Greg O’Neil, an associate professor of chemistry at Western Washington University, has been awarded a five-year, $430,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Program in part for his continued research into the development of algae as a potential source for biofuels.

O’Neil’s research focuses on developing strategies to combine cheap, simple chemicals into important complex structures found in nature. Part of this award will support the synthesis of lipids made by some algae to see if these compounds can be converted into a fuel source.

“This is one of the most prestigious awards young faculty members can receive,” O’Neil said, in a press release. “It’s unique in that not only does it support outstanding research but also combines an educational component, which is the integration of renewable energy topics into Western’s chemistry curriculum and the university’s own energy initiatives.”

For more information on O’Neil’s research or his NSF grant, contact him at gregory.o’neil@wwu.edu.