Bio
Barbara R. Evans received her graduate degree in chemistry from the University of California San Diego for studies of lamprey transferrin in the laboratory of Prof. Russell Doolittle. During her postdoctoral appointments at Scripps Institute, La Jolla, and University of Texas at Austin, she studied yeast DNA recombinases in the laboratory of Prof. Makkuni Jayaram. She initially came to Oak Ridge National Laboratory to study lignocellulosic biomass and its degradation by cellulase enzymes. She is continuing work in this area as a member of a multidisciplinary team that is applying integrated characterization, neutron scattering, and computer simulation to investigate solvent disruption of the molecular structures of plant cell walls and microbial biomembranes during biofuel production. Her research interests include photosynthetic proteins, biological hydrogen production, and cellulose from plants, microalgae, and bacteria, including cellulose-based composites.
Synergistic Activities
Adjunct Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Mentor, Appalachian Regional Commission Summer Math Science-Technology Institute, 2015-2022.
Mentor, Siemens Teachers as Research Scientists (STARS) program, June 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Mentor, DOE Academies Creating Teacher Scientists (ACTS) Summer Program, 2005 – 2010.
Judge, DOE Science and Engineering Research Challenge (SERCh) Student Poster Competition, 11/10/2008 and 11/8-9/2009.
Trademarks and Patents
“Method of Tissue Repair Using a Composite Material”, Stacy A. Hutchens, Barbara R. Evans, Hugh M. O’Neill, and Jonathan Woodward. U.S. Patent No. 8,673,337 (March 18, 2014)
“High Throughput Reproducible Cantilever Functionalization”, Barbara R. Evans and Ida Lee. U.S. Patent No. 8,898,810 (November 25, 2014)
“Biochar Production Method and Composition Therefrom“, J. W. Lee, A. C. Buchanan III, B.R. Evans, M. Kidder U. S. Patent 8,398,738 (March 19, 2013).
“Composite Material”, S. A. Hutchens, J. Woodward, B. R. Evans, H. M. O’Neill. U.S. Patent8,110,222 (February 7, 2012).
“Metallization of Bacterial Cellulose for Electrical and Electronic Device Manufacture” B. R. Evans, H. M. O’Neill, J. Woodward, V. P. Malyvanh. U. S. Patent 7,955,759 (June 7, 2011).
"Method of forming an electrically conductive cellulose composite", B. R. Evans, H. M. O’Neill, J. Woodward. U. S. Patent 8,062,868 (November 22, 2011).