Allison Z. Werner

Allison Z. Werner is a Researcher IV in Biological Science at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), working within the Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center. Her research focuses on advanced bioenergy and bioproduct development, particularly in the areas of waste feedstock conversion and plastic upcycling.

Dr. Werner's educational background includes a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Colorado State University and a Bachelor's degree in Biomolecular Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Her professional journey includes a postdoctoral position at NREL (2018-2021), a Visiting Scientist role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2021), and various fellowship positions during her academic training.

Werner's research program utilizes systems biology and synthetic biology approaches to engineer biological conversion processes. Her work focuses on developing microbial chassis for converting low-value and waste feedstocks (such as lignin and plastics) into precursors for high-performance chemicals, materials, and fuels. Her research fingerprint shows strong expertise in Pseudomonas putida (100%), Metabolic Engineering (20%), Cyanobacteria (20%), and several other related fields including bioproducts, hydroxylation, and bioprocessing.

Her recent publication trends demonstrate a growing focus on plastic waste conversion technologies, with several 2025 publications addressing terephthalate utilization in Pseudomonas putida, critical mineral recovery, and even biological plastics upcycling systems tested aboard the International Space Station. This reflects an expanding research portfolio that bridges traditional bioenergy with cutting-edge plastic waste management solutions.

• NREL Director's Award (2020)

Dr. Werner collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, as evidenced by her co-authorship on projects involving the International Space Station and patent development for polymer deconstruction technologies. Her work has practical applications in sustainable resource management and circular economy approaches to waste plastics.

She is actively involved in the Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center at NREL, contributing to the Advanced Manufacturing and Bioenergy research topics. Her laboratory work focuses on microbial engineering for waste feedstock conversion, with particular emphasis on Pseudomonas putida systems.