Graduate research
Are you prepared to tackle the most intricate and demanding challenges facing our world today?
Every day in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, we confront the world’s most pressing sustainable and environmental challenges. If you’re passionate about making a difference and committed to sustainable management of natural resources, SBIO is the place for you. Join us and be part of the solution. Ready to apply? Learn more about graduate school admission.
Below is a just a sampling of research interests of SBIO graduate students:
- Circular economy and circular business models
- Unit load sustainability and packaging sustainability
- Conversion from biomass to biofuels
Turning food waste into bioplastics
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Graduate Fellowships open doors for learning
If you are a current or potential SBIO graduate student, you’ve probably realized the importance of finding ways to help cover the costs of college. Start your search for a fellowship by talking with our graduate studies coordinator. They’ll have more details and information about the college fellowships listed below. You can also visit the Graduate School website to search for university and external fellowship opportunities.
Connect with us
Departmental sponsored research centers
Some of our research is done in concert with our faculty-directed research centers and is supported by these Centers and their external cooperating partners.
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Center for Forest Products Business , redirectThe forest products industry is an important industry for the United States. Competition within the forest products industry has become fierce. Marketing as well as management of production and people have become integral to remaining competitive. The Center for Forest Products Business strives to help firms improve the management of their operations and the marketing of their products.
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The Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design , redirectThe Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design (CPULD) is one of the leading packaging research facilities in the United States. Using state of the art technology, CPULD researches every aspect of the material handling system from primary packaging all the way through unit load design.
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Wood-Based Composites Center , redirectThe Wood-Based Composites Center (WBC) is Cooperative Research Center driven by an industry-scientific community that develops research related to composites and renewable materials. The WBC is a leading source for fundamental research and education in wood-based composites.
Graduate Student research in the news
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Virginia Tech researchers work to create biodegradable bioplastics from food waste , articleResearchers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are making affordable bioplastics.
Date: Jul 05 - -
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From field sites to C-suites , articleThree alumni of the College of Natural Resources and Environment share their stories of moving into executive leadership roles in the field of conservation science and advocacy.
Date: Mar 11 - -
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College of Natural Resources and Environment focused on infrastructure upgrades to power experiential learning and research , articleDean Paul Winistorfer recently illuminated how human, financial, and physical capital converge to create a culture of excellence in the college and championed the infrastructure improvements that are the keys to future success.
Date: Mar 24 -
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Video ItemResearch focuses on creating greener chemicals , video
Gukeerat Kukal is a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials. He is using flow biocatalysis, the process of using enzymes (biological catalysts) within a continuous flow system to carry out chemical reactions, allowing for better control, efficiency, and waste minimization.
Date: Mar 03 - -
Video ItemBioplastic development means new way of sustainability on farms , video
CALS assistant professor Dr. Rebecca Cockrum, and graduate student Hailey Galyon are working to develop a bioplastic from bacteria in order to replace single-use plastics on farms.
Date: Jul 30 -