The biological revolution continues to mature and impact all of us. Human-based gene manipulation affects nearly all North American food supplies. Plants and animals are already being defined on a molecular basis. Living organisms can now be analyzed, measured and "engineered" as never before. Hundred million-dollar pharmaceutical plants can be replaced by a small herd of genetically altered goats through "pharmaceutical engineering". Designer "bugs" are being produced to enhance biological processes. These changes continue to redefine our graduate program that continues to emphasize biological, environmental and food and fiber engineering. Our connections to agriculture and food systems remain, but modern agriculture is greatly influenced by biotechnology, and our connections to agriculture reflect this fact.

Graduate study in BEE covers a broad range of work and study. It continues a long tradition of integrating engineering with the physical and biological sciences. The web pages of our faculty describe the following projects:

trace-metal detoxification by aquatic algae;
controlled environment agriculture;
image spectroscopy of fruits and vegetables;
electrochemical and optical biosensors;
controlled-atmosphere storage;
stomatal control of gas exchange;
heat and mass transport in food processing;
thermal environment of animals;
mathematical models for solid-waste management;
fermentor design, enzyme technology, and genetic engineering as applied to food processing;
new pollution control processes involving living systems;
integrating single molecule biological motors with nanoscale silicon devices;
application of mathematics to agricultural and environmental problems;
sustainable development;
management of soil and water resources;
design of the microclimate affecting farm animals and fish;
enzymes, microorganisms, and plants as active components of bio-industries;
hydrology and water quality, with a focus on rural watersheds

Thesis research can range from entirely theoretical to primarily experimental. The emphasis of graduate study at Cornell is a challenging and rewarding educational experience tailored to the needs and interests of each individual student. Biological and Environmental engineering researchers are actively incorporating cutting edge technology and science into their own research programs.

The number of graduate students in Biological and Environmental Engineering averages between fifty and sixty (graduate students). Students come from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including other fields of engineering, physics, applied mathematics, biological sciences and the physical sciences. Approximately half are enrolled in doctoral study, a third in the Master of Science program and the remaining in the Master of Engineering and Masters of Professional Studies programs.

Approximately a third of our graduate students are female and third are international students.The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering focuses on four distinct programs:

• Biological Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Food and Bioprocessing Engineering
• Industrial Biotechnology