USU Biological and Chemical Engineering

A few moments from Senior Design Night featuring our Biological Engineering senior capstone design teams and their projects:

🧫 Non-Enzymatic Detachment of Adherent Cells Using Electromagnetic Fields
🍗 Cost Reduction of Cultured Chicken Media Using Hydrolyzed Algae
🦿 Osseointegrated Intramedullary Stem Design for Lower-Limb Prosthetics
🧠 Development of a Robotic Laparoscope with Virtual Reality Control
🌿 Design of a Modular Harvesting System for a Screw-Type Algal Biofilm Reactor
⚡ Biohydrogen Production from Fruit Processing Waste via Microbial Electrolysis

A snapshot of the design, testing, and innovation presented throughout the night.

Big congratulations to Biological Engineering undergraduate Kade Robison for being named Scholar of the Year at Utah State University! 🎉👏

The Scholar of the Year distinction is among the highest academic honors awarded by Utah State University, recognizing a single student each year who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, sustained excellence, and meaningful impact through their scholarship and engagement.

This award reflects Kade’s strong academic achievements along with his active involvement in research and leadership. As an Undergraduate Research Fellow and Engineering Undergraduate Research Program Scholar, he is conducting research on combinatory cytomegalovirus treatments, integrating traditional antivirals with quercetin, a compound known for its antiviral and antioxidant properties. 🧪

His research is conducted under the mentorship of Dr Elizabeth Vargis and Dr. David Britt, further strengthening its impact within the Biological Engineering research community.

Kade has presented his work at multiple research fairs, contributing to ongoing conversations in biomedical and health-related engineering fields. His work aims to expand understanding and application of treatment strategies beyond Utah State University.

In addition to research, Kade is also involved as a Peer Mentor and Resident Assistant, supporting student success and building community within campus housing.

Being selected for this recognition reflects a combination of academic excellence, research contribution, and commitment to the Biological Engineering community.

From research innovation to student leadership, achievements like this highlight the impact of students working at the intersection of engineering, health, and community. 🏆

Big congratulations to USU WE for being named Organization of the Year at the Robins Awards 2026! 🎉👏

The Robins Awards are among the most prestigious honors at Utah State University, recognizing outstanding achievement across campus. As highlighted during the 68th Annual ceremony, these awards represent the most coveted honors at USU, celebrating the very best students, organizations, and contributions across the university community.

This award is presented to the student organization that best demonstrates the excellence of the organization’s stated purpose and service to Utah State. 🏆

This year also highlighted outstanding individuals, including Emilia Huff (second from the right, holding the award, wearing the blue dress), a Biological Engineering student at USU, who was recognized as a nominee for Achievement of the Year, an award given to individuals or organizations demonstrating superior ability, distinctive efforts, and meaningful impact.

Being named among finalists in a pool of over 300 nominations, reviewed by faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni, reflects the level of excellence and impact Emilia represents within the USU community.

Her work, combining engineering, research, and community-focused initiatives, alongside her involvement in programs like We Engineer, reflects a strong commitment to creating real-world impact.

From individual recognition to organization-wide excellence, these achievements showcase the strength of students leading with purpose, collaboration, and impact across campus and beyond.