23 20 IMPACT REPORT ANNUAL
A Letter from the Chair
Dear Readers,
I am excited to present the 2023 Annual Impact Report for the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) here at The Ohio State University. As chair, I am honored to reflect on the numerous achievements and progress made by our esteemed faculty, dedicated staff, and incredible students.
In 2023, FABE continued its commitment to excellence in the classroom, laboratory, and community. A great example of this is the newly added Trimble Technology Lab, which was opened in the Agricultural Engineering Building in October. The lab represents the largest philanthropic gift-in-kind investment to support teaching, research, and outreach in the history of CFAES. Located on the Columbus campus and at Ohio State ATI at the Wooster campus, the multidisciplinary labs will enhance teaching, research, and outreach initiatives in food and agricultural engineering, construction management, and natural resources. Nationally, both our graduate and undergraduate programs ranked in the top 10 per the U.S. News and World Report, a sign of the respect garnered by our programs in the country.
Along with the department’s overall success, our faculty represent FABE on a university, national, and international level, highlighted by numerous accomplishments. Judit Puskas was elected to the National Academy of Engineering this year for her contributions to medical polymerization processes, joining a select group of 124 for this year’s class. The National Science Foundation awarded Darren Drewry with their Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award for his project titled, “Land-Atmosphere Coupling and Feedback in the Context of Climate Change.” Katrina Cornish was the second woman ever to receive the prestigious Charles Goodyear Medal for her contributions to significant change in the rubber industry. Finally, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers awarded Karen Mancl the Grade of Fellow, the group’s highest honor. These are just a few of the accomplishments of our tremendous faculty. Read about them on page six of this report.
Our students’ dedication to education and advancement both inside the classroom and out gives us a great sense of pride and has resulted in several impressive accolades. Senior Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering majors Cassidy Brozovich and Madison Kacica placed first and second respectively in the ‘Earth and Beyond’ category of the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum for their impressive projects. Brozovich and Kacica joined Spencer Logan and Dante Spieker as the department’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences’ Distinguished Seniors. Finally, another successful year of capstone projects continued FABE’s partnership with local and international partners to give students a premier hands-on experience.
As we move into a new academic year, I am fully confident that FABE will continue to serve our students well along with representing the department and Ohio State in the community. I express my thanks to all those who have contributed to our success and look forward to our promising future.
Regards, Scott A. Shearer
By the Numbers
8 th
Graduate Agricultural and Biological Engineering Program Ranking by U.S. News and World Report
97.9 %
Average undergraduate job placement rate at six months post-graduation
10 th
Undergraduate Agricultural and Biological Engineering Program Ranking by U.S. News and World Report
384 53 Undergraduate Students Graduate Students
10,900,000 $ +
Total research expenditures between College of Engineering and College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
Partners gather for Trimble Technologies Lab opening
October marked the ribbon cutting for the Trimble Technologies Lab to be housed in the Agricultural Engineering Building of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University.
Dozens of attendees represented the university and Trimble to celebrate the laboratory and technology inside, representing the largest philanthropic gift-in-kind investment to support teaching, research, and outreach in the history of CFAES.
Located on the Columbus campus and at Ohio State ATI at the Wooster campus, the multidisciplinary labs will enhance teaching, research, and outreach initiatives in food and agricultural engineering, construction management, and natural resources.
The labs will provide students with access to leading agriculture and construction technologies used today by professionals in the industry. The hands-on learning opportunities will help a greater number of students prepare for their future careers. In the inaugural year, more than 1,000 students will have access to the labs for courses.
The centerpieces of this gift are customized training workstations that simulate the use of Trimble agriculture hardware and software in the classroom environment. This technology will instruct students on technologies such as machine guidance control and steering in the classroom, as well as field leveling and water management systems. The workstations will enable students to interact with technology in the classroom before they begin working with equipment in the field.
Faculty Awards
Puskas elected to National Academy of Engineering
Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering professor
Judit E. Puskas has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2023 in recognition of sustained excellence in innovation and education.
Puskas joins Alan Luo and Longya Xu from Ohio State in the 2023 class and are among 124 new NAE members, bringing the total U.S. membership to 2,420 and the number of international members to 319.
The U.S. National Academy of Engineering is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. Its mission is to advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering.
“One newly elected NAE member is a big deal for any institution, but three in one year is exceptional,” said College of Engineering Dean Ayanna Howard. “I am delighted for Judit, Alan and Longya, but I’m even happier for our students, faculty and staff that have had the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with these exemplary engineers. They certainly won’t be the last.”
Puskas was elected “for coinventing an FDA-approved, life-saving coronary stent coating, and fundamental research and scale-up of polymerization processes.”
Drewry receives prestigious NSF CAREER Award
Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) Assistant Professor Dr. Darren Drewry received the National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award this past week.
The NSF CAREER Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the NSF’s most prestigious awards in support of faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department. Activities pursued by faculty build a firm foundation for leadership in integrating education and research.
Drewry’s project, titled: “Land-Atmosphere Coupling and Feedback in the Context of Climate Change,” is a highly inter-disciplinary project that is primarily funded through NSF’s Physical and Dynamic Meteorology (PDM) program in the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences.
The project dives into the interactions between land and the atmosphere, which are central to the Earth’s surface water, energy and carbon budgets. These interactions control a wide range of processes that directly impact the global population, including climate variability, cloud formation and precipitation, and near-surface climate. Land-atmosphere processes remain a significant challenge in large-scale weather and climate prediction due to their inherent complexity and the trans-disciplinary approach required to study them. This project will integrate the development of high-resolution computer modeling tools and data analytical approaches with information on plant responses to climate developed over decades of field system manipulation experiments to advance the understanding of how land-atmosphere interactions will evolve over the coming decades.
“This is an exciting opportunity to broaden the scale at which we study land-atmosphere interactions in my group,” said Drewry. “This project will allow us to bring new computational tools to bear on this important and complex area of environmental science that integrates core aspects of atmospheric, hydrological and ecosystem sciences.”
This NSF CAREER project will also contribute to the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers who are technically equipped and motivated to study complex environmental systems to enable a sustainable future. The broader impacts of this project combine inter-disciplinary training of students at the undergraduate and graduate level with outreach programs serving underrepresented groups in STEM at the high school level.
Several faculty and staff honored at 2022-2023 CFAES Awards
Sudhir Sastry - Distinguished Professor of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Dr. Sastry is a Professor in the CFAES Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering and serves as the President of the Society of Food Engineering. Dr. Sastry joined CFAES as an Associate Professor in 1987 and served as Interim Chair of the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering from 2010-2011. He is a renowned researcher contributing over 40 years of valuable scientific and technological achievements in the development of advanced thermal and nonthermal food manufacturing technologies, making food safer for consumption.
