Filling Up at the Biological Pump: The Future of Biofuels
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Athletic Training, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science
Mentor Information
Osman Patel, patelo@gvsu.edu
Department
Cell and Molecular Biology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 1
Start Date
13-4-2011 11:00 AM
End Date
13-4-2011 12:00 PM
Keywords
Environment, Ethics, Global Change, Life Science, Sustainability, Technology
Abstract
Our study sought to examine the level of understanding that Grand Valley students have regarding the practicality of biofuels and the funding behind them. Two hundred Grand Valley State University students were surveyed with a variety of majors and a range of class standings. These parameters were utilized to ensure an accurate depiction of the study population. Our preliminary results show a general understanding of biofuels, including E85 ethanol, which has been a recent popular biofuel. With regard to funding for biofuel research, the overall response showed support for funding coming from oil companies, the government and biotechnology companies. Most of those holding positive opinions on biofuels said they would be willing to pay more for them, either at the pump, for a car, or through taxes. We intend on further educating the student population on the potential that biofuels have to offer as our supply of fossil fuels dwindle.
Filling Up at the Biological Pump: The Future of Biofuels
Henry Hall Atrium 1
Our study sought to examine the level of understanding that Grand Valley students have regarding the practicality of biofuels and the funding behind them. Two hundred Grand Valley State University students were surveyed with a variety of majors and a range of class standings. These parameters were utilized to ensure an accurate depiction of the study population. Our preliminary results show a general understanding of biofuels, including E85 ethanol, which has been a recent popular biofuel. With regard to funding for biofuel research, the overall response showed support for funding coming from oil companies, the government and biotechnology companies. Most of those holding positive opinions on biofuels said they would be willing to pay more for them, either at the pump, for a car, or through taxes. We intend on further educating the student population on the potential that biofuels have to offer as our supply of fossil fuels dwindle.