Marie Laborie
Assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering
Marie-Pierre Laborie uses Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and multivariate analysis to conduct research that allows hybrid poplar breeders to rapidly analyze the energy and chemical traits of the trees. Hybrid poplars are among the fastest growing trees in North America and have the potential to serve as ideal feedstock for biomass and bioenergy production. Specifically, NIRS helps to determine which trees have the highest cellulose content and thus can boost ethanol production.Classical selection and breeding programs may be used to produce hybrid poplar trees with optimal energy content and enhanced chemical and physical properties important for ethanol production. Learn more.