In this episode, I interview Professor Orlando Rojas of UBC's BioProducts Institute. This is a facility researching the many ways biomass, particularly cellulose from tress, can become not only the next great energy source, but also fabrics, filters and biodegradable materials that can replace plastic.

Prof Rojas is a Canada Excellence Research Chair and I found him to be extremely engaging, passionate about finding a path to a sustainable future and a very good teacher. It was so great to hear him talk about scientific concepts that are discussed in a high school science class. It reminds me as a science teacher of the things that I should be emphasizing. Not just chemical or biological facts, but the way these things can be the solution to many of our world problems.

This talk reminds me to not just teach science but to bring it alive by showing how it is applied to global issues. The idea of using biomass to meet our energy needs, eliminating a dependence on oil is rich with possibilities but tied to the already stressed forest resources. So understanding of the basic science followed by discussion and a healthy debate, may lead to great ideas and passionate solutions.

It would be awesome to see some of our students end up at the BioProducts Institute to further this work. In a changing climate and deteriorating environment, science teachers have an obligation to inspire our students to join people like Prof Rojas in this great work!

www.bpi.ubc.ca