Description:

“Redesigning the Interface between Fresh Produce and the Environment for Sustainable Agriculture”

Dr. James Rogers
Apeel Sciences

A joint meeting of the Golden Gate Polymer Forum and the American Chemical Society - Santa Clara Valley Section

Abstract
Apeel Sciences creates products from natural plant extracts that allow growers to reduce reliance on pesticides, increase produce quality, and provide superior shelf life even when optimal temperature control is not possible. As the world confronts the implications of an ever-expanding population, agriculture will need to evolve in order to improve the efficiency with which we use our natural resources. In the US, the majority of our fresh water is consumed for irrigation while 40% of our fresh produce is lost to spoilage before it can be used. This means that we are literally "throwing away" a portion of our available freshwater supply, not to mention the added negative environmental consequences of pesticide usage associated with growing the huge fraction of produce that ultimately ends up in landfills. Our innovative technologies protect crops and help to significantly reduce spoilage, which in turn reduces water use, lowers energy costs, and helps preserve natural ecosystems. Using agricultural byproducts – parts of the plant that are normally discarded – Apeel creates products that fortify the surfaces of fresh fruits and vegetables, forming an ultra-thin barrier that camouflages crops and shields produce from both biotic and abiotic stressors.
Made from 100% plant material, Apeel's protective formulas are invisible, tasteless, edible and durable.

Speaker Background

James Rogers, Apeel's Science Director & CEO, received dual undergraduate degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in Materials Science & Engineering and Biomedical Engineering and received his PhD in Materials from the University of California, Santa Barbara. For his PhD research, James was the recipient of the 2012 Frank J. Padden Jr. Award for polymer physics. James is a graduate of the UC Santa Barbara Technology Management Program and also holds a Master's degree in Economics. Drawing from his research, James founded Apeel Sciences to help provide new organic technology solutions for sustainable agriculture. James guides corporate strategy and oversees the company's research and development efforts.

Date:

Thursday, June 30

Location:

Michael's Restaurant at Shoreline Park
2960 N. Shoreline Park
Mountain View, CA 94043

Map

Timing:

6 PM social hour
7 PM dinner
8 PM lecture

Cost:

	Employed/postdoc	Student/unemployed/retired
Early Registration	$30	$15
Registration	$35	$20
Walk-in (not guaranteed)	$40	$25

Lecture-only is free.

 

Payment:

We accept cash or checks at the door, or online payment via credit card. No-shows are responsible for full payment of registration fee.

Registration:

Please register below or contact:

Len Radzilowski
email: lradzilo@te.com
phone: 650-361-3264

Deadline for registration:

11:59PM, Friday, June 24 for early registration discount.
5PM, Wednesday, June 29 for regular registration.

Dinner Selection:

Seafood - Grilled Tilapia with Papaya Salsa
Chicken - Breast of Chicken, Cacciatore
Vegetarian - Vegetable Napoleon

You should receive confirmation of your registration; if not, please contact us again.