Mary Wicks - Distinguishesd Extension Professional Award
Mary Wicks has served as the program coordinator for the Ohio Composting and Manure Management (OCAMM) program since 1999 and for the Program for Bioproducts and the Environment (PROBE) since 2014. Her outreach efforts include implementing educational programs, such as the Manure Science Review and Ohio Compost Operator Education Course, both held annually since 2001; creating OCAMM odds & ends, a monthly e-newsletter delivered to over 550 subscribers; and writing lay articles and educational materials. She also provides support for developing research and outreach grant proposals. Mary enjoys the many opportunities to collaborate with and learn from OSU Extension professionals, CFAES faculty, and agency, commodity, and industry stakeholders. Anchorage.
Laura Akgerman - Distinguished Early Career Extension Professional Award
Laura Akgerman is Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility, OSU Extension, and the CFAES DEI Office. Laura works with farmers with disabilities, presents on farming and gardening with a disability, agritourism, Caregiver support, Universal Design and Assistive Technology. She works on the Family and Community Education to Prevent Opioid Misuse and Abuse grant; the CFAES Department of Food Agricultural and Biological Engineering’s Extension/outreach team; GenerationRx; and serves as a Content Expert on Transformative Rehabilitation Opportunities for Children with CP in Appalachian and Rural Communities Research Study (College of Medicine). Working at OSU, with farmers, Extension, and the disability and rural health communities is a dream job, and it is an honor and privilege to work with so many amazing colleagues across the state.
PENRA - Distinguished Interdisciplinary Team Research Award
Program of Excellence in Natural Rubber Alternatives (PENRA) - FABE members include Katrina Cornish, Frederick Michel Jr., Alfred Soboyejo, Ajay Shah, and Judit Puskas. PENRA was created to integrate and accelerate the incubation, demonstration, market entry, and growth of a domestic natural rubber industry. Natural rubber is an agricultural material critical to all sectors of our economy and defense, but we import all that we need - produced from clonal rubber trees grown mostly in Southeast Asia. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of this extended natural rubber supply chain. PENRA focuses on the creation of the science, technology, and private partnerships needed to support the introduction and scaleup of natural rubber alternatives.
Kaletunç awarded Fulbright U.S. Specialist Award to Slovenia
Gönül Z. Kaletunç, professor in Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) in the College of Food Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and director, Faculty Professional Development Program in the College of Engineering, was awarded a 2022-2023 Fulbright U.S. Specialist grant to the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia to share her expertise on “Advanced technologies in encapsulation of bioactive compounds: Research and academic approach.”
From May 7 – June 18, Kaletunç will address introducing the advance food engineering topics into the curriculum on the 2nd level of Bologna Study (Master program). The focus will be predominantly on the advanced encapsulation technologies and the emerging technologies in food process engineering.
During her Fulbright experience in Slovenia, Kaletunç hopes to update and broaden the fundamental knowledge of food processing technologies. She will evaluate the present training program in encapsulation technologies and upgrade it with new topics. Lastly, she will introduce emerging technologies in food process engineering.
The project will focus on utilization of encapsulation of beneficial compounds in pH reversible hydrogels for targeted delivery and controlled release. Hydrogels are produced from alginate/pectin mixtures; both are from natural sources and allowed for food use. Alginate forms gel by adding divalent cations, most commonly, calcium chloride and pectin gels in the presence of sugar or calcium. However, the mixture of pectin and alginate form pH reversible hydrogel. The gel-solution change occurs around pH 3.
Kaletunç’s laboratory at Ohio State has the experience to prepare and characterize pH responsive hydrogels to be incorporated into acidic food beverages for delivery of nutrients. Hydrogels stay intact in the beverage during processing and storage, and in the upper digestive tract of human body after consumption. However, they dissolve and release the nutrients in the lower digestive tract such as intestines where nutrients are absorbed thereby providing a targeted delivery and controlled release opportunity. Hydrogel production conditions are regulated to control the release kinetics of the nutrient in the intestines. Although hydrogels are aqueous based systems, Kaletunç’s lab developed methods to achieve the encapsulation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. The techniques can be used for oral drug delivery purposes too.
Sours wins Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer
Patrick Sours, Senior Lecturer at The Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE), received the Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer last month and was honored at the university’s awards and recognition ceremony.
The Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer annually recognizes a maximum of six lecturers or other associated faculty for their teaching excellence. Honorees are inducted into Ohio State’s Academy of Teaching and recognized with an honorarium made possible by the Office of Academic Affairs. The honorees were notified of their awards through surprise announcements led by senior university leaders.
“I am humbled and honored to have received this award”, said Sours. “My hope working within the Engineering for Sustainable Development domain here at OSU has been to create an exciting, engaging, and inclusive classroom for our students and this award has served as a reminder that our sustained efforts are hopefully being felt by the students.”
In FABE, he teaches Global Capstone I and II, Sustainable WaSH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) for Rural Communities, Introduction to Humanitarian Engineering, and Projects in Humanitarian Engineering, and aims to create educational environments where students can learn how their technical skillsets can have a positive impact on the world.
“My courses challenge students used to problem-solving approaches traditional to engineering to address problems in an unfamiliar way and from new perspectives drawn from interdisciplinary measures, said Sours. “I want students to realize that real-world projects cannot be easily condensed into an equation and that all variables are rarely ever provided.”
Cornish receives Charles Goodyear Medal
The Ohio State University Professor and Ohio Research Scholar of Bioemergent Materials Katrina Cornish received the 2024 Charles Goodyear Medal on Thursday afternoon. Cornish holds a split appointment between the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) and the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS).
The Charles Goodyear Medal is the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society’s highest honor. Established in 1941, the award recognizes individuals for outstanding invention, innovation, or development that has resulted in a significant change or contribution to the nature of the rubber industry.
Cornish’s Lab Group is currently working to develop a domestic natural rubber crop in Ohio and for the U.S., especially as natural rubber security is becoming a major problem for the United States.
“If the tropical rubber tree crop fails (it is grown as genetically identical clones) the global economy will be devastated. If we lose our access to tropical rubber before we have our own production, the U.S. economy and its defense fail,” said Cornish “The U.S. is reactive, not proactive but, in this case, we must be proactive because the consequences of no natural rubber are unacceptable.”
Cornish also serves as the Program Director of PENRA, ‘The Program of Excellence in Natural Rubber,’ which focuses on the creation of the science, technology, and private partnerships needed to support the introduction and scale-up of natural rubber alternatives. Current research focuses on the improvement of germplasm, production methods, and processing techniques to increase the yield of natural rubber from the rubber dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz), utilization of allergen-free latex from guayule (Parthenium argentatum), and evaluation of the natural rubber potential of other plants.
