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Biobased Products & Energy Center

EXPERTS

  • Pamela Abit
    • Grant Program Manager
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Grant Program ManagerBiosystems & Agricultural Engineering

    I am currenty the Grant Program Manager in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and for the South Central Sun Grant Program and the Biobased Products and Energy Center at OSU. I am also teaching at the Environmental Science Undergraduate Program. I am a holder of a B.S. degree in Agriculture from the Visayas State College of Agirculture (now Visayas state University in Leyte, Philippines), M.S. degree in Botany from the University of the Philippines, and a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the North Carolina State University.

    Research Interests:

    Plant Ecophysiology

    I am currenty the Grant Program Manager in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and for the South Central Sun Grant Program and the Biobased Products and Energy Center at OSU. I am also teaching at the Environmental Science Undergraduate Program. I am a holder of a B.S. degree in Agriculture from the Visayas State College of Agirculture (now Visayas state University in Leyte, Philippines), M.S. degree in Botany from the University of the Philippines, and a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the North Carolina State University.

    Research Interests:

    Plant Ecophysiology

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
  • Hasan Atiyeh
    • Professor
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • ProfessorBiosystems & Agricultural Engineering

    Dr. Hasan Atiyeh is a Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Oklahoma State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and has broad academic and industrial experience in bioprocess engineering, fermentation, carbon capture, reactor design, hydrogen production, and process scale-up. Dr. Atiyeh has published over 70 journal articles, three book chapters, and delivered 200+ presentations. He holds five U.S. patents and 13 additional applications. His research has received over $5.7 million in funding from agencies including NSF, USDA-NIFA, EPA, Sun Grant, OCAST, NSERC, KACST, and SABIC. He is a senior member of AIChE, and a member of ASABE and ASEE, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada.


    Research Interests: Dr. Atiyeh’s research focuses on the development of innovative conversion technologies for the production of fuels and chemicals, supporting key sectors such as energy, biotechnology, food, chemical, and environmental industries. His work emphasizes:

    • Bioprocess development for converting gases, sugars, and waste materials into biofuels and biochemicals
    • Utilization of novel microorganisms and biocatalysts
    • Process modeling, simulation, reactor design, and scale-up
    • Carbon capture and utilization
    • Water treatment, reuse, and minimizing water use in processing

     

    His research integrates lab experimentation with process modeling to pioneer sustainable solutions. His team is a leader in the development of hybrid gasification–syngas fermentation technologies and other cutting-edge bioconversion processes at OSU, with the goal of advancing the biorefinery industry as a complement to the petroleum-based economy.

    Dr. Hasan Atiyeh is a Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Oklahoma State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and has broad academic and industrial experience in bioprocess engineering, fermentation, carbon capture, reactor design, hydrogen production, and process scale-up. Dr. Atiyeh has published over 70 journal articles, three book chapters, and delivered 200+ presentations. He holds five U.S. patents and 13 additional applications. His research has received over $5.7 million in funding from agencies including NSF, USDA-NIFA, EPA, Sun Grant, OCAST, NSERC, KACST, and SABIC. He is a senior member of AIChE, and a member of ASABE and ASEE, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada.


    Research Interests: Dr. Atiyeh’s research focuses on the development of innovative conversion technologies for the production of fuels and chemicals, supporting key sectors such as energy, biotechnology, food, chemical, and environmental industries. His work emphasizes:

    • Bioprocess development for converting gases, sugars, and waste materials into biofuels and biochemicals
    • Utilization of novel microorganisms and biocatalysts
    • Process modeling, simulation, reactor design, and scale-up
    • Carbon capture and utilization
    • Water treatment, reuse, and minimizing water use in processing

     

    His research integrates lab experimentation with process modeling to pioneer sustainable solutions. His team is a leader in the development of hybrid gasification–syngas fermentation technologies and other cutting-edge bioconversion processes at OSU, with the goal of advancing the biorefinery industry as a complement to the petroleum-based economy.

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Collaborative projects
    • Industry projects
    • Speaking engagements
    • Masters or PhD research supervision
    • Media inquiries
    • Membership of an advisory committee
    • Teaching opportunities
    • Technical support
    • English
    • Arabic
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Chemical engineering
    • Agricultural engineering
    • Bioprocessing, bioproduction and bioproducts
    • Fermentation
  • Christian Bach
    • Professor
    • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
    • ProfessorMechanical & Aerospace Engineering

    Dr. Bach is an Professor at OSU MAE, conducting industry relevant research in HVAC&R systems and components. His focus is heat pumps and their components and controls. Current projects include heat exchanger testing and simulation, compressor testing and simulation, as well as transitioning an updated defrostign controls algorithm to the industry sponsor.

     

    He received his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 2014 and his Dipl.-Ing.(FH) from the University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Experience outside OSU includes working for Cool Expert GmbH and MIPack GmbH & Co.KG as well as internships at Siemens ICN in Germany and Minus 40 Pty. Ltd. in Australia.

     

    He served as committee member or mentor for over 20 graduate students and mentored over 20 undergraduate class projects. He is an active member of ASHRAE and co-adviser for the OSU student branche of ASHRAE.

