Dr. Bhown's background is largely on development of novel processes. At SRI International, he was the Director of Chemical Engineering Department, and focused on leading a team to develop new technologies across multidisciplinary lines. Much of his own work was on separation processes, particularly those involving chemical reactions. While at SRI, he co-authored the winning proposal for the First Monsanto Million Dollar Challenge, and supervised the Second Monsanto Million Dollar Challenge for novel separations processes. In addition, he secured and managed several multi-million dollar contracts for development of novel separation processes, including an Advanced Technology Program award to help launch Facilichem. Prior to joining SRI, he worked at a major oil company and a consulting institute focused on separations and controlled drug release. Dr. Bhown holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and an M.S. in Mathematics both from the University of Minnesota. He also holds an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Davis and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University.