Developing sustainable solutions & technologies through research & education

Undergraduate student Dian works on enzyme research in Dr. Hua Zhao's lab
Orange leaves lay on top still water reflecting the blue sky
Solar panels outside a cityscape full of high-rise skyscrapers
Students work on a paper drying machine with Professor Shri Ramaswamy
A group of students gather around a table on campus for a study session

Explore Undergrad Majors

For students with a passion for science, bio-based technology, environment and sustainability, and the advancement of the business related to them.

BBE & SSM

A U of M student concentrates on dropping a substance in a beaker

Pursue Graduate Study

Our graduate degree program explores renewable bio-resources utilization with focus on environmental sustainability and global advancement of business.

M.S. & Ph.D.

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Discover BBE Research

With expertise and a proven record in innovation & collaboration, we develop solutions for a bio-based economy, ecological health, and sustainability.

Research

Upcoming Events

  • Two images side by side of the BioAgEng building and Kaufert Lab.

    Department open house

    October 10, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

    Join our departmental open house and engage in activities that showcase research across our programs. We offer two undergraduate majors that focus on creating sustainable solutions that serve society and protect the environment. 

  • A flyer for the seminar on 10/14 with Dr. Deepak Keshwani from Utah State University.

    Seminar with Associate Dean and Professor Deepak Keshwani

    October 14, 3 PM - 4 PM

    Join us for a seminar presented by Dr. Deepak Keshwani, the Associate Dean for Academics in the College of Engineering at Utah State University and tenured professor in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering.

  • A graduate student accepts his scholarship award at the annual BBE showcase

    Department Showcase

    October 29, 2026

    Join us for the annual BBE Showcase, featuring a career fair, research poster session highlighting work from across the department, followed by a scholarship dinner!

more events

News

  • A group of BBE seniors present their capstone project to a room of supporters.

    Seeking BBE and SSM Capstone Sponsors

    We are currently soliciting projects for our Spring 2027 BBE and SSM Capstone Courses. Have an open-ended problem that a team of senior students can solve in 14 weeks? Let us know!

  • Northern lights over pine trees

    Northern Lights in a bottle: BBE and Plasma Blue revolutionize chemical processing

    How a BBE-developed technology commercialized by Plasma Blue is destroying "forever chemicals," cleaning medical and farm settings with chemical-free plasma water, and slashing biofuel emissions.

  • A triptych of 3 new faculty headshots including, Emily Byers, Sambandh Dhal, and Peng Wei.

    Three new faculty join BBE

    Three new assistant professors join the department this fall. Dr. Emily Byers in ecological engineering, Dr. Sambandh Dhal in data science in agricultural and ecosystem sustainability, and Dr. Peng Wei in robotics, sensors, and manufactoring in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

more news