    Dr. Bach is an Professor at OSU MAE, conducting industry relevant research in HVAC&R systems and components. His focus is heat pumps and their components and controls. Current projects include heat exchanger testing and simulation, compressor testing and simulation, as well as transitioning an updated defrostign controls algorithm to the industry sponsor.

     

    He received his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 2014 and his Dipl.-Ing.(FH) from the University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Experience outside OSU includes working for Cool Expert GmbH and MIPack GmbH & Co.KG as well as internships at Siemens ICN in Germany and Minus 40 Pty. Ltd. in Australia.

     

    He served as committee member or mentor for over 20 graduate students and mentored over 20 undergraduate class projects. He is an active member of ASHRAE and co-adviser for the OSU student branche of ASHRAE.

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Undergraduate recruitment support
    • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Engineering
    • Civil engineering
    • Interdisciplinary engineering
    • Mechanical engineering
  • Danielle Bellmer
    • Professor
    • Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
    • ProfessorRobert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
    Dr. Danielle (Dani) Bellmer is a Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. Her appointment includes both teaching and research involving food process engineering and the development of value-added products.

    Research Interests:

    Dr. Bellmer's research involves development of value-added food and agricultural products and processes. Some project examples include encapsulation of microbial sources of protein for enhancement of flavor and delivery, conversion of soft drink waste to biofuels, development of value-added products from watermelon waste, high protein peanut snacks, and development of edible films. Her work also involves conversion of sweet sorghum to biofuels and bioproducts.
    Dr. Danielle (Dani) Bellmer is a Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. Her appointment includes both teaching and research involving food process engineering and the development of value-added products.

    Research Interests:

    Dr. Bellmer's research involves development of value-added food and agricultural products and processes. Some project examples include encapsulation of microbial sources of protein for enhancement of flavor and delivery, conversion of soft drink waste to biofuels, development of value-added products from watermelon waste, high protein peanut snacks, and development of edible films. Her work also involves conversion of sweet sorghum to biofuels and bioproducts.
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Career advice
    • Collaborative projects
    • Speaking engagements
    • Masters or PhD research supervision
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    • Food Science
    Fields of Research
    • Food engineering
    • Food properties
    • Bioprocessing, bioproduction and bioproducts
  • Charles Chen
    • Associate Professor
    • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    • Associate ProfessorBiochemistry & Molecular Biology
    I am a quantitative and computational geneticist by training. As a faculty member, I am currently leading a team that primarily focuses on data-driven statistical and learning approaches for discovery, forecast, and predictive diagnostics. Our general research interests revolve around understand the intricate interplay between biotic and abiotic forces that shape the complexity of our world.

    At Chen's Crop Genomics laboratory, we leverage the advancement in genomics and computational technologies to delve into how nature, including biological beings and the ecosystems, natural and managed, adapts to adversity and evolves. More importantly, our pursuits extend beyond mere discovery. We are driven by the conviction that advancing knowledge is integral to fostering promising applications in agriculture and natural resource conservation for a sustainable future.

    Research Interests:

    The speed, cost and accessibility of DNA sequencing has been transformed in recent years by new technologies, opening up exciting opportunities for disease diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and studying complex trait variations. Chief among these is genome wide association studies, frequently referred as GWAS, where researchers look for SNP genetic polymorphisms that give raise to phenotypic variation or are in linkage disequilibrium with the causative genetic variants. To further annotate the effect of these associations on phenotypes, researchers often take route of searching and collecting relevant information from literatures, public resources and databases, seeking supporting evidence that pillars the peaks of these significant associations.

    Working closely with omics research groups here at OSU, we are setting off to connect the dots, by integrating analyses at different omic molecular phenotypes to examine one of the basic biological principle: DNA -> RNA -> proteins/pathways -> phenotypes. As more genomic sequences and functional data becoming available, in Chen's research laboratory we propose that computational, functional predictions would be accelerating discovery by turning wisdom of crowds into testable hypotheses.

    In addition, the rich, multidimensional genomic knowledge invites agriculture sectors to use whole-genome approaches to improve efficiency of variety development programs. Oklahoma dual-purpose wheat varieties play a vital role in both yield production and cattle industry in the US. However, wheat variety development is so far centered on creating genetically stable, pure-line genotypes that could be reached by decade-long, resource-dependent endeavor, involving sustained institutional commitment. More over, while successful, the traditional means of variety development are technologically and spatially static, unless extensive territories are spent on expansive phenotype assessment.

    To advance technologies used to foster Oklahoma's largest cash crop, we also coordinate advancement in genomics and quantitative genetics with breeding efforts of OSU's Wheat Improvement Team. We are currently investigating means to optimize applicability and efficiency of genomics-enabled selection (genomic prediction), aiming to translate genomic knowledge to genetic gain in wheat field through technological and computational advancement.
    I am a quantitative and computational geneticist by training. As a faculty member, I am currently leading a team that primarily focuses on data-driven statistical and learning approaches for discovery, forecast, and predictive diagnostics. Our general research interests revolve around understand the intricate interplay between biotic and abiotic forces that shape the complexity of our world.

    At Chen's Crop Genomics laboratory, we leverage the advancement in genomics and computational technologies to delve into how nature, including biological beings and the ecosystems, natural and managed, adapts to adversity and evolves. More importantly, our pursuits extend beyond mere discovery. We are driven by the conviction that advancing knowledge is integral to fostering promising applications in agriculture and natural resource conservation for a sustainable future.

