Biotechnology is a field that has grown rapidly in the past decade. As biotechnology products are identified and their efficacy verified, there will be an increasing need for chemical engineers with expertise in bioprocessing. Colorado has established the Colorado Bioprocessing Center (CBC) at Colorado State University as a resource for both academic and industrial research and development. The CBC has a full spectrum of bioprocess equipment at both bench and pilot scales for fermentation, cell culture and product recovery research. A skilled group of faculty in the Department of Chemical and Bioresource Engineering CBE) works closely with the CBC staff on both basic and applied research projects. This proposal requests funds for renewing a REU site focused around the unique research environment of the CBC. Students selected for participation in the program would first participate in a series of lectures conducted by CBE faculty on the fundamentals of biochemical engineering. This would be followed by hands-on experience with the process and analytical equipment in the CBC and the development and execution of a focused research project with the guidance and support of a CBE faculty advisor and the CBC staff Students would share their experiences with fellow participants at weekly colloquia and a concluding symposium. The goal is to expose the students to a variety of bioprocessing research opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in preparation for a career in bioprocessing research and development. The initial three years of the program were successful in providing research opportunities to minority students (two), women (ten), and to eight students from smaller schools with limited research programs. Fourteen of the 22 students representing 16 universities) who participated in the program are either in or committed to attending graduate school or now work in research laboratories.
