Frederick Michel is a Professor of Biosystems Engineering at the Ohio State University in the department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. His group conducts research at the intersection of bioprocessing, environmental stewardship and the circular economy. His work includes significant advancements in the conversions of lignocellulosic crops and corn to biofuels and the development of composting for organics recycling. His current portfolio includes the TARDISS project, a multi-disciplinary, multi-University NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) that aims to create an alternative supply of natural rubber from domestic crops such as guayule and the Taraxacum kok-sagyhz dandelion, reducing reliance on imports. His focus is the development of scalable extraction processes for rubber, inulin (a food additive) and other root components. His academic background is anchored by PhD and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry from Michigan State University and from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and research at the DOE National Renewable Energy laboratory. This is complemented by a commitment to service and policy. Fred serves on the Boards of Green Energy Ohio (GEO), the Ohio Organics Council (OHOC) and Chair’s the OSU CFAES Sustainability and Promotion and Tenure Committees. His career has spanned over 100 scientific peer reviewed scientific publications, advisement of numerous students and editorship of primary journals in his field.