Research

Problem solving through research

Biological Systems Engineering combines biology, chemistry, and engineering to solve problems associated with environmental protection and the conversion of renewable resources to value-added products, such as food, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and biofuels.

water coming from a pipe with a woman collecting samples in the background

Research Areas

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Biotherapeutics
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Ecological Engineering
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Public & Environmental Health
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Resilient Water Resources
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Sustainable Food Systems
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Synthetic Biology & Renewable Materials

Faculty members in the department frequently hire BSE students to work in their research laboratories. Faculty members put student understanding of the project before completion of the work, making it a chance for students to get valuable real-world experience to complement their academic education. Students can find other research opportunites across campus through the Virginia Tech Office of Undergraduate Research.