Levenick Center for a Climate-Smart Circular Bioeconomy
The Levenick Center for a Climate-Smart Circular Bioeconomy catalyzes interdisciplinary research, partnerships, and education to advance innovations in sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, the marketplace, and resource recovery. The center’s goal is to drive environmental resilience and equitable development in the Midwest and beyond.
By connecting expertise across the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the center accelerates the growth of the circular bioeconomy, positioning the Midwest as a global leader in renewable resource systems that regenerate ecosystems, close carbon and nutrient loops, reduce emissions, and foster equitable development from rural to urban communities.
The Levenick Center was funded by a generous $10 million gift from Stuart L. (ACES ’76) and Nancy J. Levenick.
What is a Circular Bioeconomy?
A circular bioeconomy uses plants and other natural resources to make everyday products in ways that reduce waste and protect the environment. It creates a resilient cycle where materials are reused, and both people and nature can thrive.
Leadership
Jeremy Guest
Levenick Center Director
“It’s an honor to serve as the inaugural Director of the Levenick Center, which represents a bold and transformative investment in the future of our university and region,” Guest said. “The Levenick Center will act as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaborations and cross-sector partnerships to accelerate society’s transition to a more sustainable, circular bioeconomy.”
Ken Ruffatto
Levenick Center Project Manager
As the Levenick Center’s Project Manager, Ruffatto works closely with the Director to drive research, education, and outreach that advance the center’s mission and strategic goals. He blends scientific expertise with project management to coordinate interdisciplinary initiatives, track milestones, and connect faculty, students, and partners across campus. Ruffatto also supports resource development, oversees reporting, and helps turn research into actionable strategies and public engagement.
Dharmendra Kumar Singh
Levenick Center Postdoctoral Research Associate
Singh conducts systems-level analyses of circular bioeconomy systems relevant to Illinois, the Midwest, and the United States, characterizing the potential impacts of innovations. Singh collaborates with faculty across the Illinois campus to translate research into actionable insights for climate-smart agriculture and equitable bioeconomy development in the region.
Join Us – Strategic Hiring Initiative
With support from the Levenick Center, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign officially launched a cluster hire to build interdisciplinary expertise in the emerging field of the climate-smart circular bioeconomy (CCB). This cluster spans four departments – Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE), Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE), Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), and Plant Biology – and is coordinated in partnership with the Levenick Center and iSEE. New faculty will advance research, education, and outreach in topic areas related to the CCB, strengthening Illinois’ leadership and supporting collaborative scholarship that can shape resilient and equitable transitions in the U.S. and beyond.
Contact info
For more information about the Levenick Center, contact Director Jeremy Guest at jsguest@illinois.edu.