A Career in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
According to the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), "biological and agricultural engineering is the application of engineering principles to any process associated with producing agriculturally based goods and management of our natural resources". Furthermore, biological and agricultural engineering integrates applied biology into the fundamental principles of engineering for the purpose of designing processes and systems that utilize biological materials and organisms for the benefit of society.
In reality, biological and agricultural engineers create a better future. They use high-technology like robotics, sensors, computer models, and satellites to make a cleaner, more sustainable environment. They maintain plentiful, clean water; make healthier and safer foods. They provide clean, efficient energy; and develop innovative machines. They create new materials and improve the use of the existing ones. They solve problems, they make science useful, and they make a difference!
You are looking for a career that is more than just a job – a way to make a good living and know that what you do matters. We've got the place for you!
If you like math, science, working with computers, and biology, you will find what biological and agricultural engineers do pretty cool. If you are curious, look around.
The good things biological and agricultural engineers do are all around you. For example, Biological and Agricultural engineers
- are developing processes that keep our food wholesome and safe
- develop technology that turns plants into fuel for our cars and trucks
- help make sure your water is clean and pure
- develop processes that keep astronauts' food on long space missions
- develop new plant-based medications to ease the pain and keep us well
- design and build reservoirs, leaves, and spillways to keep you safe from the flood
- use GPS and satellites to help farmers see their fields more clearly and work smarter
- help turn cotton into everything from high-fashion jeans to that dollar bill in your pocket
- evaluate the quality of the air you breathe and make sure it is good!
You get the idea. If it has to do with making life better, biological and agricultural engineers do that. Biological and agricultural engineers typically choose to use their degree in businesses like these:
|
|
The biological and agricultural engineering field offers a wide range of opportunities for you to make a difference, whether it is in food, air, water, soil, or energy. You could be part of this too!
Even more, biological and agricultural engineers really make a difference around the world. Have you thought about who can build an impromptu food dryer, develop a packaging system to ensure the agricultural products are safely transported from the field to the markets? Who can provide potable, drinking water to entire towns? Who can build effective harvesters or even tractors? And who can set up a simple but functional GPS system in the middle of a field? You bet, all these important tasks are carried out by biological and agricultural engineers!
Editorial content by Rosana G. Moreira, Texas A & M University College Station
