Dr. Joy Peterson joined the Microbiology Department at the University of Georgia in 2002, where she explores the use of forestry residues and agricultural coproducts for bioconversion to specialty chemicals and fuel ethanol. Current research is designed to evaluate the feasibility of building a rural-based biorefinery coupled to existing forestry or agricultural processes. A major focus of her laboratory is the conversion of forestry residues, especially from Southern yellow pine, to ethanol.  Recent work also encompasses pectin-rich residues, such as those from processing of citrus, apples, and sugar beets. Agricultural residues are available in relatively large amounts and are stockpiled in processing plants which may decrease transportation and collections costs. Joy also has experience converting corn stover, sugar cane bagasse, rice hulls, corn hulls, food processing wastes, and various types of hemicellulose hydrolyzates into ethanol using yeast and recombinant bacteria.  Another aspect of her research collaborations is to identify specialty chemicals coproduced with ethanol, and those that may be produced from a separate processing stream at the same plant.  Flavor enhancers, antimicrobials, coatings for pharmaceuticals, and high quality absorbent cellulose, are just a few of the products that may be produced from a rural biorefinery. Dr. Peterson received her PhD degree from the University of Florida for her work with recombinant ethanologenic bacteria in the laboratory or Dr. Lonnie Ingram, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science.  She was a member of the Biology Department at Central Michigan University from 1995-2001, where she received the Provost's Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity, the Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Research Professorship Award.