About the EBI

John D. Coates is a Professor of Microbiology, and Distinguished Director of the Energy & Biosciences Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. In addition, he is a Senior Scientist in the Environmental Genomics and System Biology Division at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories and a co-founder of four startup companies. Coates’ research seeks to balance society’s need to provide environmental protection while maintaining stable economic growth. His research focuses on the underlying microbiology of disparate biogeochemical redox cycles and their application including those of carbon, phosphorous, iron, humic substances, chlorine, iodine, uranium, and sulfur. His research leverages both traditional and next generation technologies with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and provides insight into the mechanistic underpinnings of many unique metabolic processes. His research has been globally employed in environmental clean-up strategies for diverse contaminants. His current research focus is on several aspects of carbon sequestration and synthetic biology with a goal of enhancing the burgeoning bioeconomy in an effort to find scalable alternatives to unsustainable practices and climate change. Coates earned his BS in Biotechnology from Dublin City University, Ireland and his PhD from National University of Ireland, Galway. He has received several accolades for research and mentorship. He is a “Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology” and a recipient of a “Special Alumnus Recognition Award” from the National University of Ireland, Galway. In his spare time Coates enjoys hiking, boating, and woodwork with his family.

Christopher Rao is the Head and Ray and Beverly Mentzer Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is currently the Deputy Director for the Energy & Biosciences Institute and serves on the executive committee for the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation. Prior to his independent career at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2005, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. He has received numerous awards, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2007, the inaugural High Impact Paper Award from IFAC in 2010, the Outstanding Young Research Award from the Computing and Systems Technology Division of AIChE in 2012, and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research from the College of Engineering at Illinois. Dr. Rao works in the general areas of process systems engineering and applied microbiology, with a specific focus on utilizing microorganisms for sustainable energy and chemical production

Thiago grew up in Rio, Brazil, and came to the US to earn his Ph.D. in Geology and Geophysics at the University of Miami, Florida. After his Ph.D., Thiago joined ConocoPhillips Energy Company. During his tenure at ConocoPhillips, Thiago held a variety of roles in exploration, operations, and technology. What excited him the most in each role was the opportunity to integrate and upscale multiple datasets to solve complex problems and, ultimately, to reduce investment uncertainties. In his last three years at ConocoPhillips, Thiago held a leadership role as the Director of Assurance and Portfolio for exploration, in which he was responsible for developing and implementing strategies to elevate the technical excellence of projects. After working for 13 years in the private energy sector, Thiago moved to the University of California, Berkeley to join the EBI. He now focuses on leveraging his interdisciplinary experience to identify and grow strategic alliances and partnerships. By recognizing the uncertainties tied to the path and pace of the energy transition, Thiago aspires to identify and test disruptive technologies and strategies that can make an impact towards decarbonization, clean energy, and circular economy.

With significant experience in research, academic and technology hybrid environments, Shelley joined the Energy & Biosciences Institute in 2009. As Chief Administrative Officer, she oversees the financial, administrative and business operations across the three partner campuses, serving as a trusted advisor to the Director and collaborating on short-term and long-range activities and planning efforts. Additionally, she manages human resources, communications, events, committees, and centralized activities. Her role requires developing professional relationships with constituents and collaborators to foster and advance the EBI mission and viability.

Shelley has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Yi is the EBI’s Lab Operations Manager and has been with the institute since 2018. She oversees the incubator (EBI2), core facilities (EBI Labs), and Coates Lab, as well as all the EBI space and facilities. She is also responsible for launching and managing the EBI Seminar Series and the Summer Internship Program, as well as working on new initiatives in education and entrepreneurship for the EBI. Yi holds a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Logan is an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley studying rhetoric and cognitive science. Among other communicative responsibilities, she helps oversee the operation of the EBI’s seminar series. She is interested in the intersection of science, technology, and society, and uses storytelling to unite those fields. Logan holds multiple editorial positions outside of the EBI, including roles in UC Berkeley’s newspaper and scientific journal.

Iyan is an undergraduate student and dedicated athlete at the University of California, Berkeley, currently pursuing his academic and athletic passions. Iyan specializes in supply chain management, demonstrating a keen interest in data driven procurement and sustainable practices. His notable accomplishments include sourcing recyclable materials and developing strategies to integrate them into hardware products. With aspirations to venture into Private Equity and an eye on the Venture Capital world, Iyan combines his academic rigor with real-world experience, making significant contributions to the intersection of energy, biosciences, and sustainable business practices.