The National Biodiesel Foundation awarded the first Beth Calabotta Sustainable Education Grant to doctoral student Mary Kate Mitchell. The $2,000 award is for Mitchell to participate in the Biodiesel Sustainability Workshop in St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 27, with the remaining funds applied toward academics. Mitchell is currently studying chemical and environmental engineering at Yale University. She presented at the 2018 National Biodiesel Conference and is a member of the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel.

“The National Biodiesel Foundation established this annual grant to help deserving full-time students interested in science, research and biodiesel sustainability,” said NBF President Jeff Lynn. “The grant honors scientist Beth Calabotta, whose legacy and dedication to biodiesel sustainability made an impact on the industry.”

A lifelong friend and colleague of Beth Calabotta, Cynthia Ludwig remarked, “I know that Beth would have been proud of the foundation’s choice for the scholarship. Mary Kate exhibits the dedication to promoting women in science, educating others in sustainable practices and supporting renewable energy that Beth had made a lifelong mission.” 

Based on Beth’s work, the foundation and the National Biodiesel Board want this grant to continue building on the idea that adopting innovative technologies and diversifying markets will produce environmental benefits that can be documented through research and data. 

The foundation works closely with the National Biodiesel Board to address national issues affecting us all—cleaner air, greater economic development for rural communities, and enhanced national security through energy independence. Organized in 1994, the mission of the foundation is to accomplish outreach, education, research and demonstration activities for the advancement of biodiesel.