Developing sustainable solutions & technologies through research & education

An aerial view showing a bright turquoise blue river flowing through a deep green forest.
SSM students fill a mold with wood chips to create a composite wood board.
Students work with pipettes in Professor Brett Barney's lab.
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.

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

  • Spring Seminar Series

    January 25 through May 3

    Join us on Wednesday starting January 25 through May 3 from 3:30-4:30pm for the Department's Spring Seminar Series.

  • Sustainable Systems Management major info session

    April 18, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

    Join us to find out more information about our environmental business major, sustainable systems management. Get specifics about each specialization, and enjoy some food and drink.

  • A roadmap illustration showing sustainable bioproducts that create a greener world.

    Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering major info session

    April 20, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

    Join us to find out more information about our undergraduate engineering major. Get specifics about each specialization, enjoy some food and drink, and listen to a Q&A panel made up of current students, alumni, industry professionals and staff.

more events

News

  • Plastic waste fills a beach on the ocean.

    The lost treasure at sea: plastic waste

    When BBE Professor Roger Ruan looks at a multicolored mountain of food bags or an ocean island of jugs and personal protective equipment, he sees a gold mine. 

  • Madison Stoltzman has shoulder length black hair and wear a cobalt blue blouse and black blazer for a professional head shot.

    Pursuing food equity with engineering

    As Madison Stoltzman's interest in food engineering grew, she became increasingly focused on food security and sustainability, and how engineering could provide a way for her to have an impact on many lives.

  • Jeff Chambers has short brown hair and wears a three piece blue suit with brown leather shoes.

    Alumni Spotlight - Jeff Chambers

    Jeff Chambers is a Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering alumnus currently working as a senior product developer at 3M.

more news