For Daijiworld Media Network— USA (CN)
California, Jun 25: Dr Jayaram Shetty, vice-president of Genencor based in Palo Alto, California, has bagged the 2008 Research Excellence award, for his contribution to the development of new advanced technologies for bio-fuel production using agricultural raw materials.
Popularly known as Dr Jay Shetty, this native of village Kadangodu near Sooralu of Udupi district, was presented the award at an international biofuel conference held at Nashville, Tennessee. Previously, Dr Shetty has also been a recipient of the 2005 Top R&D 100 award during the ceremony held in Chicago in 2006.
‘Jay’s contributions to Genencor and to the industry have been truly outstanding, so I think it is very fitting that he received this award. Our hats off to him!’ said Glenn Nedwin, EVP, Technical Enzymes. Dr Shetty has also been exhorting the Indian government to invest in production of bio-fuel so that fuel becomes cheaper in India and help meet the nation’s energy needs.
Dr Shetty has worked on various aspects of enzymes biotechnology and holds more than 35 patents besides more than 30 research publications in reputed journals and books. He is an expert in carbohydrases, and other enzymes, besides being highly experienced in enzymology and related applications in the grain processing area.
The award presented to Dr Shetty this year was established by BBI International in 2000 to recognize individuals who make significant contributions to the fuel ethanol industry through research, technical advisory, and/or development activities. The award selection committee is made up of industry and academic scientists, and the nominees are usually an elite group of well-regarded candidates.
Dr Shetty completed his schooling from Sooralu and Cherkadi, following which he graduated in science from MGM College, Udupi and became a teacher in Kokkarne high school. He then pursued his M Sc at Mysore university and PhD at CFTRI, Mysore. Dr Shetty then did his post doctoral studies at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, with a scholarship.
He is the brother-in-law of K Balakrishna Hegde, A M Sons Tiles, Kokkarne, who is also the founder president of Udupi athletics sssociation.