“There isn’t just one thing [that led to this award]. It is a combination of research into domestic alternatives combined with inspiring others to commercially develop it in different countries,” said Cornish. “However, specifics include allergy-safe latex and products, novel processes, green alternatives to petroleum products used by the rubber industry, the first understanding of the regulation of biosynthetic rate and polymer molecular weight.”
Cornish will accept her award and be celebrated at a banquet on May 1, 2024, during the Rubber Division, ACS Spring Technical Meeting in Columbus, OH. Congratulations to Dr. Katrina Cornish on this incredible achievement!
Mancl awarded ASABE Grade of Fellow
Karen Mancl, a professor in The Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, was awarded the Grade of Fellow by The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) in the class of 2023.
ASABE defines a Fellow as a member of unusual professional distinction, with outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in, or related to, the field of agricultural, food, or biological systems engineering. ASABE Fellows possess a minimum of 20 years of active practice in, or related to, the profession of engineering; the teaching of engineering; or the teaching of an engineering-related curriculum and a minimum of 20 years as an active MemberEngineer or Member in ASABE. This is ASABE’s highest honor, and Mancl is being honored for her commitment to eliminating the discharge of water pollutants from homes, communities and food industries in rural America.
Read more about her induction on page 12 of this report.
Extension & Outreach
The mission of Ohio State FABE is to advance the science and application of engineering and systems involving food, agriculture, environment and construction. Through FABE extension and outreach, FABE faculty and staff conduct applied research and provide educational programming for students, professionals, and the public that fosters a deeper understanding about engineering and related concepts.
Conservation drainage - a showcase at the Ohio State Lima regenerative agriculture farm
The second Drainage Installation Field Day at The Ohio State University at Lima brought out close to 100 farmers, engineers, contractors and researchers from around northwest Ohio and across the state to learn more about the installation of sub-surface drainage tile systems and their modern uses.
Volunteer contractors worked throughout the day to install 27,000 feet of perforated drain pipes across 25 acres at the Ohio State Lima Regenerative Agriculture Farm.
Lima’s regenerative agriculture initiative started in 2020 and aims to provide research and educational opportunities focused on regenerative farming practices. Water management is a big part of that.
“Addressing drainage needs is key to sustain crop production in this region and to ensure the success of regenerative ag practices here on this farm,” said Dr. Vinayak Shedekar, one of the main organizers of the event and assistant professor of agricultural water management in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE).
Whereas in the past the main purpose of drainage was to get rid of excess water from soils, today’s farmers need to protect water quality and conserve water to provide for crops during hotter and drier periods of growing season.
“Adopting a regenerative farming practice has a lot more to do with learning about your own soils, learning about the needs of your own soils and trying to tweak your operation in a way that fits your needs,” Shedekar said. “That is what we are trying to promote here – a farm, a model farm where we will try different things, have people come and take a look at those and then learn from what we have done.”
Water management is just one part of a long-term project designed to protect and rejuvenate the health of the soil on campus. The new tiling joins a similar project from 2022 that included the installation of a saturated buffer, which is considered a conservation drainage practice that helps improve water quality by reducing the nitrogen and phosphorus losses from agricultural fields
Years of On-Farm Research
I
n 2023, eFields finalized their latest eFields on-farm research report. eFields is an Ohio State program dedicated to advancing production agriculture through the use of field-scale research. This program utilizes modern technologies and information to conduct on-farm research with an educational and demonstration component used to help farmers and their advisors understand how new practices and techniques can improve farm efficiency and profitability. The 2023 report contains 184 On-Farm Research Sites in 47 counties throughout Ohio.
International collaborative research efforts led by Dr. Ajay Shah
In December 2023, Dr. Ajay Shah led a team of The Ohio State University (OSU) faculty members (Dr. Luis Canas, Director of CFAES International Programs and Dr. Sami Khanal, FABE Associate Professor) to Nepal with the goal of building relationships with stakeholders from multiple institutions. During the visit, an agreement signed between OSU and a Nepal-based research organization, the National Innovation Center (NIC), laid the groundwork for future collaborations on agriculture, mechanization, and waste management issues. The team also visited the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), an apex body for agriculture-related research, meeting with scientists from different research centers to explore opportunities for collaboration. Another meeting with the Vice Chancellor and faculty members of the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) explored areas of mutual interest for collaborative partnerships and resulted in the initiation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between OSU and AFU. Additionally, the team met with personnel from the Institute of Engineering under Tribhuvan University (TU), Everest Engineering College under Pokhara University (PU), and the Knowledge-based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition (KISAN II) project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Dr. Shah is in discussion with different entities to explore several synergistic opportunities.
Dr. Shah also received funds from the USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service to work with key Nepal-based organizations, including the NIC, NARC, AFU, and Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP). The goal is to identify and promote climate-smart agricultural residue management practices for increased crop production in Nepal. For this project the socioeconomic and agronomic drivers associated with existing agricultural crop residue management methods (e.g., open-field burning) and farmers’ willingness to adopt new practices will be assessed. In addition, the environmental impacts of existing and alternative agricultural crop residue management practices will be evaluated, and the best climate-smart agricultural crop residue management practices will be identified and promoted. This project will also build the capacity of stakeholders in Nepal for future collaborations with a U.S. academic institution.
FABE at
Mancl awarded ASABE Grade of Fellow
Karen Mancl, a professor in The Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, was awarded the Grade of Fellow by The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) in the class of 2023.
ASABE defines a Fellow as a member of unusual professional distinction, with outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in, or related to, the field of agricultural, food, or biological systems engineering. ASABE Fellows possess a minimum of 20 years of active practice in, or related to, the profession of engineering; the teaching of engineering; or the teaching of an engineering-related curriculum and a minimum of 20 years as an active Member-Engineer or Member in ASABE. This is ASABE’s highest honor. Mancl is being honored for her commitment to eliminating the discharge of water pollutants from homes, communities and food industries in rural America.
Karen Mancl is a nationally known expert in onsite wastewater treatment having conducted research, written and taught the subject for 40 years, publishing over 50 journal articles and 80 Extension publications. She is originally from Wisconsin where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Karen has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Texas, and received her PhD at Iowa State University in Water Resources. In 2010, she received a second MA Degree in East Asian Studies and conducts research and teaches wastewater treatment in rural China. In 2019, she received her third MA Degree in Public Policy and conducts research at the Woodrow Wilson Center – China Environment Forum on environmental policy in rural China.
Graduate students win ASABE Presentation Excellence Awards
Two graduate students in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) at The Ohio State University received the Presentation Excellence Award earlier this month from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual International Meeting that took place in July.
Hetian Hu and Jaden Tatum each received awards for their respective presentations, which recognize the top 15% of student presentations that demonstrate excellence in content, delivery, and impact. They were judged on the expertise and creativity of their research, communication skills, and feedback from judges, peers, and industry professionals who attended the presentation sessions. The winners will also receive a cash prize for their achievements.