    Research Interests:

    The speed, cost and accessibility of DNA sequencing has been transformed in recent years by new technologies, opening up exciting opportunities for disease diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and studying complex trait variations. Chief among these is genome wide association studies, frequently referred as GWAS, where researchers look for SNP genetic polymorphisms that give raise to phenotypic variation or are in linkage disequilibrium with the causative genetic variants. To further annotate the effect of these associations on phenotypes, researchers often take route of searching and collecting relevant information from literatures, public resources and databases, seeking supporting evidence that pillars the peaks of these significant associations.

    Working closely with omics research groups here at OSU, we are setting off to connect the dots, by integrating analyses at different omic molecular phenotypes to examine one of the basic biological principle: DNA -> RNA -> proteins/pathways -> phenotypes. As more genomic sequences and functional data becoming available, in Chen's research laboratory we propose that computational, functional predictions would be accelerating discovery by turning wisdom of crowds into testable hypotheses.

    In addition, the rich, multidimensional genomic knowledge invites agriculture sectors to use whole-genome approaches to improve efficiency of variety development programs. Oklahoma dual-purpose wheat varieties play a vital role in both yield production and cattle industry in the US. However, wheat variety development is so far centered on creating genetically stable, pure-line genotypes that could be reached by decade-long, resource-dependent endeavor, involving sustained institutional commitment. More over, while successful, the traditional means of variety development are technologically and spatially static, unless extensive territories are spent on expansive phenotype assessment.

    To advance technologies used to foster Oklahoma's largest cash crop, we also coordinate advancement in genomics and quantitative genetics with breeding efforts of OSU's Wheat Improvement Team. We are currently investigating means to optimize applicability and efficiency of genomics-enabled selection (genomic prediction), aiming to translate genomic knowledge to genetic gain in wheat field through technological and computational advancement.
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    • Institute for Biosecurity & Microbial Forensics
    Fields of Research
    • Geoinformatics
    • Systems biology
    • Genetics
    • Genomics
    • Biochemistry and cell biology
  • Head
    Mari Chinn
    • Professor
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • ProfessorBiosystems & Agricultural Engineering

    I am currently the department head of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Oklahoma State University, and started my new responsibilities and role in January 2021. Prior to joining Oklahoma State, I was a Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University and had established a well-recognized research program in development of integrated biomass production and conversion systems for biofuels and bioproducts since joining that faculty in 2003. I completed my BS (1998) in Biological Systems Engineering at UC Davis and earned my MS (2000) and PhD (2003) in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Kentucky. I have led and collaborated on several multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional projects securing over $11.5 million dollars in funding prior to 2021 and supported an active team of research associates, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers. I provided instruction for undergraduate and graduate education and through academic, research, and student organization advising have mentored students on the importance of professional development, leadership, teamwork, interpersonal communication, life-long learning, and commitment to civic service. As an extension of my research activities, I engaged in multiple outreach opportunities with constituencies outside the university including local, regional, national and international stakeholders.

    Research Interests:

    I continue to support a well-recognized, functioning program in biological engineering with an emphasis in bioprocessing and bioproducts that integrates both lab and field operations and is relevant, dynamic and engaging to the constituents within the southeastern US, nationally and in some cases internationally. My research program involves the production of biofuels and value-added products from renewable biomass and I have initiated projects as the lead PI that range from basic to applied research and that encompass a number of different bioprocess engineering expertise areas, including aerobic and anaerobic fermentation technology, enzymatic hydrolysis, extraction, analytical and near-infrared spectrophotometric method development, gasification, reactor design, instrumentation and control, biomass harvest, storage and scale-up operations. I have experience assembling multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research teams and developing large grants to address bioenergy and energy sustainability challenges related to biomass feedstock improvement, biomass production and supply chain development, biofuel and bioproducts processing, on-farm systems, and environmental, economic and life cycle impact of bioenergy systems. My experience and training in engineering, and the life and agricultural sciences has allowed me to effectively interface with ag/life scientists and engineers, identify unique opportunities for collaboration and synthesize innovative directions to solve real problems. The applied aspects of my research program have given me broad perspectives in engaging stakeholders and farmers while appreciating their needs in the development of useful solutions and technologies. In addition to research, many of the large proposals I have led and participated in involve development of educational and extension programming.

    I am currently the department head of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Oklahoma State University, and started my new responsibilities and role in January 2021. Prior to joining Oklahoma State, I was a Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University and had established a well-recognized research program in development of integrated biomass production and conversion systems for biofuels and bioproducts since joining that faculty in 2003. I completed my BS (1998) in Biological Systems Engineering at UC Davis and earned my MS (2000) and PhD (2003) in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Kentucky. I have led and collaborated on several multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional projects securing over $11.5 million dollars in funding prior to 2021 and supported an active team of research associates, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers. I provided instruction for undergraduate and graduate education and through academic, research, and student organization advising have mentored students on the importance of professional development, leadership, teamwork, interpersonal communication, life-long learning, and commitment to civic service. As an extension of my research activities, I engaged in multiple outreach opportunities with constituencies outside the university including local, regional, national and international stakeholders.

