Who are Biological Systems Engineers?

Developing new Biotechnology, Bioenergy and Biomaterials is one part of Biological Systems Engineering. Researchers at UC Davis have developed new techniques for microencapsulation of Cross-Linked Alginate, the Renewable Energy Anaerobic Digester, and the treatment of wastewater using microalgae. Coursework in this area focuses on merging engineering and biology.

Faculty, staff, and students have produced many notable Agricultural Robotics and Sensors. More recent projects include the SmartFarm initiative which seeks to incorporate smart machines for precision agriculture in order to combat food insecurities, FRAIL-bots which were developed to help improve efficiency at harvest time, and spray applications using Remote Controlled Helicopters.

In addition, work in Food Processing and Safety is also moving forward. Not only are researchers finding new ways to improve the longevity and safety of the foods we eat, they are also learning more about how that food is digested through the Human Gastric Simulator, and making it safer to process certain foods through Infrared (IR) peeling.

To help shape the future in a positive way, much of the work we do is also designed to enhance Environmental Sustainability. Examples of this range from the Sustainable Campus, Sustainable Cities initiative, which is helping bring about a zero-net energy solution at UC Davis, to the Fish Conservation and Culture lab, which is conserving and cultivating the endangered Delta Smelt.