Palo Alto, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2011) — David A. Estell, Ph.D., a research fellow and vice president of innovation at Genencor, received the prestigious 2011 Enzyme Engineering Award presented by Engineering Conferences International.
"Estell's work is an asset to Genencor and to the industrial biotech sector," said Mike Arbige, executive vice president of technology at Genencor. "This honor is representative of Genencor's continuing efforts to discover new innovations and technologies to address society's big challenges."
The award recognizes outstanding innovation in the field of enzyme engineering through basic or applied research. Award qualifications include:
- New discoveries, research, process or device development or methodology relating to scientific or engineering achievements in the area of enzyme engineering.
- Outstanding contributions of a scientific or engineering nature in the design, operation or management of facilities, processes or devices based primarily on enzyme engineering.
- Distinguished service toward the development and growth of enzyme engineering.
"I am deeply honored to be recognized by my peers in the field," Estell said, following his receipt of the award at Engineering Conferences International's 21st annual meeting in Vail, Colo. "At Genencor we work as a team, and I owe credit to my talented colleagues who constantly challenge me to explore and develop new discoveries."
At Genencor, Estell initiated the protein engineering program and invented a new, efficient, proprietary protein engineering technology used for producing advanced biofuels and other biobased applications. He currently leads new technology development and holds more than 70 issued U.S. patents.
Estell earned his B.S. in chemistry at New Mexico State University, and his Ph.D. in chemistry at Purdue University. He was a post-doctoral fellow in neurobiology at Stanford University and started his professional career as a research scientist at Genentech. Estell joined Genencor in 1983 where he started the protein engineering program.
About Genencor
Genencor is a world leader in industrial biotechnology and a pioneer in enzyme innovation with more than 400 patented enzyme technologies. Genencor improves process and product performance for a range of industries. As part of a large global organization, Genencor has a manufacturing and distribution network that spans more than 40 countries. In collaboration with customers, technology leaders and other stakeholders, Genencor supplies competitive, biobased solutions that create value throughout the supply chain, from raw material to finished product. DuPont acquired a majority stake in Danisco A/S, which includes its Genencor division, in May 2011. Genencor enzymes and enzyme production will now operate within DuPont Industrial Biosciences. For more information, please visit www.genencor.com.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.