Maureen McCann

Maureen McCann is the Center Director II-Technical at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) since 2020, focusing on bioenergy research. Previously, she was a Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the NEPTUNE Center for Power and Energy at Purdue University (2003–2020), where she also led the Energy Frontier Research Center C3Bio. Her work bridges plant cell biology and bioenergy innovation.

• Education: PhD in Botany (University of East Anglia), BA and MA in Natural Sciences (University of Cambridge)

Research Interests center on plant cell wall molecular architecture, synthetic biology for biomass optimization, and improving biofuel energy/carbon efficiencies. She examines how genetically defined changes in cell wall proteins affect plant growth and feedstock utility.

Recent Publications highlight advancements in cellulose synthase assembly, climate-resilient bioenergy crops, and woody biomass deconstruction. Her 2023 peer-reviewed articles in Plant Cell and Plant Physiology focus on genetic engineering for cell wall modifications.

Scientific Recognition includes Purdue University’s Seeds of Success Award (multiple times), the Special University Merit Award, and the Purdue Agriculture TEAM Award.

• Professional Leadership: President of the American Society of Plant Biologists
• Current DOE Biological and Environmental Remediation Advisory Committee member