Courtney Videchak, an alumna of the United Soybean Board-supported Next Generation for a Sustainable Bioeconomy (NGSB), is an exciting example of how young scientists are ready to take key roles to advance the use of soy in rapidly renewable sustainable materials.
Videchak defended her dissertation in March and graduated from the University of Michigan in May. Her dissertation titled, “Leveraging Low-Carbon Diesel Fuel
Alternatives for a Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction”, focuses on optimizing engine calibration strategies for biodiesel (B100), renewable diesel (R100),
and blends of the two, showing potential greenhouse gas reductions of up to 83% on a well-to-wheel basis.
“We welcome and want to encourage young scientists like Courtney, which is why USB created the NGSB,” said USB director Carla Schultz, a soybean farmer from Michigan. “NGSB fosters career opportunities, professional growth and the sharing of accurate information on biobased products and the rising bioeconomy.”
The Massachusetts native also joined the technical team at MARC-IV (M4) Consulting, Inc. Founded in 1993, M4 was originally created to conduct Market Analysis, Research, and Consulting to help develop new, innovative industrial products from renewable agricultural materials. Videchak brings a rigorous scientific background and a passion for sustainability to MARC-IV’s mission of accelerating biodiesel adoption through credible, research-driven technical guidance.
In her new role at M4, she will assist in technical project management, regulatory support, OEM engagement and renewable fuels education, while working closely with Howell on ASTM standards development. She will also help document and communicate scientific findings for training and outreach, supporting M4’s mission to translate research into scalable action. “Courtney brings a powerful combination of data-driven expertise and real-world insight to our team,” said Howell. “She’s not only helping us preserve the integrity of technical standards but also build the future of high-performance, low-carbon fuels.”
Videchak’s leadership in the clean fuels field was recently recognized by the Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation, which awarded her the 2025 Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant. This honor supports outstanding students who demonstrate commitment to science, sustainability, and the future of clean energy. As part of the award, Videchak presented some of her dissertation work at the 2025 Clean Fuels Sustainability Workshop in April in Kansas City, Missouri, where she engaged with leaders in renewable energy and sustainable transportation.
“Ultimately, the results of my work will hopefully encourage engine manufacturers to make these alternative fuels a primary consideration,” Videchak wrote in her grant application.
An active member of the Society of Women Engineers and Tau Beta Pi, Videchak earned her M.S. from University of Michigan and her B.S. from Merrimack College (Summa Cum Laude), both in Mechanical Engineering. Her background also includes an internship with Ford Motor Company’s Research & Advanced Engineering division, where she helped develop CO₂-reducing calibration strategies for the Power Stroke Diesel engine.
College students can join NGSB at no charge at https://www.soybiobased.org/resources/for-students/