Nicolas Gil, graduate student at ASI and Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at LSU AgCenter, presented a paper entitled "Characterization and uses of sugarcane tops and green leaves for the production of bio-chemicals and energy" at the 7th Congress of the Colombian Association of Sugarcane Technologists. The congress was held September 6-8, 2006 in Cali, Colombia. Gil's paper was co-authored by his advisors, Dr. Michael Saska, ASI's faculty member, and Dr. Carlos Briceno of Cenicana (Sugar Research Center of Colombia). The Colombian sugarcane industry produces well over 2 millon tons of sugar a year and has recently diversified to become a major producer of anhydrous ethanol for the Colombian motor fuel markets.