Thomas Dempster

Assoc Research Professor (FSC), SSEBE AzCATI

thomas.dempster@asu.edu

ISTB3 103A MESA, AZ 85212
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Long Bio

Thomas Dempster began his algae research career as an undergraduate at Arizona State University in 1989 working on the Aquatic Species Program. He completed his bachelor's degree in biology, master's degree in botany and doctorate in plant biology from Arizona State University while studying a variety of algae-related topics primarily related to algal biofuel production, drinking water quality and wastewater bioremediation. Dempster currently works as a research professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment focusing on strain selection and development, biomass production, algal biofuels and high-value products, and air and wastewater bioremediation at the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI) at Arizona State University. At AzCATI, he also serves as the laboratory manager, ASU Safety and Compliance Officer and AzCATI Recharge Center manager. Dempster also serves as the testbed site coordinator for the recent U.S. Department of Energy funded Algae Testbed Public-Private Partnership (ATP3). Current research projects include microalgal carbon sequestration at coal-fired power plants in Arizona and Florida (Salt River Project & Orlando Utilities Commission - DOE-NETL), production of bioactive molecules from microalgae for use in feeds and livestock health (Zivo biosciences, Inc.) and crop protection for large-scale cultivation using pulsed electric field technology (Diversified Technologies, Inc., Bedford, MA - USDA SBIR Phase II).

Education

Ph.D. Plant Biology, Arizona State University
M.S. Botany, Arizona State University
B.S Biology, Arizona State University

Research Activity

Dempster,Thomas A*. SRP CREC Assessment of Flue Gas Heavy Metal Assimilation into Microalgae Biomass and Efforts to Design a Coronado Generating Station Microalgae Carbon. SRP-SALT RIVER PROJECT(7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016).
Dempster,Thomas A*, Sommerfeld,Milton R. Exploring Opportunities for Collaboration on Use of Microalgae as a Source for Renewable Energy. US - EGYPT JOINT BOARD(4/1/2015 - 3/31/2016).
Dempster,Thomas A*, Razdan,Anshuman. CREC Project: Assessment of Biomass Quality and the Feasibility of Using Hydrothermal Liquefaction to Produce Energy from Carbon Dioxide Emission-. SRP-SALT RIVER PROJECT(7/1/2014 - 6/30/2016).
Dempster,Thomas A*. Production of Algal Biomass for Lipid Upgrading. NREL:NATL RENEWABLE ENERGY LAB(2/27/2014 - 12/31/2015).
Dempster,Thomas A*. CREC: Use of Microalgae to Mitigate Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Salt River Projects Coronado Generating Station in Saint Johns Arizona:. SRP-SALT RIVER PROJECT(9/1/2013 - 8/31/2015).
Dempster,Thomas A*, Gerken,Henri G. ATIC: Elucidation Identification and Separation of Bioactive Compounds from a Complex Ecosystem of Microorganisms. Health Enhancement(8/1/2013 - 6/30/2016).
Dirks,Gary William*, Dempster,Thomas A, Hu,Qiang, Mcgowen,John, Sommerfeld,Milton R. Algae Testbed Public-Private Partnership (ATP3) - A Raft Partnership. DOE-GOLDEN FIELD OFFICE(1/31/2013 - 12/31/2017).