WIST has added a full-time director of laboratory services, a move aimed at strengthening the economic self-sustainability of the institute.
"WIST lab services provide value to business and industry. Those services support WIST operations as well as education and research at UW-Stevens Point," said Paul Fowler, WIST executive director.
"Revenue from lab services is an important part of the institute's long term strategic plan," Fowler said. "We've achieved solid growth in our laboratory services in the past two years. Having a full time director on board will allow us to provide even better service and continue to add services that meet industry needs."
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| John Baldus |
Hired to the position is John Baldus, who jumped right into the thick of things in his new job, traveling to Atlanta for PaperCon 2013 his first day with WIST.
Baldus most recently worked as a bioproduct sector specialist for the Wisconsin State Energy Office. He developed and managed grant and loan opportunities in areas of sustainable energy practices. He also worked on policy development to use organic solid waste for energy using anaerobic digestion. Baldus co-chaired a forum on anaerobic digestors at the 2012 US Biopolymers Symposium.
At WIST, Baldus will work to strengthen ties with existing customers, build new markets for WIST services, and add services to meet industry needs.
In addition to laboratory services, WIST performs research for sustainability solutions and provides education through short courses in paper science and in sustainability areas such as renewable energy. WIST has received federal grant funding for its research and is currently exploring opportunities for bespoke research with several commercial enterprises.
Plans are taking shape for the third annual Focal Point conference hosted by WIST at UW-Stevens Point. The 2013 event is set for Oct. 22 in the Dreyfus University Center and focuses on sustainable packaging. 
