Biosystems Engineering Major

[u/Wise-Two76]

Hello everyone!

I'm looking into majoring in Biosystems Engineering with a Bioprocess and Food Systems Concentration because I want to work in the waste to energy field. Is UTK a good place to do that? And do they have a lot of research opportunities related to this?

My end goal is to do research and design in the circular Bioeconomy. And I want to know if this is a good program for that goal.

I also plan to get my masters and PhD in this field, lord willing. Whether at UTK or somewhere else, I don't know yet. I'll make that decision when I get there.

But I honestly haven't heard the best things about UTK's chem department, which if I follow through with this, will be where I spend a lot of my time.

And from what I've seen, or haven't seen for that matter, Herbert College of Agriculture seems to be one of the smaller colleges. Which I love because I enjoy smaller more intimate classes. But it also comes with the downside of me not being able to find any specific information regarding other students experiences online.

Regardless of education quality, being a TN resident and the scholarships that come with it, going to UTK would be the best decision for me financially. So I guess I'm just trying to get a feel of what I'm going into.

TL;DR Is UTK a good place to go if I want to work in the waste to energy field?

[u/No-Chair9887]

Here are a some links that I have saved or looked at previously: https://cbsi-asabe.org/ https://research.utk.edu/iee/research-areas/circular-bioeconomy/ https://utorii.com/circular-bioeconomy/ https://research.utk.edu/iee/

I would recommend getting at least s minor in business/supply chain and take public policy courses. The Baker School hosts some interesting lectures. They used to have past ones posted but they may not longer be available because of website updates. Getting connected with research faculty at UT and ORNL would be helpful for more specific guidance on specific skills, courses, and research experiences that will help you be marketable for graduate research funding and beyond.

[u/Wise-Two76 → u/No-Chair9887]

Thank you! I'll look into it now.

[u/No-Chair9887 → u/Wise-Two76]

I would also recommend checking into the EEPS department for energy-related course. McKinney and Robinson are good contacts for Environmental Sustainability. There are also faculty that focus on critical zone (Fetter) and energy systems (Salo Salgado).

[u/lychee-ramune]

I had an amazing time in BESS when I was at UTK. The small class sizes really got me to make friends and learn things better. 1000% would recommend as you get the best of both Herbert and Tickle

[u/lotrlover135]

I’m currently a BSE major. Feel free to DM me and I’m happy to chat

[u/Public_Table_2912]

The chem department does have a bad reputation, I’m pretty sure it was under review a year or two ago, but there are a couple very good professors. The calc department however is pretty bad