Hetian’s award-winning presentation focused on Ultra-Shear Technology (UST), which is a novel semi-continuous high-pressurebased liquid food preservation method. Compared to traditional thermal processing methods (pasteurization and commercial sterilization), UST could potentially achieve a similar level of inactivation of pathogens, spoilage microorganisms, and bacterial spores while providing better nutrient preservation by minimizing heat effects. He was advised by Dr. V. M. Balasubramaniam.
“I would like to thank my adviser, Dr. Bala, for providing valuable guidance for my project and my lab members for helping me with my experiments,” said Hetian. “Moreover, I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Ahmed Yousef for helping me with the microbiological part of this research, and Christopher Gecik for his support with electrical installations.”
Jaden’s award-winning presentation focused on modeling to minimize energy requirements for in-bin drying of different grain types in a small-scale dryer for developing countries. This presentation builds on Jaden’s existing Ph.D. research with Dr. Ajay Shah, her advisor.
“As a Ph.D. student, it is always rewarding to get your work recognized, especially at a national or international level,” said Hetian. “It takes a lot of preparation to explain our research to general audiences in a short presentation, so I am very glad that the efforts we put into our research and presentation paid off.”
Presentations, Posters, Panel Discussions and Invited Talks
US and China Leadership to reduce Climate Change Footprint of AgriculturePresented by: Karen Mancl
The Wicked Engineer: Collaborating to create pathways that train engineers to address the complex social challenges of an interconnected world - Presented by: Cherish C. Vance
Development of A 4-H Project Book: Ready, Set, Mow! - Presented by: Forrest Lang
Engaging Extension Audiences in Ag Technology Outreach - Presented by: Elizabeth Hawkins
Evaluating the life-cycle environmental impacts of whole-plant corn logistics for biobased industries - Presented by: Asmita Khanal
Techno-Economic Analysis of using Biomass Mulches for Winter Protection of Vineyards in Ohio - Presented by: Ashish Manandhar
Techno-Economic Analysis of Implementing UAV Technologies for Crop Health Monitoring - Presented by: Ashish Manandhar
Design of Earth-to-Air Heat Exchange System for Season Extension in Production High Tunnel in OhioPresented by: Jaden Tatum
Multiscale integration of satellite and UAV images to improve cereal rye biomass estimation - Presented by: Kushal KC
Detection of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) using UAV multispectral imagery and machine learning - Presented by: Noah Bevers
CFD Simulation of the Drift and Deposition of Pesticide Droplets Discharged from Conventional and Intelligent Air-Assisted Sprayers in Apple Orchards - Presented by: Matthew Herkins
Soybean Cyst Nematode Detection in Spectral Signatures - Presented by: Anmol Kaur Gill
Estimating canopy height of cereal rye cover crop using multispectral images from an unmanned aerial vehiclePresented by: Kushal KC
Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) detection in maize using UAV multispectral imagery and evaluation of maize production for four susceptible hybrid varietiesPresented by: Noah Bevers
Unmanned aerial vehicle for assessing within-field variability in corn spacingPresented by: Sushma Katari
Assessing Soybean Crop Phenology using Time Series of Satellite ImagesPresented by: Sushma Katari
Ensemble Machine Learning for Interpretable Soil Heat Flux EstimationPresented by: James Cross
Utility of Explainable Machine Learning (eXML) for the Prediction of Stomatal Conductance - Presented by: Srishti Gaur
Corn Yield and Emergence Impacts on Planters Equipped With Automated Hydraulic Downforce - Presented by: Andrew Klopfenstein
Flow rate modulations and droplet size distributions of PWM-controlled hollowcone nozzles operated at high frequencies and pressures - Presented by: Javier Campos
Flow rate modulation capability and droplet size spectrum of an air-piloted PWM pinch valve coupled with hollowcone nozzles - Presented by: Javier Campos
A real-time variable rate sprayer prototype using stereo vision for specialty cropsPresented by: Carla Román
Effect of travel speed on spray deposition using a stereo vision variable rate sprayer prototype - Presented by: Carla Román
Evaluating the storage characteristics of whole-plant cotton - Presented by: Asmita Khanal
Evaluations of Alternate Test Material for ISO 22368-1 Standard Test - Presented by: Carla Román
Climate change impact on agroecosystem services of conservation practices under CMIP6 climate projections in corn-soybean system in Maumee River Watershed, USA - Presented by: Amit Prasad Timilsina
Integrating precision conservation and high-resolution watershed modeling for nutrient runoff reduction in the sub-basin of Ohio River basin, USA - Presented by: Asmita Murumkar
Simulating the Field-Scale Implications of Natural Variation in Soybean Leaf Optical Properties on Carbon Assimilation and Water Use - Presented by: Darren T. Drewry
Validation of a Thermal Infrared Based Surface Energy Balance Model for Midwest Commodity and Bioenergy Crops - Presented by: James Cross
alidating an Ammonia Dispersion Model Near a Commercial Poultry Facility Using AERMOD - Presented by: Matthew Herkins
Circadian Rhythm Daily Temperature of Dairy Calves as Measured by Indwelling Rumen Boluses - Presented by: Jason M. Hartschuh
Effects of pressure, shear, temperature, and their interaction on the inactivation of Clostridium sporogenes PA3679 spores during ultra-shear processing - Presented by: Hetian Hu
Modeling to Minimize Energy Requirements for In-bin Drying of Different Grain Types in a Small-Scale Dryer for Developing CountriesPresented by: Jaden Tatum
Temperature and relative humidity distribution during superheated steam treatment in dry sanitation food processing environment - Presented by: VM Balausbramaniam,
Are all circular bioeconomy systems sustainable? - Presented by: Ajay Shah, The Ohio State University
Case study in applying techno-economic assessment methods for appropriate technologies for developing countries - Presented by: Jaden Tatum, The Ohio State University
2023 Distinguished Seniors
COLLEGE OF FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
The Distinguished Senior Award is the most prestigious undergraduate award in CFAES, recognizing the top graduating seniors from each of the academic units on the Columbus campus. The award honors students who exemplify the CFAES mission in areas such as academics and scholarship, research and innovation, service and involvement, and influence and leadership. In 2023, there were 25 distinguished seniors across the CFAES College, four of which were from the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE). One of the hallmarks of CFAES is an emphasis on student success, and it is heartwarming to see it exemplified through the accomplishments of our students.
Learn more about this year’s recipients
2023 Outstanding Seniors
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENIGINEERING
The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering also recognizes additional exceptional seniors with the FABE Outstanding Senior Award. This award goes to the top seniors from each undergraduate major who exemplify what it means to be a student with an FABE. Recipients of the CFAES Distinguished Senior Award are also recognized as FABE outstanding seniors.
