CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon State University has named the new director for the Western Region Sun Grant program, a network of universities researching bioenergy research.

The Albany Democrat-Herald reports John Talbott has accepted the position that oversees operations in nine states and several Pacific islands.

The program awards grants to researchers for projects to develop renewable energy derived from agricultural products instead of petroleum.

Talbott has served as a wildlife ecologist, ranch hand, private consultant, and county and state agency administrator. He currently manages a Montana carbon-sequestration partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy.

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Information from: Albany Democrat-Herald, http://www.dhonline.com

Copyright 2011 The AP.