Biotechnology Laboratory

Center for Innovation, Inc.

About Us

CFI Mission, Vision, and People

 

The Center for Innovation, Inc. (CFI) is a small business (10 employees) with offices located in Butte and Bozeman, Montana.  Employee-owned CFI was created in 2003 for the specific purpose of building commercial applications in biotechnology. CFI’s vision is to create a nurturing environment for innovation leading to technology commercialization with a mission to perform high quality research and development for customers with a focus on engineered biofilm applications.

 

 

Will Goldberg (CFI) has managed a wide range of remediation projects including design and construction of permeable reactive barriers at Department of Energy Facilities at Oak Ridge and Rocky Flats. He has led both research and development projects as well field deployment of innovative technologies. Mr. Goldberg also has diverse experience in geotechnical engineering and has performed construction oversight and project management for both Federal and private clients. Mr. Goldberg managed the treatability testing and preparation of the Remedial Action Work Plan for the seven million gallon per day Horseshoe Bend Water Treatment Plant that will treat  acid mine drainage from the Berkeley Pit in Butte, Montana.

 

Dr. Garth James (CFI) has performed and directed research on the biological treatment of environmental contaminants ranging from bench-scale experiments to pilot-scale tests in the field and technology transfer to industry. Dr. James has served as Principal Investigator or Project Manager on projects for the US EPA, US Department of Agriculture, Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), National Institutes of Health, as well as many private-sector projects. Dr. James has extensive experience in environmental microbiology, biofilm microbiology, project management, and working with multidisciplinary teams.

 

Dr. Al Cunningham (MSU and CFI) has developed a research program specialized in subsurface biotechnology applications related to biofilm processes in porous media. Research has identified the concept of using engineered biofilms (i.e. biofilm barriers) in the subsurface to control the migration of contaminated groundwater as well as provide a zone of active treatment of dissolved organics, chlorinated compounds, and heavy metals. Through collaboration with CFI he has helped develop technology for constructing subsurface biofilm barriers for the containment and biotransformation of organic contaminants in soil and groundwater.

 

Dr. Karen Wesenberg-Ward (CFI) has designed and implemented studies related to biofilm development and customer product application.  The biofilm work included product applications for preventing plaque formation, wound infections, and fouling of surfaces in contact with water. Dr. Ward presented a method for consideration at ASTM, trained lab personnel on performing biofilm research, worked effectively with others to complete lab testing, communicated test methods and product testing results to customers.