Student Success
FABE Students take first and second in Denman
Undergraduate
Research Forum
Cassidy Brozovich and Madison Kacica, seniors studying food, agricultural and biological engineering (FABE), placed first and second respectively in their research category at the 28th Denman Undergraduate Research Forum last week. The Denman Forum allows graduating student researchers to share their endeavors with the broader university community. This year, the forum included over 200 presentations from student researchers.
Cassidy placed first in the “Earth and Beyond” category with her poster titled “Envisioning How Historical, Current, and Future Climate Relate to Urban Stormwater Control Measure Effectiveness.” The project focused on quantifying climate change’s effect on central Ohio’s precipitation patterns and how this may affect future infrastructure design. She presented based on 70 years of data and even projected future changes up to 2050.
“Being involved in research has been one of the most impactful experiences during my undergraduate career,” said Cassidy. “Additionally, being recognized as 1st place at the Denman Forum is one of the greatest accomplishments and honors I have ever received.”
The results of Cassidy’s study can help engineers make design decisions based on the future impacts that climate change will have on our environment. She will present the study at the American Ecological Engineering Society Conference in June and then work towards publishing the study over the summer.
Madison’s project, also in the “Earth and Beyond” category, was titled “Estimating the Benefits of Legacy Phosphorous Fields for Targeted Best Management Practices,” and focused on agricultural runoff, one of the largest contributors of phosphorus to Lake Erie, which accelerates the growth of harmful algal blooms. Her research specifically aims to quantify the benefits and elucidate the uncertainty of targeting phosphorous removal structures to agricultural fields with disproportionately heavy phosphorus loads, known as legacy-P fields.
“I was beyond ecstatic to find out I was a finalist for the Denman Forum, let alone placing 2nd in the Earth & Beyond category, “ said Madison. “This was my first time presenting any of my research outside of a classroom setting, and with the help of my mentor, I felt prepared and confident to present.”
Madison’s research is being used to support the development of a program that will target these fields with nutrient management practices across Ohio and accomplish the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement’s goal of reducing phosphorus loads by 40%.
Student Organizations
Agricultural Systems Management Club
The Agricultural Systems Management Club has been actively involved in both community and campus events over the past year, including assisting with the Buckeye Country Superfest and participating in the 2023 Farm Science Review and campus activities like the Back to School Bash and Farmers Share on The Oval. They also engaged in educational trips to places like Tremont, Illinois and Tulare, California, where members visited various agricultural sites and companies. Through fundraising efforts like the Lawn Mower Clinic Fundraiser and hosting meetings with industry leaders, the club has fostered learning opportunities and community engagement, looking forward to continued growth and success in the upcoming year.
Construction Systems Management Club
The CSM Club had a full year of networking and social events! The club had many construction companies give presentations showing their company culture and job opportunities. Club members attended social events like a Budd Dairy happy hour and an OSU basketball game to further their bonds within the club. Looking back at this year’s events, it’s clear that it was a success!
Association of Women in Construction
During the 2023-2024 school year, AWIC held a wide variety of engaging events! We had many companies come in to speak about professional development and job opportunities. We also enjoyed many social events, like game nights, where we got to know one another! Whether it was networking with construction companies, or volunteering with the Girl Scouts, the AWIC girls gained unforgettable experiences this year.
Student Stories
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Meet Spencer Logan
Sometimes, an impactful teacher can change a student’s career path, inspiring them to achieve goals they never realized. That was the case for Spencer Logan, a senior Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) major in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) from Cortland, Ohio.
“I was leaning towards doing a trade, and I had a teacher whose brother did ASM at another school,” said Spencer. “I did some research about the program at OSU, and it was exactly what I like to do every day.”
that we were going to do in the field,” said Spencer. “I also really liked Andrew Klopfenstein, who was a great capstone advisor for me.”
Spencer worked on a grain farm growing up, and once he found the ASM program at FABE, he expanded on that experience by joining the ASM Club and securing an exciting internship.
“I worked in eastern Montana for two summers as an Operations Management intern at EGT, and lived in theSpencer Logan middle of nowhere essentially,” said Spencer jokingly. “I worked grain handling facilities and shuttle loading facilities where we loaded trains, and my post-grad job is essentially the next step in that.”
Throughout his time at Ohio State, Spencer credits some incredible professors and courses that have shaped his experience and inspired him to progress in his career.
“Jon Witter from ATI was one of my favorite professors, and I selected him to be my mentor. He always kept things in reality, and anything we did in class was something
Spencer’s passion for agriculture manifests itself both in the classroom and out; in his free time, he assists with his girlfriend’s family’s cattle farm and even makes his own maple syrup.
Spencer’s advice to undergraduates in FABE is simple but very important.
“Pay attention to your degree audit and always meet with your advisor,” says Spencer. “It’s a lot easier to do stuff in the early years than it is towards the end.”
After graduation, Spencer will work at Cargill as an Operations Management Associate.
Meet Cassidy Brozovich
Involvement in college is how a student makes the most out of their time and can provide them with experiences that they can’t get in a classroom. For Cassidy Brozovich, a senior in the Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE), her experiences were shaped by her involvement, and have inspired her to continue her career with the department after graduation.
Cassidy is majoring in FABE with a specialization in Ecological Engineering, and she found that the interdisciplinary nature of the major was the best place for her.
“I wanted to experience both environmental sciences and engineering and this was the perfect fit to do both,” said Cassidy.
Cassidy is from Warren, Ohio, and once she found her home in the department, she didn’t hesitate to join several clubs and student organizations throughout her time at Ohio State. During her undergraduate career, she was a part of Buckeye Precious Plastic, the Ohio State chapter of The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), the Ecological Engineering Society, and founded the Diamond Grove Scholars Group, a student research group for space-related research.
When asked which experience was the most formative, she said that her involvement in Buckeye Precious Plastic, an international organization dedicated to solving “the plastic problem,” which is the exponential generation of plastic waste. The outreach team educates Ohio State students and the Columbus community and the design team creates machines to shred plastic waste, then mold it into new products.
“Getting to be the first female president of the club was really exciting, having done something all four years of college has helped me get different kinds of skills,” said Cassidy. “I started as a freshman and had no idea what I was doing on campus, and it helped me find my place and figure out what college was about and what clubs in college looked like. It
also gave me engineering experience that I wouldn’t have gotten in my classes.”
Although she jokes that, “I feel like all I do is school,” in her free time Cassidy enjoys learning about 3D printing, going on hikes, spending time in parks, cooking, and baking. A fun fact about her is that she was once an avid percussionist, playing the drums until the end of high school!
Cassidy credits some amazing teachers and courses throughout her time at Ohio State with inspiring her to pursue grad school, such as Dr. Mike Rowan and his Phytotechnology and Phytoremediation course, Chris Tkach and his knowledge of space research and 3D-printed substrates, and several more across the university.
