Chemical and Biological Engineering
Leading innovation in clean energy, biotechnology and innovative solutions
Choose from Idaho’s only chemical and biological engineering degrees, and step into a high-demand, high-paying career.
University of Idaho’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate chemical and biological engineering programs on campus in Moscow and graduate programs in Idaho Falls.
Launch a high-paying career in a rapidly growing, impact-driven field
Whether you choose chemical or biological Engineering at University of Idaho, you’re stepping into a high-demand, high-paying career. From energy and environmental solutions to medical and biotech innovations, you’ll gain the skills to thrive in industries that shape the future—earning strong salaries and making a global impact.
Learn by doing in a supportive, hands-on environment
Small class sizes and deeply engaged professors ensure you receive personalized guidance throughout your journey. From your first day, you'll gain hands-on experience through labs and projects. Senior year culminates in one of the nation’s best design experiences, preparing you to solve tomorrow’s engineering problems today.
Earn scholarships at the West’s top value university
Over 80% of students in engineering at U of I receive additional scholarships. You’ll also gain paid internship experience with industry leaders and national labs. Even without aid, the University of Idaho ranks #1 Best Value Public University in the West for five years running, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Explore our programs
Find chemical and biological engineering degrees and certificates.
Take your degree anywhere — from industry to graduate school
Accredited and highly respected, U of I’s Chemical and Biological Engineering programs open doors worldwide. With a powerful alumni network, you’ll have mentorship and job connections at your fingertips. Whether you pursue a top graduate program, professional school, or enter the workforce, your future starts here.
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Join the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering to make a difference in our world.
Get involved. Make friends. Find success.
Connect with others who share your interests and values and demonstrate skills beyond the classroom. Take part in one of more than 20 clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, national competition teams, mentorship programs and professional skills programs.
Student success
Laboratory access and advanced research
University of Idaho’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering focuses on research in sustainable energy, biotechnology, environmental protection and materials science. You’ll work alongside faculty and students on innovative projects related to biofuels, water treatment and renewable energy, aiming to develop environmentally friendly solutions and improve public health and sustainability.
Experiential learning and research
Learn about the research conducted by our students and faculty and the impact it has on the field.
Faculty mentorship and staff support
Employees in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering are eager to meet you.
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Dev Shrestha, Ph.D.
Department chair and professor
208-885-7545
devs@uidaho.edu
Wudneh "Woody" Admassu, Ph.D.
Professor
208-885-8918
wadmassu@uidaho.edu
D. Eric Aston, Ph.D.
Professor
208-885-6953
aston@uidaho.edu
Matthew Bernards, Ph.D.
Associate professor, NASA Idaho Space Grant consortium director
208-885-2150
mbernards@uidaho.edu
Steven Gardner, Ph.D.
Professor, Lou Edwards Endowed Chair, Chemical Engineering
904-463-1658
gardner@uidaho.edu
James Moberly, Ph.D.
Associate professor
208-885-7705
jgmoberly@uidaho.edu
Jagdish Patel, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
jspatel@uidaho.edu
Ching-An Peng, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor
208-885-7461
capeng@uidaho.edu
Russell Qualls, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate professor, Idaho State climatologist
208-885-6184
rqualls@uidaho.edu
Nathan R. Schiele, Ph.D.
Associate professor
208-885-9063
nrschiele@uidaho.edu
Vivek Utgikar, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor
208-885-6970
vutgikar@uidaho.edu
Sarah (Xiao) Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate professor
208-885-1532
xwu@uidaho.edu
Haiyan Zhao, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate professor
208-533-8123
haiyanz@uidaho.edu
Chemical and Biological Engineering staff
Charles Cornwall
Scientific instrument maker
208-885-7728
cornwall@uidaho.edu
Milo Flint
Research aide
mflint@uidaho.edu
Judy Vandegrift
Management assistant
208-885-6182
judyv@uidaho.edu
Anup Tuldhar
Laboratory coordinator
atuladhar@uidaho.edu
Our chemical and biological engineering story
Explore stories and news articles about our current students and employees and their achievements in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
ABET Accreditation
The Biological Engineering B.S. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Biological and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
The Chemical Engineering B.S.Ch.E. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.