Program Overview

Overview of Sustainable Bioproducts

Sustainable Bioproducts is a program that prepares students for a career in creating new products while protecting natural resources. Bioproducts are products made from wood and other renewable materials, found in building and construction materials, furniture and architectural design, household and industrial chemicals, and bioenergy. Using bioproducts ensures the future health of the environment, captures greenhouse gases, promotes carbon neutrality, and provides a long-term source of wood materials and employment opportunities for future generations.

Concentrations

• Forest Products Manufacturing & Engineering Technology: This concentration is suitable for students looking for a career in business, manufacturing, or construction.
• Wood & Environmental Science: This concentration is ideal for students interested in the science of sustainable bioproducts and/or the environment.

Research Interests

Artificial Intelligence and Forensic Wood Identification

Artificial intelligence is being used to assure accurate and reliable global trade in wood and wood products and to help combat illegal logging. Forensic wood identification applies AI technology to images from wood to support species identification.

Biofuels, Chemicals, and Energy

This research program investigates ways to turn carbohydrates and lignin from wood into liquid fuels, pellets, biochemicals, and chemical feedstocks to increase energy sustainability and decrease dependence on petroleum.

Bioproducts and the Environment

Bioproducts interact with the environment in various ways, and research is needed to maximize their sustainability. This includes studying their potential for carbon sequestration, production emissions, and interactions with heat, moisture, and time.

Wood Products Protection

Bioproducts protection seeks to enhance the service life of products via chemical, biological, physical, and other forms of modification and prevent antagonists such as decay, termites, weathering, mold, and mildew.

Bioproducts Testing and Evaluation

A rigorous research program of testing and evaluation is necessary for builders and engineers to make wise material-related decisions that balance resource use efficiency against the strength and stiffness demands of contemporary homes and other wood structures.

Building Materials and Composites

This research discipline blends classic fundamentals with state-of-the-art building and construction technologies and techniques, including novel products, mass timber, cross-laminated timber, new construction techniques, hybrid materials, and plant-fiber-based panels.

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