    Research Interests:

    I continue to support a well-recognized, functioning program in biological engineering with an emphasis in bioprocessing and bioproducts that integrates both lab and field operations and is relevant, dynamic and engaging to the constituents within the southeastern US, nationally and in some cases internationally. My research program involves the production of biofuels and value-added products from renewable biomass and I have initiated projects as the lead PI that range from basic to applied research and that encompass a number of different bioprocess engineering expertise areas, including aerobic and anaerobic fermentation technology, enzymatic hydrolysis, extraction, analytical and near-infrared spectrophotometric method development, gasification, reactor design, instrumentation and control, biomass harvest, storage and scale-up operations. I have experience assembling multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research teams and developing large grants to address bioenergy and energy sustainability challenges related to biomass feedstock improvement, biomass production and supply chain development, biofuel and bioproducts processing, on-farm systems, and environmental, economic and life cycle impact of bioenergy systems. My experience and training in engineering, and the life and agricultural sciences has allowed me to effectively interface with ag/life scientists and engineers, identify unique opportunities for collaboration and synthesize innovative directions to solve real problems. The applied aspects of my research program have given me broad perspectives in engaging stakeholders and farmers while appreciating their needs in the development of useful solutions and technologies. In addition to research, many of the large proposals I have led and participated in involve development of educational and extension programming.

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Collaborative projects
    • Membership of an advisory committee
    • Mentoring (long-term)
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Engineering
    • Technology
    • Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences
    • Agricultural and veterinary sciences
    • Crop and pasture production
    • Industrial biotechnology
    • Bioprocessing, bioproduction and bioproducts
  • Hong Je Cho
    • Assistant Professor
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Assistant ProfessorChemical Engineering

    Heterogeneous Catalysis; Reaction Engineering; Nanoporous Materials; Catalyst Design; Zeolite; Sustainable Chemical Process; Hydrogen Technology; Chemical Sensor; Biomass Conversion; Environmental Remediation

    Heterogeneous Catalysis; Reaction Engineering; Nanoporous Materials; Catalyst Design; Zeolite; Sustainable Chemical Process; Hydrogen Technology; Chemical Sensor; Biomass Conversion; Environmental Remediation

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Chemical engineering
  • Nurhan Dunford
    • Professor
    • Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
    • ProfessorRobert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
    • Extension Specialist for Oilseed Chemistry
    • OSU Extension
    • Extension Specialist for Oilseed ChemistryOSU Extension
    My research program focuses on value-added processing of underutilized plant materials, sustainable process development and optimization, waste minimization, biological wastewater treatment, vegetable oil quality, oil and oilseed processing, functional foods, nutraceuticals and conversion of biomass to renewable products and biofuels.
    My research program focuses on value-added processing of underutilized plant materials, sustainable process development and optimization, waste minimization, biological wastewater treatment, vegetable oil quality, oil and oilseed processing, functional foods, nutraceuticals and conversion of biomass to renewable products and biofuels.
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Turkish
    • English
    • German
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    • OSU Extension
    • Food Science
    Fields of Research
    • Engineering
    • Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences
    • Agricultural and veterinary sciences
    • Chemical engineering
    • Food sciences
    • Nutrition and dietetics
  • Babu Fathepure
    • Professor
    • Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
    • ProfessorMicrobiology & Molecular Genetics
    Dr. Babu Fathepure is professor in the department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Oklahoma State University. He earned a B.Sc. in chemistry and a M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Karnataka University, Dharwad, India. He obtained Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. He did his post-doctorate at Michigan State University, East Lansing and another at the University of Michigan, Ann arbor, Michigan. In addition, he was a senior scientist at Conoco and DuPont.

    He has published research articles in scientific journals, mentored undergraduate and graduate students (MS and Ph.D.). He is a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Geological Society of America, and International Society for Microbial Ecology. He is on the editorial board of Applied and Environmental Microbiology journals. He also reviews articles for many microbiology journals. He has served on EPA-STAR Panel and NSF-GRFP panels and reviews graduate students' application for funding.

    Research Interests:

    Dr. Fathepure returned to academia after a three years' industry job at Conoco/Du Pont and joined the department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Oklahoma State University as an assistant professor and since he rose to the ranks of associate professor and professor. At OSU, his duties are split between teaching, scholarly activities (conducting research), and service to the society. His research is focused on understanding the diversity, ecology, physiology, genomics, and processes that microorganisms carry out in both man-made and in the natural environment. More specifically, his current research addresses microbial degradation of contaminants in soil and produced water (bioremediation), bioconversion of plant biomass into value added compounds (biofuels), and microbial oxidation of methane in oil and gas wells (climate change). Dr. Fathepure uses both cultivation-based and molecular-based (genomic, metagenomics and transcriptomic) approaches to his research that provide insights into genetic potential of organisms and molecular mechanism of processes they catalyze.
    Dr. Babu Fathepure is professor in the department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Oklahoma State University. He earned a B.Sc. in chemistry and a M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Karnataka University, Dharwad, India. He obtained Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. He did his post-doctorate at Michigan State University, East Lansing and another at the University of Michigan, Ann arbor, Michigan. In addition, he was a senior scientist at Conoco and DuPont.

