About SWBEC
The Sustainable Waste-to-Bioproducts Engineering Center (SWBEC) is a multidisciplinary research center within Utah State University's Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering and College of Engineering. SWBEC develops innovative technologies that transform municipal, industrial, agricultural, and environmental resources into valuable bioproducts, recoverable materials, and sustainable engineering solutions.
Through applied research, SWBEC advances technologies that improve environmental quality, recover valuable resources, support public health, strengthen workforce development, and contribute to economic growth. Research activities range from laboratory-scale investigations to pilot-scale demonstrations that bridge scientific discovery with real-world implementation.
Faculty
Ronald Sims
Huntsman Endowed Professor of Biosystems and Environmental Engineering
Members and Affiliates
Students
Mission
SWBEC's mission is to advance technologies that:
- Recover valuable resources from municipal, industrial, agricultural, and environmental waste streams
- Improve water quality and environmental sustainability
- Develop renewable fuels, bioplastics, biofertilizers, specialty bioproducts, and other value-added products
- Support workforce development and student research experiences
- Strengthen partnerships among industry, municipalities, government agencies, and academic institutions
- Contribute to economic growth through innovation, technology development, and commercialization
Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, SWBEC develops practical solutions that support environmental stewardship, public health, and a sustainable circular bioeconomy throughout Utah, the Intermountain West, and beyond.