Research in the department ranges from developing biodiesel and bioplastics from algae to developing non-invasive bionanotechnologies that could help detect health problems before they progress to terminal diseases.

Faculty members in the department are nationally recognized. The department is even home to a USTAR professor. USTAR positions are funded by an initiative from the state of Utah aimed at bringing in the best researchers to address issues that solve current problems and can lead to economic development in the state. 

With a graduate degree in biological engineering, graduates can work in a wide variety of critical fields, including:

• Development and production of alternative fuels
• National security
• Product development and manufacturing
• Health and medicine
• Academia
• Industry
• Law
• Sales
• Research