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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Bio-oils Research » People » Kenneth Doll

Kenneth M Doll (Ken)

Scientific Technology Transfer Coordinator

Phone: (309) 273-4298 

USDA ARS MWA
1815 N University 
Peoria IL 61604

 

ORCID:  0000-0002-5328-7848

 

Dr. Doll received a B.S. in chemistry in 1995 from the University of Wyoming. His undergraduate research included the synthesis of compounds that were used to detect oxygen in groundwater monitoring sensors. Ken received a Ph.D. from Colorado State University in 2003, where his research in Vitamin B12 uncovered previously hidden quantum mechanical effects in enzyme activation. The year 2003 was also the year that Dr. Doll joined the USDA at NCAUR in Peoria Illinois. Ken was part of the Plant Polymer research unit, where he introduced technology that enabled natural carboxylic acids, including aspartic acid and citric acid, to be incorporated into high performance carbohydrate polymers. Later, Ken moved into oil research, and was able to chemically modify oils into functional lubricant additives that were effective in both bio-based, and petroleum-based, lubricants. Within the Bio-Oils research unit, Ken led a project that starts with vegetable oils and transforms them into the polymer building blocks for industrial applications and consumer products and may lead to a truly sustainable bio-based aviation fuel. Overall, Ken’s academic record includes over 100 papers, patents, and chapters, and the authorship of 80 scientific presentations.

 

During his time at the USDA, Ken has been active in the technology transfer aspects of science. Ken has worked on multiple research agreements, both as the investigator, and as the actual hands-on worker. Most notably, Ken has served as a grant reviewer for multiple US science programs and as an auditor for USDA-OIRP and US Department of Defense projects. Ken was also a member of the ARS patent committee for many years. 

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