TJ | Biomass Innovation Hub

Emily Heaton

Published March 23, 2026March 23, 2026 by TJ

Director, Biomass Innovation Hub
Professor, Crop Sciences

Field of mature miscanthus with tall green stalks and pale seed heads under a bright blue sky.

Illinois researchers say versatile grass could be used for sustainable fuel, building materials and more

Published December 8, 2025February 9, 2026 by TJ

Research from the University of Illinois and partner scientists on miscanthus, a fast-growing perennial grass with potential for sustainable fuels, bioproducts, and climate-smart agriculture, is featured in the Chicago Tribune. The article highlights how this versatile crop could strengthen rural economies, reduce carbon footprints compared with traditional row crops, and bolster U.S. biofuel and material markets. […]

Golden miscanthus grass with feathery seed heads swaying in a field under a clear blue sky.

The Coming Age of Miscanthus

Published October 30, 2025February 9, 2026 by TJ

Scientists at BIH and the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) are documenting the rapid maturation of miscanthus, a high-yield perennial grass gaining momentum as a scalable feedstock for fuels, chemicals, and advanced materials. The story outlines how breakthroughs in breeding, agronomy, and supply chain development are helping move the crop from experimental […]

Attendees of the Biomass Innovation Hub stakeholder meeting pose for a group photo in the Jane Phillips Donaldson Family Atrium.

Illinois Biomass Innovation Hub hosts Energy Farm Stakeholder Event

Published August 27, 2025February 4, 2026 by TJ

The Illinois Biomass Innovation Hub (BIH) welcomed researchers, industry leaders, and partners from across the nation to the University of Illinois Energy Farm for the BIH stakeholder meeting.

A man stands smiling in front of a dense stand of tall, green miscanthus grass in a field, with stalks rising well above his head on a sunny day.

Grass to Cash: How a Maryland Farmer Cornered Miscanthus Market

Published July 30, 2025March 3, 2026 by TJ

A Maryland farmer is finding new opportunity in miscanthus, a tall, perennial grass increasingly used as a sustainable alternative to traditional poultry bedding. Featured in Farm Progress, the story highlights how miscanthus offers strong absorbency, low dust, and reliable supply — qualities that appeal to poultry producers facing rising input costs and material shortages. The […]

Two people stand outdoors in a grassy agricultural field during a PBS NewsHour segment, speaking on camera.

Tipping Point: Agriculture on the Brink

Published May 19, 2023March 3, 2026 by TJ

PBS NewsHour released a special report, featuring BIH Director Emily Heaton and other experts, examining the pressures facing U.S. agriculture, from climate variability and soil degradation to market uncertainty and shifting policy landscapes. The program explores how farmers, researchers, and institutions are responding with innovation, data-driven practices, and long-term resilience strategies. The special highlights the […]