in Huntsville. She received her B.S. (2000) and Ph.D. (2004) degrees from Mississippi State University and joined the faculty at UA Huntsville in 2004. Her research efforts include investigating the biological production of value-added compounds from various waste streams and co-products of biofuel production, such as crude glycerol. As a faculty member, Dr. Taconi has taught Computer Methods for Chemical Engineers, Design and Analysis of Transport Equipment, Unit Operations Lab I and II, and a split-level course in bioseparations. She also focuses on development and implementation of biofuels-related problems, projects, and labs into the undergraduate curriculum.