    He has published research articles in scientific journals, mentored undergraduate and graduate students (MS and Ph.D.). He is a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Geological Society of America, and International Society for Microbial Ecology. He is on the editorial board of Applied and Environmental Microbiology journals. He also reviews articles for many microbiology journals. He has served on EPA-STAR Panel and NSF-GRFP panels and reviews graduate students' application for funding.

    Research Interests:

    Dr. Fathepure returned to academia after a three years' industry job at Conoco/Du Pont and joined the department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Oklahoma State University as an assistant professor and since he rose to the ranks of associate professor and professor. At OSU, his duties are split between teaching, scholarly activities (conducting research), and service to the society. His research is focused on understanding the diversity, ecology, physiology, genomics, and processes that microorganisms carry out in both man-made and in the natural environment. More specifically, his current research addresses microbial degradation of contaminants in soil and produced water (bioremediation), bioconversion of plant biomass into value added compounds (biofuels), and microbial oxidation of methane in oil and gas wells (climate change). Dr. Fathepure uses both cultivation-based and molecular-based (genomic, metagenomics and transcriptomic) approaches to his research that provide insights into genetic potential of organisms and molecular mechanism of processes they catalyze.
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • English
    • Kannada
    • Hindi
    • Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Microbiology
    • Microbial ecology
    • Bioremediation
    • Environmental biogeochemistry
    • Bioprocessing, bioproduction and bioproducts
    • Genomics
  • Feng Feng
    • Associate Professor
    • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    • Associate ProfessorBiochemistry & Molecular Biology
    Feng obtained his Ph.D. in 2012 from Tsinghua University in China. His Ph.D. project studied how bacterial effector proteins regulate plant immunity and discovered a new biochemical mechanism by which bacterial pathogens battle plant immune system. He then continued working on plant immunity as a Research Associate at Dr. Jian-Min Zhou's Lab at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Following the work on plant immunity, he chose to spend his postdoctoral research on plant symbiosis and joined the group of Dr. Giles Oldroyd at the John Innes Centre (from 2013 to 2017) and University of Cambridge (from 2017 to 2020). He was particularly interested in understanding how plant recognizes signaling molecules produced by beneficial microbes to establish symbiosis. He started his independent research career in August 2020 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University. His research aims to understand how and why plants engage with their rhizosphere communities in response to the diverse environmental conditions.

    Research Interests:

    Plant roots are associated with innumerable microorganisms including both pathogens and beneficial symbionts. Pathogens restrict plant growth by diverting resources and releasing toxins, in contrast, symbionts promote plant growth through increasing nutrient availability. Plants therefore must make the decision to either promote or inhibit the growth of microbes they encounter. In most plants two different signaling pathways act to decide the appropriate response, the immune signaling pathway which restricts microbial colonization, and the symbiosis signaling pathway which facilitates microbial colonization. Our research demonstrated that the environmental condition of the plant plays a very important role in informing the plant's decision through regulating the dynamic interplay between immunity and symbiosis pathways. We are currently using a combination of molecular, cell biology, genetic and biochemical approaches to explore how the different abiotic environmental factors regulate plant-microbe interactions and how plant immunity and symbiosis signaling pathways affect the broader microbial community. Our research will inform the design of novel cropping systems that support crops with improved capacities to extract nutrients from their environments to reduce chemical fertilizer use, ward off diseases and thrive in the face of climate change.

    We are recruiting Ph.D. students and Postdocs. If you are interested in our research, please contact Dr. Feng with your CV and a brief statement of your research interests. If you are undergraduate student and would like to spend your time on research project, welcome to join us!
    Feng obtained his Ph.D. in 2012 from Tsinghua University in China. His Ph.D. project studied how bacterial effector proteins regulate plant immunity and discovered a new biochemical mechanism by which bacterial pathogens battle plant immune system. He then continued working on plant immunity as a Research Associate at Dr. Jian-Min Zhou's Lab at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Following the work on plant immunity, he chose to spend his postdoctoral research on plant symbiosis and joined the group of Dr. Giles Oldroyd at the John Innes Centre (from 2013 to 2017) and University of Cambridge (from 2017 to 2020). He was particularly interested in understanding how plant recognizes signaling molecules produced by beneficial microbes to establish symbiosis. He started his independent research career in August 2020 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University. His research aims to understand how and why plants engage with their rhizosphere communities in response to the diverse environmental conditions.

    Research Interests:

    Plant roots are associated with innumerable microorganisms including both pathogens and beneficial symbionts. Pathogens restrict plant growth by diverting resources and releasing toxins, in contrast, symbionts promote plant growth through increasing nutrient availability. Plants therefore must make the decision to either promote or inhibit the growth of microbes they encounter. In most plants two different signaling pathways act to decide the appropriate response, the immune signaling pathway which restricts microbial colonization, and the symbiosis signaling pathway which facilitates microbial colonization. Our research demonstrated that the environmental condition of the plant plays a very important role in informing the plant's decision through regulating the dynamic interplay between immunity and symbiosis pathways. We are currently using a combination of molecular, cell biology, genetic and biochemical approaches to explore how the different abiotic environmental factors regulate plant-microbe interactions and how plant immunity and symbiosis signaling pathways affect the broader microbial community. Our research will inform the design of novel cropping systems that support crops with improved capacities to extract nutrients from their environments to reduce chemical fertilizer use, ward off diseases and thrive in the face of climate change.

