Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** microalgae are identified as an…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** microalgae are identified as an attractive source for production various types of high-value molecules and biofuel, however the potential of microalgae as a source of bioenergy is not yet economically feasible, due to the low yields of biomass and lipids. In this regard, integration the biorefinery pathways with biofuel production for the recovery of the high-value molecules could significantly decrease the production cost of the system. The overall goal of this project is to establish and introduce an optimized and cost- effective microalgal platform for simultaneous production of high value bioactive molecules and biofuel. These results will fulfill the vital knowledge GAP in introducing a cost-effective engineered microalgal production platform under smart-farming conditions. Our project is linked to nifa and USDA major goals to 1. Advance the cultural diversity of the food and agricultural sciences scientific and professional workforce by attracting and educating more students from underrepresented groups, 2. Strengthen linkages among the 1890 institutions, other colleges and universities, USDA, other federal agencies, and private industry, and 3. Enhance and strengthen the quality of teaching/education, research, and extension programs at the 1890 institutions to establish them as full partners in the U.S. Food and agricultural sciences higher education system. This project will build capacity at delaware state university (DSU) by expanding the ability of DSU and faculty and students to conduct research in the project supports CBG priority areas in 1. Human health, and nutrition security, 2. Bioenergy/biofuel and natural resources, and 3. Sustainable agriculture.