Waters has welcomed the Future Fuels Institute at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida into its Centers of Innovation Program. The Future Fuels Institute under its director, Dr. Chang S. (Sam) Hsu, is pioneering research into the development of fuels from fossil and renewable energy sources to meet future global demands for energy. The Institute is the first such Center of Innovation in the field of energy research.

"Dr. Hsu is one of the world's most accomplished researchers in the field of petroleum research and his contributions to the field are well-recognized," said Tim Riley, PhD, V.P. of Strategic Innovation, Waters Division and Program Director of Waters Centers of Innovation program. "It gives us great pleasure to recognize the Future Fuels Institute and support its ongoing research through our Centers of Innovation program."

A focal point of Dr. Hsu's research is research into biofuels derived from natural and renewable source materials. These include solid biomass such as wood, saw dust, agricultural wastes and non-food crops converted into ethanol, biobutanols, gasoline, jet fuels and diesels. He and his staff are also active in researching technology for turning algae into non-ethanol-based nautical, aviation and automotive fuels.

"Everyday life depends on ready sources of energy and fuels," said Dr. Hsu. "Sustainability of energy supplies and harmful emission reduction for dealing with climate change are central themes. We established the Future Fuels Institute to address these pressing issues and needs."

Dr. Hsu's career in the petroleum industry spans more than 30 years. During that time, he published three books on such topics as the chemistry of diesel fuels, analytical advances for hydrocarbon research and practical advances in petroleum processing, eight book chapters, 13 patents and more than 120 other publications. Dr. Hsu is a past president of the Chinese American Chemical Society and a recipient of numerous awards.

Central to the Institute's research capabilities are Waters liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry systems for looking at the molecular composition of heavy oils and biomass feeds/materials in order to better understand the chemistry of these products and optimize processes for making them.

The Future Fuels Institute
The Future Fuels Institute pursues collaborative activities in fundamental science, enabling technologies and applied knowledge in the areas of fuels sciences and technology to promote education, outreach and training.

The mission of the Institute is to conduct fundamental and advanced scientific research and to develop and promote technology for efficient production and use of renewable fuels, such as biofuels and green fuels, and fuels derived from difficult hydrocarbon resources, such as heavy oils and synthetic crudes.

As a part of Florida State University, the Institute will collaborate with visiting scientists/engineers and professionals in fuel science and technology from member companies, and provide education and training to undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.