Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » People » Kenneth Doll

Kenneth M Doll (Ken)

Scientific Technology Transfer Coordinator

(309) 273–4298

Midwest Technology Transfer

Dr. Kenneth Doll serves the scientists of the Midwest Area utilizing the large variety of technology transfer options that are available in ARS. These include Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) and Data Transfer Research Agreements (DTRAs). Dr. Doll helps connect the area scientists with companies, universities, and other research organizations. Dr. Doll also helps coordinate the interactions of area scientists with ARS patent advisors and facilitates the submission of internal ARS proposal. Finally, Dr. Doll serves in the training of Midwest Area scientists regarding technology transfer issues.

/ARSUserFiles/37269/Doll_111_web.jpg

Dr. Doll received a B.S. in chemistry in 1995 from the University of Wyoming. His undergraduate research included the synthesis of compounds that were used to detect oxygen in groundwater monitoring sensors. Dr. Doll received a Ph.D. from Colorado State University in 2003, where his research in Vitamin B12 uncovered previously hidden quantum mechanical effects in enzyme activation. The year 2003 was also the year that Dr. Doll joined the USDA at NCAUR in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Doll was part of the Plant Polymer research unit, where he introduced technology that enabled natural carboxylic acids, including aspartic acid and citric acid, to be incorporated into high performance carbohydrate polymers. Later, Ken moved into oil research, and was able to chemically modify oils into functional lubricant additives that were effective in both bio-based, and petroleum-based, lubricants. Within the Bio-Oils research unit, Dr. Doll led a project that starts with vegetable oils and transforms them into the polymer building blocks for industrial applications and consumer products and may lead to a truly sustainable bio-based aviation fuel. Overall, Dr. Doll's academic record includes over 100 papers, patents, and chapters, and the authorship of 80 scientific presentations.

During his time at the USDA, Dr. Doll has been active in the technology transfer aspects of science. Dr. Doll has worked on multiple research agreements, both as the investigator, and as the actual hands-on worker. Most notably, Dr. Doll has served as a grant reviewer for multiple US science programs and as an auditor for USDA-OIRP and US Department of Defense projects. Dr. Doll was also a member of the ARS patent committee for many years.