I work on renewable marine energy R&D strategy and funding opportunities at the U.S. Department of Energy, and aspire to pursue a career in environmental and science journalism. I graduated with my PhD from the Duke University Marine Lab, researching algae growth for biofuel production. Feel free to contact me at sarah.e.loftus{at]gmail.com.
While the environmental benefits of using microalgae as a feedstock for biofuels are numerous, algal biofuels are currently not cost-competitive with fossil fuels. My PhD research explored water reuse for growing algae, which reduces costs of algae production. I conducted a meta-analysis and laboratory experiments to investigate several factors that influence how well algae can grow in reused water.
I’ve published pieces in outlets such as The Conversation, Scientific American Observations blog, Limnology & Oceanography Bulletin, among others, and worked with The Miami Herald as a AAAS Mass Media Fellow. I’ve participated in trainings such as ConSciCom Triangle and the Santa Fe Science Writing Workshop, and have freelanced for a coastal news organization. Check out my portfolio for selected articles.