    We are recruiting Ph.D. students and Postdocs. If you are interested in our research, please contact Dr. Feng with your CV and a brief statement of your research interests. If you are undergraduate student and would like to spend your time on research project, welcome to join us!
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Chinese (Mandarin)
    • English
    • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Biochemistry and cell biology
    • Microbiology
    • Plant cell and molecular biology
  • Mary Foltz
    • Associate Professor
    • Civil & Environmental Engineering
    • Associate ProfessorCivil & Environmental Engineering

    Dr. Mary Foltz joined the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Oklahoma State University as an Assistant Professor in Fall 2021. Her focus area is Environmental Engineering and her research group investigates greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability, agricultural nutrient cycling, passive treatment systems for biogeochemical water treatment, and nature-inspired solutions to environmental issues. Her team incorporates multiphase contaminant transformations and uses a combination of field, lab, and modeling at different scales to accomplish research goals.

    Research Interests:

    Agricultural nutrient loss
    Greenhouse gas emissions
    Multiphase biogeochemistry
    Multiscale modeling
    Nutrient cycling
    Passive treatment systems

    Sustainability

    Dr. Mary Foltz joined the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Oklahoma State University as an Assistant Professor in Fall 2021. Her focus area is Environmental Engineering and her research group investigates greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability, agricultural nutrient cycling, passive treatment systems for biogeochemical water treatment, and nature-inspired solutions to environmental issues. Her team incorporates multiphase contaminant transformations and uses a combination of field, lab, and modeling at different scales to accomplish research goals.

    Research Interests:

    Agricultural nutrient loss
    Greenhouse gas emissions
    Multiphase biogeochemistry
    Multiscale modeling
    Nutrient cycling
    Passive treatment systems

    Sustainability

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Civil & Environmental Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
  • Scott Frazier
    • Associate Professor
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Associate ProfessorBiosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Extension Specialist for Energy Management
    • OSU Extension
    • Extension Specialist for Energy ManagementOSU Extension

    Dr. Frazier joined the department in June 2008 and currently has a teaching and extension appointment. He comes from the OSU Industrial Engineering Department where he was a visiting assistant professor teaching both upper division and graduate-level IEM courses. He was also the Assistant Director of the OSU Industrial Assessment Center. His Extension, Teaching and Applied Research focus on energy and resource management in the agricultural and commercial/industrial sector. He is involved in extension activities that educate stakeholders in residential and commercial energy usage, biofuel technologies and sustainability. A major focus since 2015 has been the energy and water delivery efficiency of irrigation systems in Oklahoma. In conjunction with resource management he conducts Life Cycle Assessment studies to determine the sustainability of various ag-processes and products. He also teaches university classes on engineering fundamentals and energy systems.

    Research Interests:

    Energy Management
    Renewable Energy Systems
    Life Cycle Assessment
    Irrigation Efficiency
    Decision Science

    Dr. Frazier joined the department in June 2008 and currently has a teaching and extension appointment. He comes from the OSU Industrial Engineering Department where he was a visiting assistant professor teaching both upper division and graduate-level IEM courses. He was also the Assistant Director of the OSU Industrial Assessment Center. His Extension, Teaching and Applied Research focus on energy and resource management in the agricultural and commercial/industrial sector. He is involved in extension activities that educate stakeholders in residential and commercial energy usage, biofuel technologies and sustainability. A major focus since 2015 has been the energy and water delivery efficiency of irrigation systems in Oklahoma. In conjunction with resource management he conducts Life Cycle Assessment studies to determine the sustainability of various ag-processes and products. He also teaches university classes on engineering fundamentals and energy systems.

    Research Interests:

    Energy Management
    Renewable Energy Systems
    Life Cycle Assessment
    Irrigation Efficiency
    Decision Science

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Spanish - Latin American
    • Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    • OSU Extension
    Fields of Research
    • Engineering
    • Mechanical engineering
  • Zheyu Jiang
    • Assistant Professor
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Assistant ProfessorChemical Engineering

    Process systems engineering, sustainability, digital agriculture, industrial decarbonization, food-energy-water nexus

    Process systems engineering, sustainability, digital agriculture, industrial decarbonization, food-energy-water nexus

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • English
    • Chinese (Mandarin)
    • Chinese (Cantonese)
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Electrical & Computer Engineering
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Chemical engineering
    • Industrial engineering
    • Optimisation
    • Food sustainability
  • Omkar Joshi
    • Professor
    • Natural Resource Ecology & Management
    • ProfessorNatural Resource Ecology & Management

    I am a natural resource social scientist having interdisciplinary training in forestry and applied economics. My work integrates concepts and approaches from social psychology, human dimensions research, economics, and regional science to address issues critical to natural resource management and policy development.

    Research Interests:

    - Ecosystem Services valuation of forest and other natural resources
    - Human dimensions and economics related issues in natural resources
    - Wood-based and other renewable energy issues
    - Wildlife and energy economics

    I am a natural resource social scientist having interdisciplinary training in forestry and applied economics. My work integrates concepts and approaches from social psychology, human dimensions research, economics, and regional science to address issues critical to natural resource management and policy development.

