The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation has awarded Janice Shiu the 2026 Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant. Shiu is a graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, pursuing a degree in Computer Science and conducting research that applies statistical and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to improve the reliability and resilience of soybean and corn yields in the Midwest—key feedstocks for biomass-based diesel.
“Janice’s application perfectly aligns with the purpose of this grant—supporting rigorous, data-driven work that promotes biodiesel sustainability and builds a solid scientific foundation for clean-energy policies,” said Tom Verry, executive director of the Foundation. “Her ability to connect emerging issues like the importance of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to practical questions of feedstock resilience and carbon-intensity outcomes is impressive. Beth would be proud to see this kind of innovative thinking carried forward.”
The grant allows Shiu to attend the 2026 Sustainability Workshop hosted by the Clean Fuels Alliance America in Kansas City, Missouri, from April 27–29, 2026, at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. There, she will connect with biodiesel industry policy and scientific leaders, enhancing her understanding of the latest sustainability initiatives and challenges impacting the sector.
“I’m honored to receive the Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant and grateful to the Foundation and committee for their support,” said Shiu. “The Sustainability Workshop is a unique opportunity to connect my research at the intersection of AI and sustainable agriculture with the people and decisions shaping the future and real-world implementation of clean fuels. I am excited for all that I will learn from the field’s experts and practitioners, whose perspectives will be valuable for my continued research and professional development.”
About the Beth Calabotta Sustainable Education Grant
Beth had an unquenchable love for agriculture and life sciences. Later in her career, Calabotta’s efforts focused almost solely on developing biofuels as viable energy alternatives to conventional fuels. Based on Calabotta’s work, the Foundation and the Clean Fuels Alliance America Governing Board want 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.
Originally shared by Clean Fuels Alliance America. Image Credit: Flickr – United Soybean Board.