“Sometimes during the fermentation process you can smell the ethanol that is formed. That is the smell of success.”

The feedback that Erin gets in the tests she conducts is very specific. When the enzymes are let loose, are the different types of biomass converted to ethanol or not?

In Franklinton she is part of a team that focuses on developing second-generation bioethanol. The principle is to convert residual products from farming into ethanol instead of using food products such as grain and corn.

“I have tested many different types of biomass – everything from orange peel to wood chips – and no two experiments are the same. You simply never know how things will go. So I’m actually learning something new every day,” says Erin.

And although the fuel produced from agricultural waste can’t be bought at the local gas station yet, Erin is in no doubt that one day it will be a usable solution: “I’m very optimistic – after all, I see the results in the laboratory every day. And it’s nice to be able to do your bit to develop a better fuel source. Not least because I drive round in an SUV,” smiles Erin.

The creativity flows
When people outside Novozymes ask about Erin’s work, a few sentences rarely suffice.

“As a rule they’re fascinated by what I tell them. So I can’t just begin explaining to them what I do and then end the conversation. There are always more questions, and it’s fun to see how it gets their brains spinning,” she explains.

But the interest is only a plus for Erin, who is keen to share her knowledge and show how proud she is of her work.

“I love my job, and I’m elated to work here every day. The creativity flows through the laboratory, so it’s always exciting and fulfilling to be at work,” concludes Erin.