USU Biological and Chemical Engineering

Dr. Erika Espinosa-Ortiz and her research team have received a $900,000 grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation to investigate the electrical activity of fungal networks.

The team will develop a non-invasive imaging platform using genetically encoded fluorescent proteins to better understand how fungi sense and respond to their environment. The project brings together expertise in fungal biology, genetic engineering, advanced microscopy, and machine learning through a collaboration between researchers at Utah State University and the University of Oklahoma.

Learn more through the link in our bio.

Dr. Erika Espinosa-Ortiz has received a $900,000 grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation to investigate the electrical activity of fungal networks.

Her research team will develop a non-invasive imaging platform using genetically encoded fluorescent proteins to better understand how fungi sense and respond to their environment. The project combines expertise in fungal biology, genetic engineering, advanced microscopy, and machine learning, with collaborators from USU and the University of Oklahoma.

Learn more through the link in our bio.

Join us as Hassan Sher defends his PhD dissertation in the Department of Biological & Chemical Engineering at Utah State University.

Title:
Exploring and Engineering Novel Microbial Enzymes for Biosynthetic Applications

📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
🕗 8:00 AM
📍 ENGR 402C

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Can algae help recover the critical minerals needed for batteries, electronics, and renewable energy?

Researchers in Utah State University's Biological and Chemical Engineering Department are exploring a sustainable approach to recovering valuable minerals from the Great Salt Lake and coal ash while providing hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students.

📲 Read the full story through the link in our bio or scan the QR code in this post.

Biological Engineering student Emilia Huff has built an inspiring legacy at Utah State University through award-winning research, student leadership, and a passion for helping others succeed.

Learn more about her journey and what continues to inspire her.

📲 Read the full story through the link in our bio or scan the QR code in this post.

Sometimes, a single moment of curiosity can shape an entire career.

Outstanding Pre-Professional Scholar Clay McFadden discovered his passion for biological engineering in eighth grade after learning about spider silk research at Utah State. Today, he is conducting undergraduate research, preparing to lead the Biomedical Engineering Society, and pursuing a future developing medical technologies that improve lives.

Read Clay's story by scanning the QR code or visiting the link in our bio.

What begins as curiosity can grow into a career dedicated to improving lives.

Outstanding Junior Dylan Nelson is building a future at the intersection of medicine and engineering. Through undergraduate research, leadership in the Biomedical Engineering Society, and a passion for developing new medical technologies, he is preparing to become a physician-engineer.

Read how Dylan's experiences in biomedical research, mentorship, and service are shaping his path toward an MD-PhD and a career advancing patient care.

Scan the QR code or visit the link in our bio to read the full story.

Join us as Elise Barton presents her Master's Thesis Defense in Biological & Chemical Engineering.

Her research explores how enzymatic microalgae hydrolysates can replace traditional culture nutrients in lab-cultivated meat production, helping reduce production costs while supporting more sustainable and affordable alternative protein technologies.

The study found that nutrients could be replaced by up to 100%, reducing culture nutrient costs by approximately 50% an important step toward making cultivated meat more economically viable.

📅 Tuesday, June 30, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM
📍 ENGR 402C

Thesis:
Production of Enzymatic Microalgae Hydrolysates for Avian Cell Culture in Cellular Agriculture

Kade Robison has been named Utah State University's Scholar of the Year.

Through academic excellence, undergraduate research, leadership, and service, Kade has made a lasting impact during his time at Utah State and is now preparing to begin medical school this fall.

Read the full story through the link in our bio or scan the QR code to learn more about his journey.