Engineers in this field specialize in the design of plants and processes to convert feedstock and waste into alternative energy sources. This includes the production of ethanol from starchy crops (wheat and corn) and from grassy and woody crops (switchgrass and hybrid poplar).
In this program, you will combine the study of biology, chemistry and math to learn how to develop equipment and methods to produce energy and fuels. You will explore topics related to biodiesel, renewable diesel, Fischer Tropsch fuels, and gasification and other thermal conversion processes.
Students in this program have opportunities to participate in the university’s internationally recognized biodiesel research program.