Microbiologists Help Georgia High School Student Win Top Honors 11-6-2008

Nicholas Worley of Valdosta, Ga., wondered if the biomass from Georgia's forest could produce a substantial amount of ethanol. By using scientific methods and working with researchers Dr. Joy Doran-Peterson and Amruta Jangid in the Microbiology Department and Dr. Dale Greene in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia and his FFA advisor James Corbett, Worley discovered that ethanol could be produced from both clean wood chips and unmerchantable forest biomass. On Oct. 24, 2008 Worley was recognized as Agriscience Student of Year and was presented with approximately $6,000 in scholarships and travel funding at the 81st annual National FFA Convention. Eight national finalists are selected for the Agriscience Student of the Year award. Applicants are evaluated on the presentation of their agriscience-related research projects, their general academic achievements, and their involvement in school and community activities. The Agriscience Student of the Year Scholarship and Recognition Program is sponsored by Monsanto as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.