    Research Interests:

    - Ecosystem Services valuation of forest and other natural resources
    - Human dimensions and economics related issues in natural resources
    - Wood-based and other renewable energy issues
    - Wildlife and energy economics

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Natural Resource Ecology & Management
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Ecology
    • Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences
    • Agricultural and veterinary sciences
    • Biological sciences
    • Environmental sciences
    • Forestry sciences
  • Tyson Ochsner
    • Regents Professor
    • Plant & Soil Sciences
    • Regents ProfessorPlant & Soil Sciences

    Dr. Ochsner is originally from Chattanooga, Oklahoma. He earned a B.S. in Environmental Science at OSU in 1998. He then studied Soil Science and Water Resources at Iowa State University, earning a M.S. in 2000 and a Ph.D. in 2003. From 2003 through 2008, he worked as a soil scientist for the USDA Agricultural Research Service in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2008, he joined OSU as a faculty member in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. He helps lead OSU's Rural Renewal Initiative and also participates in the OSU Fellowship of Christian Faculty and Staff. The mission of his soil physics research and teaching program is to help people better understand and appreciate the soil, the soil water balance, and the surface energy balance so that we can more wisely manage and conserve the land and water with which we have been entrusted. The primary focus is on multi-scale soil moisture monitoring and improved utilization of soil moisture data in agriculture, hydrology, and ecology.


    Research Interests:
    * soil science
    * water resources
    * physics
    * agriculture
    * environmental science
    * coupled human-natural systems
    * rural renewal

    Dr. Ochsner is originally from Chattanooga, Oklahoma. He earned a B.S. in Environmental Science at OSU in 1998. He then studied Soil Science and Water Resources at Iowa State University, earning a M.S. in 2000 and a Ph.D. in 2003. From 2003 through 2008, he worked as a soil scientist for the USDA Agricultural Research Service in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2008, he joined OSU as a faculty member in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. He helps lead OSU's Rural Renewal Initiative and also participates in the OSU Fellowship of Christian Faculty and Staff. The mission of his soil physics research and teaching program is to help people better understand and appreciate the soil, the soil water balance, and the surface energy balance so that we can more wisely manage and conserve the land and water with which we have been entrusted. The primary focus is on multi-scale soil moisture monitoring and improved utilization of soil moisture data in agriculture, hydrology, and ecology.


    Research Interests:
    * soil science
    * water resources
    * physics
    * agriculture
    * environmental science
    * coupled human-natural systems
    * rural renewal

    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Plant & Soil Sciences
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences
    • Agricultural and veterinary sciences
    • Biological sciences
    • Crop and pasture production
    • Environmental sciences
    • Physical geography and environmental geoscience
  • Bhawna Thapa
    • Assistant Professor
    • Agricultural Economics
    • Assistant ProfessorAgricultural Economics
    Dr. Bhawna Thapa is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural Economics, at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. She earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University majoring in Natural Resources and the Environment Economics and International Development and Policy. She worked at the University of Florida from 2009 to 2020 as a post-doc researcher, adjunct faculty, researcher, and project coordinator of various local, national, and international projects with multiple partners and stakeholders. This multifaceted experience enhanced her deep understanding of the intricate web of academia and research to drive meaningful change. Her current research focuses on human behavior and non-market valuation of natural resources for sustainable use and management. She is interested in collaborative and interdisciplinary research opportunities to advance the cause of sustainable economic development and efficient natural resource management on local, national, and global scales.

    Research Interests:

    Sustainable economic development - local, national, and international; study human behavior and non-market valuation for sustainable natural resource management; Policies that enhance sustainable economic development and natural resource management.
    Dr. Bhawna Thapa is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural Economics, at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. She earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University majoring in Natural Resources and the Environment Economics and International Development and Policy. She worked at the University of Florida from 2009 to 2020 as a post-doc researcher, adjunct faculty, researcher, and project coordinator of various local, national, and international projects with multiple partners and stakeholders. This multifaceted experience enhanced her deep understanding of the intricate web of academia and research to drive meaningful change. Her current research focuses on human behavior and non-market valuation of natural resources for sustainable use and management. She is interested in collaborative and interdisciplinary research opportunities to advance the cause of sustainable economic development and efficient natural resource management on local, national, and global scales.

    Research Interests:

    Sustainable economic development - local, national, and international; study human behavior and non-market valuation for sustainable natural resource management; Policies that enhance sustainable economic development and natural resource management.
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Collaborative projects
    • Masters or PhD research supervision
    • Membership of an advisory committee
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Nepali
    • Agricultural Economics
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
  • Wade Thomason
    • Professor and Department Head
    • Plant & Soil Sciences
    • Professor and Department HeadPlant & Soil Sciences
    Thomason is a native of Mangum, OK and OSU graduate. As head of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences he provides leadership to achieve the highest possible level of distinction in teaching, research, and Extension. He holds an M.S. in agronomy and Ph.D. in soil science from Oklahoma State University.

    Research Interests:

    Cropping Systems
    Precision Agriculture
    Nutrient Management
    International Agriculture
    Thomason is a native of Mangum, OK and OSU graduate. As head of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences he provides leadership to achieve the highest possible level of distinction in teaching, research, and Extension. He holds an M.S. in agronomy and Ph.D. in soil science from Oklahoma State University.

