Kelly Aukema is a biochemist doing postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota’s Biotechnology Institute. Her research involves efficiently harnessing the energy of the sun by using light-harvesting cyanobacteria to symbiotically feed a second species of genetically enhanced bacteria, which in turn produce hydrocarbons, a potential biofuel. She enjoys teaching research methods, providing informal career counseling, and mentoring students. Kelly is married to Brian Aukema, McKnight Land Grant Professor at the University of Minnesota. They are the parents of two young boys.
