SBIO

Wood Enterprise Institute

Learn more about buying your Hokie key rack today!

Give us 3 minutes to introduce SBIO to you: Video

Brooks Center in the evening

What is the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials (SBIO) all about?

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials provides instruction, research, and outreach across a broad range of environmentally related materials, products, and systems. A particular strength is instruction and research in the use of natural, renewable resources to produce innovative materials in a sustainable manner. Our vision statement is “a world without waste, through the advancement of regenerative materials, products, and systems.” We design and build innovative and sustainable products, buildings, packaging, and other materials while minimizing waste and extends beyond physical and technological boundaries.

Sustainable Biomaterials Degree

A field with great career opportunities where you can make a difference. There is a growing need to make products more “green” and renewable resources such as wood and other biomaterials provide a natural way to design and build innovative and sustainable products for our future.

Packaging Systems and Design Degree

If you are looking for a creative, interesting, and always changing field, then you are needed in Packaging Systems and Design. Packaging design includes many different aspects of the use of sustainable materials and biomaterials in packaging for transportation, storage, and delivery of products.

Four track within the Sustainable Biomaterials Degree:

Forest Products Business

Sustainable Biomaterials Science

Sustainable Residential Structures

Creating Sustainable Society

Alumni Showcase

"Get as much experience as you can in your field through internships. Also, take advantage of projects and collaborations with colleagues and industry members outside of the classroom. These team experiences helped me understand the industry and to work with my colleagues to solve issues. I've been able to go on the amazing study abroad trips that were led by SBIO faculty to Costa Rica and Ireland, but was also able to take a whole semester to live and study abroad in New Zealand independently. All of these trips have been amazing growth experiences and have enhanced my global perspective of the importance of sustainable biomaterials." - Alison Bird, SBIO Graduate

Graduate Student Showcase

Sara Cerv

"I am immensely grateful to the Department and also the College of Natural Resources and Environment. If it were not for the faculty and their passion for the field, I would not be a graduate student today.” - Sara Cerv, SBIO Graduate Student