    Research Interests:

    Cropping Systems
    Precision Agriculture
    Nutrient Management
    International Agriculture
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Plant & Soil Sciences
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Agronomy
    • Soil sciences
    • Crop and pasture production
  • Jason Warren
    • Professor
    • Plant & Soil Sciences
    • ProfessorPlant & Soil Sciences
    • Assistant Director and State Program Leader for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Community Economic Development
    • OSU Extension
    • Assistant Director and State Program Leader for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Community Economic DevelopmentOSU Extension
    Jason Warren currently serves as the Assistant Director and State Program Leader for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Community Economic Development for OSU Extension. Jason grew up on a small grain and cattle farm in Woods Co. OK. He earned a B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences in 1999 and M.S. in Plant and Soil Sciences in 2001 at Oklahoma State University. Jason continued his education at Virginia Tech, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences in 2005 and then spent two years as a Post Doctoral Research Soil Scientist at the USDA-ARS Animal Waste Management Research Unit in Bowling Green, KY. Dr. Warren's research and extension efforts focused on management practices to reduce soil erosion and improve soil quality in both the agricultural and urban landscapes. He also engaged in activities aimed at increasing water use efficiency in rain fed and irrigated crop production systems, and reducing the transport of contaminates to surface and subsurface waters.
    Jason Warren currently serves as the Assistant Director and State Program Leader for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Community Economic Development for OSU Extension. Jason grew up on a small grain and cattle farm in Woods Co. OK. He earned a B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences in 1999 and M.S. in Plant and Soil Sciences in 2001 at Oklahoma State University. Jason continued his education at Virginia Tech, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences in 2005 and then spent two years as a Post Doctoral Research Soil Scientist at the USDA-ARS Animal Waste Management Research Unit in Bowling Green, KY. Dr. Warren's research and extension efforts focused on management practices to reduce soil erosion and improve soil quality in both the agricultural and urban landscapes. He also engaged in activities aimed at increasing water use efficiency in rain fed and irrigated crop production systems, and reducing the transport of contaminates to surface and subsurface waters.
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Collaborative projects
    • Technical support
    • Plant & Soil Sciences
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    • OSU Extension
    Fields of Research
    • Soil sciences
    • Carbon sequestration science
    • Agronomy
  • Jimmie Weaver
    • Professor
    • Chemistry
    • ProfessorChemistry
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Collaborative projects
    • Industry projects
    • Masters or PhD research supervision
    • Mentoring (long-term)
    • Media inquiries
    • Chemistry
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Chemical sciences
    • Medicinal and biomolecular chemistry
    • Organic chemistry
    • Organic chemical synthesis
    • Carbon sequestration science
    • Photochemistry
    • Surface water quality processes and contaminated sediment assessment
    • Water treatment processes
    • Catalysis and mechanisms of reactions
    • Agrochemicals and biocides
    • Chemical and thermal processes in energy and combustion
  • Chris Zou
    • Professor
    • Natural Resource Ecology & Management
    • ProfessorNatural Resource Ecology & Management
    Dr. Zou is a professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Mgmt, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR) at Oklahoma State University. His research focuses on soil water, vegetation, and climate interactions, with a specific emphasis on woody plant encroachment and expansion impact on ecological and hydrological processes in the grassland and forest transition zone of North America. His research approaches are primarily field-based, using the long term experimental watershed approach complemented by process-based ecohydrological modeling. He is also involved in undergraduate student teaching, graduate student training, and outreach activities related to woody plant encroachment, switchgrass based biomass production, rangeland restoration, water resources conservation, and ecosystem management.

    Research Interests:

    . Soil, soil moisture, and plant-soil interaction
    . Land use on carbon, water, and tradeoff
    . Wildland water quantity, quality, and experimental watershed studies
    . Woody encroachment and ecosystem management
    . Switchgrass production system, water conservation, and ecosystem restoration
    Dr. Zou is a professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Mgmt, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR) at Oklahoma State University. His research focuses on soil water, vegetation, and climate interactions, with a specific emphasis on woody plant encroachment and expansion impact on ecological and hydrological processes in the grassland and forest transition zone of North America. His research approaches are primarily field-based, using the long term experimental watershed approach complemented by process-based ecohydrological modeling. He is also involved in undergraduate student teaching, graduate student training, and outreach activities related to woody plant encroachment, switchgrass based biomass production, rangeland restoration, water resources conservation, and ecosystem management.

    Research Interests:

    . Soil, soil moisture, and plant-soil interaction
    . Land use on carbon, water, and tradeoff
    . Wildland water quantity, quality, and experimental watershed studies
    . Woody encroachment and ecosystem management
    . Switchgrass production system, water conservation, and ecosystem restoration
    • Faculty/Staff
    • Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
    • Natural Resource Ecology & Management
    • Biobased Products & Energy Center
    Fields of Research
    • Surface water hydrology
    • Soil physics
    • Ecology
    • Zoology
    • Geology
    • Mycology
    • Terrestrial ecology
    • Forestry sciences
    • Biosecurity science and invasive species ecology

Center contact

  • 405-744-2398
  • 202 Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
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