Her advice to underclassmen is, “Get involved in undergraduate research, most departments have a lot of positions available, especially ours, if you can get involved in any capacity it’s a great experience,” said Cassidy. “It’s probably the best thing I’ve done as an undergrad and it has been very eye-opening with what I want to do with my career and it helped me formulate what I’m actually interested in.”
After graduation, Cassidy will be pursuing her Ph.D. at Ohio State in FABE researching the design of 3D-printed substrates for hydroponics in space with Dr. Peter Ling.
Student Stories
FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
Student Stories
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Meet Dante Spieker
Like many of our students in the Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE), senior Construction Systems Management (CSM) major Dante Spieker did not start his undergrad career in the department. Once he found his home in FABE however, he made the most of his experience and left an unforgettable footprint on the major.
“I spent my first year in engineering, and I realized for as much effort as this takes, I don’t have a passion for it,” said Dante. “I finally happened upon the CSM major, had a call with one of the head advisors, and they got me set up with brand new classes the following fall and I’ve been here ever since.”
Perhaps Dante’s most formative experience during his time at the department was his involvement with the CSM Club. He started with the club as the secretary during his junior year, just as the COVID restrictions were slowing down and club advisor Jeff Suchy wanted to get the club going again.
“During my time as the secretary, I realized a lack of club organization and put a ton of work into the organizational structure of the club,” said Dante. “I did anything and everything I could to improve the club and was eventually chosen as president.”
Through CSM Club, both during his time as secretary and president, some of his favorite experiences were social events, community service events, and company meetings.
“It was quite an experience,” said Dante jokingly. “I am extremely happy with the amount of work I’ve put in and I feel confident with how we’ve set up the future officers.”
Besides the CSM Club, Dante participated in Buck-I-SERV trips to Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Mississippi, was an R-LEAD peer mentor, and served as a teaching assistant for Jeff Suchy for two years.
“Being a teaching assistant was an amazing opportunity and I’ve learned a lot from it, it’s led me to a lot of other opportunities within the major,” said Dante. “I might have gotten more involved on my own, but the connections I made really inspired me to take action.”
Outside of the classroom, while he jokes that most of his time is spent on his major, he enjoys hanging out with family and friends, watching movies, playing video games, and building things when he gets the chance.
His advice to underclassmen is inspired by his own experiences, and he encourages students to get involved on campus.
“Get out there and talk to people, start making those connections,” says Dante. “I don’t often consciously think about how the opportunities I’ve had have come from people in the major and with faculty, but looking back at it, so much of what I have done and how involved I have felt within the CSM program is because of the connections I have made.”
After graduation, Dante plans to travel for a little while before starting with Whiting-Turner Construction for a three-year project based in Columbus, based on a successful internship last summer.
Capstone Design
Each year, students majoring in agricultural systems management or food, agricultural and biological engineering complete a year-long senior capstone design project. These projects, sponsored by industry partners, offer students an opportunity to apply all they have learned during their time at Ohio State to a real world problem. Using teamwork, collaboration, time management, and problem-solving skills, students have designed ecosystem restoration for wetlands, solutions for food processors to claim wastewater and developed simulations to help farmers.
Award Winners
Communicator Innovator
Intercomp Weigh in Motion Scales
Brendan Good, Spencer Logan, Evan Young
NASA Genomic Extraction
Cassidy Brozovich, Justin Davis, Satvik Kethireddy, Saisiri Panjugala
Optimal Tractor Sizing in Ohio
Mason Straker, Michael York, Owen Wallace
Infinity Labs Crop Sensing
Brian Higinbotham, Louisa Pigg, Tyler Humphreys
ASM Capstone Teams
Intercomp Weigh in Motion Scales
Brendan Good, Spencer Logan, Evan Young
ATV Safety
Case Swartz, Drew Settlemyre, Luke Buffenbarger
Optimal Tractor Sizing in Ohio
Mason Straker, Michael York, Owen Wallace
FABE Capstone Teams
ADS Rainwater Harvesting
Madison Kacica, Megan Malott, Zachary Miller, Allison Patrick
Infinity Labs Crop Sensing
Brian Higinbotham, Louisa Pigg, Tyler Humphreys
NASA Genomic Extraction
Cassidy Brozovich, Justin Davis, Satvik Kethireddy, Saisiri Panjugala
ReHeva Botanical Harvesting
Sam Brewster, Jason Matthews, Mia Scott, Abhi Vasudevanallur Mahesh
Forge Downstream Processing
Morgan Gentry, Kenny McCaughey, Jenny Luu, Grace Stephenson
Niagara Wastewater
Ryan Cary, Ali Kounouzvelis, Tatiana Morales, Grayson Spurlin
Honda Carbon Accounting
Gabriel Ebady, Joshua Robinson
2023 Graduates
Spring 2023
Ph.D.
FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
Patrick Sours
Master of Science
FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
Christopher McNabb
Matthew Simmons
Bachelor of Science
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Luke Buffenbarger
Brendan Good
Spencer Logan
Austin McCafferty
Andrew Settlemyre
Case Swartz
Owen Wallace
Michael York
Evan Young
Bachelor of Science
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Noah Adcock
Kurt Becka
Leo Bell
Alexander Bellas
Jimmy Brigido Mendiola
Deyson Bulcher
Jacob Bushnell
Kenneth Carver
Khadzia Conner
Nicholas Daniels
Samuel DiTirro
Andrew Donley
Dylan Emmett
Daniel Fineran
Margarita Garcia
Jacob Gunner
Habtamu Hailu
Tristan Hostetter
Eric Johnson
Kyle Kent
Nathan Lawrence
Liam Leskovec
Isaias Manriquez
Matthew Miranda
Christian Molina
Cameron Phillips
Benjamin Place
Zachary Schlessman
Bachelor of Science FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
Hannah Adams
Sharolyn Balbaugh
Josh Blankenship
Sam Brewster
Cassidy Brozovich
Abby Carruth
Justin Davis
Ravvin DeArmond
Gabriel Ebady
Wesley Estep
Morgan Gentry
Brian Higinbotham
Tyler Humphreys
Madison Kacica
Scott Seward
Mitchell Sollmann
Steven Spickler
Dante Spieker
Jackson Studley
John Wehrle
Nicholas Zolikoff
Satvik Kethireddy
Ali Kounouzvelis
Tanner Kutlu
Jenny Luu
Megan Malott
Kenny McCaughey
Anastasia Muenz
Jacob Murray
Allison Patrick
Louisa Pigg
Joshua Robinson
Mia Scott
Abby Stweart
Mary Trabue
Abhi Vasudevanallur
Mahesh
Summer 2023
Ph.D.
FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
Kathryn Boening-Ulman
Bachelor of Science
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Matthew Schroeder
Autumn 2023
Master of Science
FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
Alec Grimm
Silvia Valles Ramirez
Zachary Dichtl
Neha Joshi
Samira Wehmann
Bachelor of Science
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Cade Stover
Bachelor of Science
FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
Zac Miller
Tatiana Morales
Saisiri Panjugala
Grayson Spurlin
Grace Stephenson
Bachelor of Science
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Aidan Beck
Andrew Box
Benford Burns
Caleb Casto
Luke Cetovich
Cassandra Collins
Aaron Forbush
Richard Gomez
Joshua Guckenberger
Majd Hamdan
Tyler Karr
Cullen Krombach
Garrett Kuns
Oliver McGuire
Ryan Pandilidis
Joseph Printy
Sean Rea
Kyle Rodriguez
Nathaniel Roush
Anush Tomar
Henrick Turckes
Matthew Valentino
George Verhoff
Logan Williams
Recent Publications
1. Janahar, JJ; Xu, J; Balasubramaniam, V.M.; Yousef, A; Ting, ED. (2023). Inactivation of Lactobacillus brevis cells and Bacillus cereus spores as influenced by pressure, shear, thermal, and valve geometry. International Journal of Food Properties, 26, 1, 628-646, https://DOI.org/10.1080/10942912.2023.2 173227
2. Hetian Hu; Jerish Joyner Janahar; Balasubramaniam, V.M.; Ahmed Yousef; Edmund Ting (2023). Synergistic effects of pressure, temperature, shear, and their interactions on Clostridium sporogenes PA3679 spore inactivation during ultra-shear processing. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 90, https://DOI.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2023.103513
3. Pusty K; Dash, KK; Tiwari, A; Balasubramaniam, V.M. (2023). Ultrasound assisted extraction of red cabbage and encapsulation by freeze–drying: moisture sorption isotherms and thermodynamic characteristics of encapsulate. Food Science Biotechnology 32, 2025–2042, https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10068-023-01302-4
4. Ravichandran, C; Jayachandran, LL; Kothakota, A; Pandiselvam, R; Balasubramaniam, V.M. (2023). Influence of high pressure pasteurization on nutritional, functional and rheological characteristics of fruit and vegetable juices and purees-an updated review. Food Control 146, 109516, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109516
5. Janahar JJ; Balasubramaniam V.M.; Jiménez-Flores R; Campanella OH; Patel B; Ortega-Anaya, J (2023). Impact of ultra-shear technology on quality attributes of model dairy-pea protein dispersions with different fat levels. Current Research in Food Science 6, 100439, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. crfs.2023.100439
6. Edmund Ting, E; Balasubramaniam, VM; Yousef, AE; Flores, J; Lazarev, A. (2023). Ultra-shear: A Transformative Technology. Food Technology, https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/foodtechnology-magazine/issues/2023/december/columns/processing-ultra-shear-a-transformativetechnology
7. Ferrari, G; Barbosa-Canovas, G; Balasubramaniam, VM; Koutchma, T; Shpigelman, A; RasoPueyo, J. (2023). PEF: Pulsing With Promise. Food Technology, 77, 5, https://www.ift.org/news-andpublications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2023/june/columns/processing-pef-pulsing-withpromise
8. Balasubramaniam, V.M.; Lee, J.; Serventi, L. (2023). Understanding New Foods: Development of Next Generation of Food Processing, Packaging, and Ingredients Technologies for Clean Label Foods. Sustainable Food Innovation, 157-167, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12358-0_12
9. Wu, P.; Chen, Q.; Chen, Y.; Chen, S.; Zou, J. (2023). ISM-MICMAC based safety risk sources analysis and control measures for underground engineering of urban rail transit projects. Journal of Engineering Research, 11, 3, 40-50, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jer.2023.100076
10. Sas-Wright, T; Clark, J. (2023). Numerical assessment of indoor air quality in spaces in the United States designed with the ASHRAE 62.1–2019 Natural Ventilation Procedure. Building and Environment 243, 110671, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110671
11. Shahvari, SZ; Clark, J. (2023). Approaching theoretical maximum energy performance for desiccant dehumidification using staged and optimized metal-organic frameworks. Applied Energy, 331, 120421, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.120421
12. Saba, B; Bharathidasan, A; Ezeji, T.; Cornish, K. (2023). Characterization and potential valorization of industrial food processing wastes. Science of The Total Environment 868, 161550, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161550
13. Lankitus, D., Zhang, Y., Ariyaratne, M., Barker, D. J., McNulty, S. L., Amstutz, N., Zhao, L., Iaffaldano, B. J., & Cornish, K. (2023). Agrobacterium rhizogenes–induced Altered Morphology and Physiology in Rubber Dandelion after Genetic Transformation. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 148(1), 21-28, https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05217-22
14. Herkins, A; Cornish, K. (2023). Durability Variation Among Medical Gloves Made from Existing and New Elastomers Poses a Risk to Public Health. Global Challenges 7, 9, https://doi.org/10.1002/ gch2.202300100
15. Ariyaratne, M., King-Smith, N., Fresnedo-Ramirez, J., Barker, D. J., & Cornish, K. (2023). CRISPR/ Cas9-mediated Targeted Mutagenesis of Inulin Biosynthesis in Rubber Dandelion. American Society for Horticulture Science 148(6), 266-275, https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05311-23
16. King-Smith, N.; Molnar, K.; Blakeslee, J.; McMahan, C.; Pillai, A.; Mutalkhanov, M.; Puskas, J.; Cornish, K. (2023). Extractable latex yield from Taraxacum kok-saghyz roots is enhanced by increasing rubber particle buoyancy. Industrial Crops and Products, 206, 117698, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.117698
17. Saba, B.; Barrera, C.; Barker, D.; Cornish, K. (2023). Base-dependent flocculant treatment improves the extraction of latex from guayule. Environmental Technology & Innovation 32, 103388, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2023.103388
18. Cornish, K. (2023). Chapter 6 | Overview of Tests, Specifications, Practices, and Guides for Medical and Consumer Rubber Products. ASTM International, https://doi.org/10.1520/MNL75-EB
19. Ezeji, T.; Atiyeh, H; Mariano, AP; Rakshit, SK. (2023). Innovative bioconversion of non-food substrates to fuels. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 11, https://doi.org/10.3389/ fbioe.2023.1163513
20. Rivera, EC; Assumpçao, DC; Kwon, HJ; Okonkwo, CC; Ezeji, T.; Rubens, M; Mariano, AP. (2023). Mechanistic modeling of redox balance effects on the fermentation of eucalyptus wood-derived xylose to acetone-butanol-ethanol. Biochemical Engineering Journal, 190, https://www.doi. org/10.1016/j.bej.2022.108738
Recent Publications
21. Okonkwo, CC; Duduyemi, A; Ujor, VC; Atiyeh, HK; Iloba, I; Qureshi, N; Ezeji, T. (2023). From Agricultural Wastes to Fermentation Nutrients: A Case Study of 2,3-Butanediol Production. Fermentation-Basel, 9, 1, https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010036
