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Research Overview
The research program in Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years. The BSE department has 25 faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship. Research is focused in two areas: Bioprocess Engineering and Land & Water Resources Engineering. A number of international research efforts are also underway. Much of the approximately $6.5 million in annual departmental expenditures is directed at sponsored research. Examples of research sponsors include the National Science Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States Agency for International Development, United States Geological Survey, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Systems Biology
Protein Recovery and Purification
Biocatalysis and Bioconversion
Renewable Materials
Biofuels
Bioresidue Utilization and Management
Our goal is to mitigate the impacts of human, land-based activities on water quality and ecological function. We apply a systems approach to study the interactions of land-based activities and natural systems, i.e., water, soil, plants, in the watershed. Based on improved understanding of the systems and impacts, we develop and evaluate strategies to reduce the impacts. All of our work is conducted in the context of a watershed system. We have expertise in all phases of the watershed system, from upland hydrology to in-stream processes. We focus on nonpoint sources of pollution, studying the transport and fate of a variety of pollutants, including sediment, nutrients, bacteria, pesticides, and emerging pollutants, such as endocrine-disrupting compounds. We develop and assess management practices to control nonpoint source pollution. Our work can be classified into the following categories, recognizing that there is overlap among the categories:
Watershed Management
International Watershed Management and Sustainable Development
Stream and Wetland Ecological Engineering
Stormwater Management
Animal Waste and Nutrient Management
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200 Seitz Hall (0303) Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061.