Dr. Robert Hanchar has over 30 years of practical experience in the development and implementation of recovery and purification processes at laboratory and pilot plant scale, with more than 20 of these years in the industrial biotechnology field.   Dr. Hanchar received his Bachelor of Science degree and Doctoral degree in synthetic organic chemistry from Michigan State University, while also working in the MSU synthesis laboratory, synthesizing and purifying a variety of different compounds for university researchers and commercial clients. 

After earning his PhD, Bob joined the Synthon Corporation where he developed economically viable, scalable processes for the commercial production of 4-carbon chiral intermediates for the pharmaceutical industry.  The most significant being the production of (R) Ethyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate, a key chiral intermediate in the production of statin-based cholesterol lowering pharmaceuticals.  Using the process Bob developed, Synthon was able to successfully produce qualifying batches for a major pharmaceutical, thereby allowing them to obtain additional venture funding and move the company to New Jersey.  

Bob joined MBI/MSUBI in 2000, where he developed economically viable, environmentally friendly, scalable recovery and purification processes, such as the development of a proprietary, gypsum-free recovery process for fermentation derived succinic and fumaric acids.  As MBI focused changed to contract service work, and with the incorporation of MBI into the MSU bioeconomy Institute, Bob’s efforts shifted to using his knowledge and experience to assist MSUBI clients with the development and implementation of their recovery processes.  This included supervising the downstream processing team, as well as remaining ‘hands-on’ with lab and pilot plant operations.  In addition to his experience in product recovery, Bob also has significant analytical experience and provides analytical supervision, support, and expertise for the Lansing facility.   

Dr. Hanchar retired in Sep. 2024, but remains in a consulting role, continuing to provide his knowledge and expertise to MSUBI.