Dr. Jackson holds a faculty position at the University of Tennessee, serving as a Research Assistant Professor in the University’s Center for Renewable Carbon. In his faculty role, he is focused on the research, development, and commercialization of sustainable feedstock supply chains for the emerging bioenergy industry. He works with a variety of feedstocks including perennial grasses, short-rotation woody crops, forest materials, and other agricultural crops and residues.

A significant focus of effort for Dr. Jackson has been the $70 million University of Tennessee Biofuels Initiative. The program, funded by the state of Tennessee, seeks to integrate the switchgrass feedstock supply chain with bioenergy and bioproducts industries in the state. The program has led to the establishment of nearly 5,100 acres (2,064 hectares) of switchgrass and the construction of a demonstration-scale biorefinery. He has also served with the Southeastern Sun Grant Center, part of a nationwide bioenergy research program funded by the US Departments of Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture.

As Genera Energy Vice President for Feedstock Operations, Dr. Jackson has worked to develop feedstock supply chains for bioenergy and bioproducts in Tennessee and the region. He has worked with university faculty, legislators, and farmers to spur the development of switchgrass as a bioenergy feedstock through the state’s Biofuels Initiative. Dr. Jackson works for sustainable, practical, and economical supply chain solutions.

Dr. Jackson earned his doctoral degree in Natural Resources from the University of Tennessee.