support research programs that will position Michigan State University as a world leader in the development of the bioeconomy.

"The OBT gives us a central place to focus attention on the subject and package all MSU's talents and expertise together," Pueppke said. "Private companies and citizens need one point of contact at MSU to meet all their bioeconomy needs. The OBT will be that point."

Pueppke came to MSU in 2006 from the University of Illinois, where he had been associate dean for research in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences since 1998.

In October 2006, Pueppke was named to the Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The commission promotes the production and distribution of alternative fuels in Michigan.

Pueppke is a member of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this role, Pueppke helps examine the long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and helps guide the USDA on issues related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture.

Pueppke serves on several boards and committees within the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and is a past president of the board of the National Council on Food and Agricultural Research and a past chairperson of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Council.

He is also a member of numerous professional societies, including the Phi Kappa Phi honor society and Sigma Xi Scientific research society.

A Spartan alumnus and professor of plant pathology, Pueppke received his undergraduate degree in horticulture from MSU. He received a doctorate in plant pathology from Cornell University.

Bruce Dale
Associate Director, Office of Biobased Technologies
Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Faculty Adviser, MSU Biomass Conversion Research Laboratory
517-353-6777
bdale@egr.msu.edu

Bruce Dale is a nationally known leader in exploring alternatives to fossil fuels. He is an expert in research aimed at converting agricultural crops -- such as corn -- into fuel. Such materials, called plant biomass, have the potential to provide cost-effective and environmentally beneficial ways to generate fuels, chemicals, materials, foods and feeds from renewable resources.

As associate director of the Office of Biobased Technologies, Dale describes his role as providing "technical reality" stemming from his 30 years of work in biomass technology and taking such technology from the laboratory to the marketplace.

"I help put together large proposals and work to link plant science researchers and others with engineers to build relationships allowing us to move forward," Dale says.

"Our vision is that MSU will be the 'go-to' place for basic and applied research related to the development of the bioeconomy because of our outstanding faculty members, existing research strengths and strong private sector partnerships," he continues. "MSU is the premier place for this work to be done. We have one of the top three plant science programs in the world. MSU is the foremost university worldwide in the field of plant metabolism and biochemistry. The ultimate success of biofuels and biochemicals will be determined largely by the ability to manipulate plants at the genetic, seed and field levels. I strongly believe that biobased fuels and chemicals will become a reality. I want to help design the processes so they're environmentally sound."

Dale, who has been at MSU for 10 years, has developed a patented process called ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX), which makes the breakdown of cellulose more efficient, thus tackling one of the thornier problems of producing ethanol.

Dale received his doctorate in chemical engineering from Purdue University and his master's and undergraduate degrees from the University of Arizona. He has received 13 U.S. and international patents and has filed eight patent disclosures during the past 2 years.

Bryan Ritchie
Associate Director for External Strategy, Office of Biobased Technologies
Associate Professor of International Relations, James Madison College
Co-director, Michigan Center for Innovation and Economic Prosperity
517-353-8614
ritchieb@msu.edu

A former entrepreneur who started two computer companies and consulted for Novel, USRobotics, 3Com and Iomega before moving to academia, Bryan Ritchie studies the processes of innovation and technological development in the fast-growing economies of Southeast Asia. Ritchie's technological and research background allows him to understand the needs of both the university and the business world.

As associate director for external strategy for the Office of Biobased Technologies, Ritchie will ensure that the private sector has access to the full range of bioeconomy research and resources available at Michigan State University.

"I'm crafting and implementing a strategy to rapidly and seamlessly connect MSU with the bioeconomy private sector, including businesses, government and other universities," Ritchie says. "I'm also helping MSU organize to gain access to the private sector.

"This is truly the perfect position for me," he says. "It allows me to combine my entrepreneurial background and my academic research to help build Michigan's bioeconomy."

Ritchie continues as co-director of the MCIEP, focusing his work at the center on developing external strategies for the Office of Biobased Technologies. This, too, is a natural fit. The MCIEP was founded in 2006 to explore the industries and policies that can develop Michigan's 21st century economy. To many, this is the bioeconomy. Each year the center produces three sets of reports: an industry review, a policy review and a set of recommendations for industry leaders and policy-makers. In 2007, the MCIEP produced reports on the advanced automotive, medical technology, pharmaceutical, biofuels and telecommunication industries.

"The OBT position is a great opportunity to bring together university resources and make them available to people who seek them," Ritchie says.

Ritchie received his doctorate in political science from Emory University, his MBA from the Marriott School at Brigham Young University and his bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.