It's hard to say what is most notable about this UMBC alumnus. The founder of a biosciences firm, Paul Behrens has received over $3.5 million in grants for his research on the production of algae compounds, and he is the co-author of three patents. Equally impressive is his service to UMBC.

"I love science," says Paul Behrens. "You never know what you're going to find." For Behrens, the discovery has been unlocking the secrets of a simple, single-cell organism.

Director of physiology for and co-founder of the Martek Biosciences Corporation, Behrens is responsible for physiological studies related to the production of compounds from algae. He has led projects on isotopically labeled compounds, screening algae for new pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostic breath tests and use of algae as aquaculture feeds.

He began this work while a researcher at Martin Marietta, conducting studies on algal photosynthesis and metabolism. "On long-duration space flights you wouldn't be able to take enough food and oxygen to support the astronauts," explains Behrens. "You would need to generate your own food and oxygen by photosynthesis. Algae was a natural choice as a simple solution that handles easily."

In midst of the research, scientists discovered algae contained two essential polyunsaturated fatty acids--DHA (docosahexenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). Both are found in human milk and are beneficial to mental and visual development.

When Martin Marietta decided to discontinue the research due to financial concerns, Behrens and his fellow scientists went into business for themselves, founding Martek in 1985. Today Formulaid, Martek's leading product with its patented DHA and ARA, is sold to infant formula manufacturers worldwide.

In addition to his work at Martek, Behrens has taught in UMBC's Department of Biological Sciences the past 15 years. For free. "It's a nice change of pace from the business side of science," he says.