Dr. James Paul T. Madigal is currently an Assistant Professor and the Director of the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) at Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte. Dr. Madigal received his Ph.D. in Agriculture at the Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan. His work focuses on the biomass resource utilization where he studied the potential of combining fungal pretreatment technology and the lignin modification in mulberry wood to efficiently improve the subsequent biorefinery process. He completed his Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with the minor in Microbiology at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, where he worked on the screening and characterization of indigenous yeasts from the fermenting nipa sap, which he initially identified two yeast strains with interesting characteristics (acid and high-temperature tolerant). During his undergraduate studies, he worked on the bioprocessing of sugarcane bagasse using rumen fluid to ethanol, which helped him finish his Bachelor of Science in Biology at MMSU. The two research studies he did while pursuing his MS and BS degrees were significant milestones for the newly founded NBERIC. Furthermore, his 13 years of involvement in MMSU Bioethanol Research, as well as his new position as the NBERIC's youngest Director, have contributed to the ongoing search for sustainable and renewable energy sources for climate change mitigation, as well as the integration of Nipa farmers into the industry.