RADFORD -- Two Radford University students recently presented research findings at the 11th annual Green Chemistry and Green Engineering Conference in Washington, D.C.

Chris Estes and Sabrina Hash presented posters at the conference relating to their ongoing research to "develop a solid acid carbon catalyst as an inexpensive green alternative to the more expensive polymer-based catalysts currently used for esterification reactions, which could also play an important role in the improved production of biodiesel fuel," said RU chemistry professor Francis Webster.

Hash's poster focused on the catalyst synthesis and characterization. Estes' presentation was related to catalyst design for improved use of waste oil feedstock for biodiesel production.

Estes, a rising sophomore from Riner, and Hash, a senior from McGaheysville, were the only undergraduates making presentations at the conference. Estes and Hash each received student scholarships from the National Science Foundation to present their research at the Green Conference.

Webster gave an oral presentation at the conference summarizing his group research efforts at RU.

From Small Steps to Giant Leaps - Breakthrough Innovations for Sustainability was the theme of the 2007 conference. The Green Conference annually provides a forum for experts in green chemistry and green engineering to identify breakthroughs that have advanced, or will advance, green chemistry and green engineering to significant new levels of innovation. Topics at this year's conference included designing safer chemicals, new bio-based materials, green nanotechnology, renewable feedstock chemicals, benign solvents and renewable energy systems.