Derek Whitworth, PhD
Former President

Derek was with the Institute since its founding. Originally trained as a biochemist and then a chemical engineer he has worked on engineering projects in different countries in several industries from brewing to forestry. Derek has had a long varied career examining ways that waste materials can be economically transformed to beneficial uses. This has included using residual brewery yeast as a source of enzymes, wood wastes converted to fuel alcohol, heavily contaminated industrial sites being cleaned up for productive use, and sanitary waste water being cleaned up to irrigate Napa Valley vineyards. His interests now are focused on using plants and other low energy systems to ensure that water is never wasted. Derek earned his PhD from England.