Dr. Russell L. Chapman Joins Aquatic Energy as the Chairman of its Science Advisory Board

LAKE CHARLES, La., Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Russell L. Chapman, former President of the Phycological Society of America (the leading organization promoting the research and teaching of algal related science in the US) has joined Aquatic Energy LLC as the Chairman of its Science Advisory Board including university outreach, grants and phycology talent development.  "Dr. Chapman has been one of the preeminent scholars in the field of phycology for more than 40 years. His depth of knowledge and breadth of experience are unparalleled," stated Aquatic Energy's CEO, David Johnston.  "Dr. Chapman's work as the founding Dean of LSU's School of the Coast and Environment makes him an excellent fit to assist Aquatic Energy in the formation of a pipeline of algal technology-trained graduates from the state's university system.  We look forward to him supporting our continued efforts to develop a new renewable energy industry in Louisiana."  

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Aquatic Energy is a renewable bio-technology company using proprietary algae strains as feed stock for the production of low-cost sustainable fuel and food.  The company has had a long and productive relationship with Dr. Chapman as an early-stage advisor.  Now with an office at LSU and the Aquatic Energy headquarters, he will be taking on more direct involvement in the day-to-day activities of the company.  "I am delighted and excited to be entering a more formal and active role with Aquatic Energy, and to be directly involved in the promising – and critically needed – areas of renewable fuels in general and algal biofuels in particular," says Dr. Chapman.

DR. CHAPMAN most recently served as the Executive Director of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (CMBC), at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, and is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences at Louisiana State University (LSU). He served as an Associate Vice Chancellor in the Office of Research and Economic Development and was the Founding Dean of LSU's School of the Coast and Environment. Over three decades at LSU, he conducted research on the ultrastructure and molecular evolution of green algae and land plants. Dr. Chapman received his undergraduate degree in biology at Dartmouth College and his MS and PhD in Botany at the University of California, Davis.  He is also the past President and member of the Board of Trustees of the Phycological Society of America, and is currently the Treasurer of the International Phycological Society. Dr. Chapman served on the International Organizing Committee (IOC) for the 9th International Phycological Congress which was held in 2009 in Tokyo, Japan, and currently serves on the IOC for the 10th Congress to be held in 2013 in Orlando, Florida.  He serves as an editorial board member for Algologia, the American Journal of Botany, Algological Studies, and Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 

About Aquatic Energy LLC (www.aquaticenergy.com):

Aquatic Energy LLC is a renewable bio-technology company using proprietary algal strains as feedstock for the production of low-cost, sustainable fuel and food. The company has developed technology for the growth, harvesting, dewatering, and oil extraction of algae in an open-pond environment. This technology allows Aquatic Energy to produce a variety of high-grade fuel and food products while maintaining low-cost and environmentally responsible operations.

Contact: David Johnston, CEO | Aquatic Energy LLC | Phone: (337)437-3757 | Fax: (866)823-8067 |

[email protected]

SOURCE Aquatic Energy LLC