22. Panahi, HKS; Dehhaghi, M; Guillemin, GJ; Okonkwo, CC; Kinder, JE; Ezeji, T. (2023). Bio-butanol production: scope, significance, and applications. Advances and Developments in Biobutanol Production, Advances in Pollution Research, 1-45, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-911788.00008-4
23. Gauci, A.A.; Fulton, J.; Lindsey, A.S.; Shearer, S.; Barker, D.; Hawkins, E.M. (2023). Precision of grain yield monitors for use in on-farm research strip trials. Precision Agric (2023). https://doi. org/10.1007/s11119-023-10092-y
24. Fulton, J.; Lindsey, A.; Gauci, A.; Hawkins, E.; Shearer, S.; Barker, D. (2023). Limitations of grain yield monitor data to evaluate treatment differences within on-farm experimentation. Precision Agriculture 2023, 123-127, https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-947-3_13
25. Kamath, R; Jimenez-Flores, R; Heldman, D. (2023). Investigation of Blended Milk-Pea Protein Beverage Fouling and Cleaning Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation. ACS Food Science & Technology, 4, 1, 77-87, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.3c00347
26. Shan, SY; Heldman, D.; Campanella, OH. (2023). Specific Heat Smoothing Methods for Numerical Heat Transfer Analysis Involving Phase Change in a Model Food System. Food Engineering Reviews, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12393-023-09359-x
27. Huellemeier, HA; Eren, NM; Payne, TD; Schultz, ZD; Jimenez-Flores, R; Heldman, D. (2023). Assessing the Scalability of the High-Pressure High-Temperature Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (HPHT QCM-D) for Milk Fouling Studies. ACS Food Science & Technology, 3, 7, 12161228, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.3c00131
28. Kim, WJ; Huellemeier, H; Heldman, D. (2023). Recovery of cleaning agents from Clean-In-Place (CIP) wastewater using nanofiltration (NF) and direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). Food Research International, 167, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112724
29. Fan, MY; Kim, WJ; Heldman, D. (2023). Effect of temperature, wall shear stress, and NaOH concentration on cleaning effectiveness. Journal of Food Science, 88, 4, 1523-1532, https://doi. org/10.1111/1750-3841.16493
30. Ita, M.E.; Kaletunç, G.; Swindle-Reilly, K.E. (2023). Designing a Biomedical Engineering Course to Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset in Students. Biomedical Engineering Education, 3, 179–191, https:// doi.org/10.1007/s43683-022-00101-3
31. Wong, T; Khanal, S.; Zhao, KG; Lyon, SW. (2023). Grain size estimation in fluvial gravel bars using uncrewed aerial vehicles: A comparison between methods based on imagery and topography. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5709
32. Mousavi-Avval, SH; Khanal, S.; Shah, A. (2023). Assessment of Potential Pennycress Availability and Suitable Sites for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Refineries in Ohio. Sustainability, 15, 13, https://doi. org/10.3390/su151310589
33. Kushal, KC; Khanal, S. (2023). Agricultural productivity and water quality tradeoffs of winter cover crops at a landscape scale through the lens of remote sensing. Journal of Environmental Management, 330, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117212
34. Varga, M.; Csukas, B.; Khanal, S.; Bakshi, B.R. (2023). Lessons from the biosphere for the anthroposphere: Analysis of recycling structures of conservational measures. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 192, 106919, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2023.106919
35. Khanal, S. (2023). Services from Agroecosystems and Their Quantification. Engineering and Ecosystems, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35692-6_11
36. Fraker, ME; Aloysius, NR; Martin, J.; Keitzer, SC; Dippold, DA; Yen, HW; Arnold, JG; Daggupati, P; Johnson, MVV; Robertson, DM; et al. (2023). Agricultural conservation practices could help offset climate change impacts on cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 49, 1, 209-219, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2022.11.009
37. Smith, JS; Winston, R.; Wituszynski, DM; Tirpak, RA; Boening-Ulman, KM; Martin, J. (2023). Effects of watershed-scale green infrastructure retrofits on urban stormwater quality: A paired watershed study to quantify nutrient and sediment removal. Ecological Engineering, 186, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2022.106835
38. Hu, TX; Zhang, XS; Bohrer, G; Liu, YL; Zhou, YY; Martin, J.; Li, Y; Zhao, KG. (2023). Crop yield prediction via explainable AI and interpretable machine learning: Dangers of black box models for evaluating climate change impacts on crop yield. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 336, https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2023.109458
39. Valles-Ramirez, S; Altland, JE; Testen, AL; Poelstra, JW; Michel, F. Jr. (2023). Microbial Community Structure in Soilless Substrates Used for Nursery Crops. Hortscience, 58, 11, 1348-1357, https://doi. org/10.21273/HORTSCI17275-23
40. Zeng J; Michel F. Jr.; Huang G. (2023). Comparison and Evaluation of GHG Emissions during Simulated Thermophilic Composting of Different Municipal and Agricultural Feedstocks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20, 4, 3002, https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph20043002
41. Kim, D; Song, I; Miralha, L.; Hirmas, DR; McEwan, RW; Mueller, TG; Samonil, P. (2023). Consequences of spatial structure in soil-geomorphic data on the results of machine learning models. Geocarto International, 38, 1, https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2023.2245381
Recent Publications
42. Miralha, L.; Wissler, AD; Segura, C; Bladon, KD. (2023). Characterizing stream temperature hysteresis in forested headwater streams. Hydrological Processes, 37, 1, https://doi.org/10.1002/ hyp.14795
43. Román, C; Jeon, H; Zhu, HP; Ozkan, E. (2023). Evaluating kaolin clay as a potential substance for iso sprayer cleaning system tests. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 39, 3, 347-358, https://doi. org/10.13031/aea.15466347
44. Zhang, ZH; Zhu, HP; Jeon, H; Ozkan, E.; Wei, ZM; Salcedo, R. (2023). A turbidity module to measure spray mixture concentration for premixing in-line injection system. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 39, 1, 13-21, https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.15245
45. Campos, J; Zhu, HP; Jeon, H; Salcedo, R; Ozkan, E.; Gil, E. (2023). Assessment of PWM solenoid valves to manipulate hollow-cone nozzles with different modulation frequencies. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 39, 2, 235-244, https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.15415
46. Campos, J; Zhu, H; Jeon, H; Salcedo, R; Román, C; Ozkan, E. (2023). Flow rate modulation capability and droplet size spectrum of an air-piloted PWM pinch valve coupled with hollowcone nozzles. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, https://doi.org/10.13031/ aim.202300363
47. Womac, AR; Ozkan, E; Zhu, H; Kochendorfer, J; Jeon, H; Eswarachandra, (2023). Wind Tunnels and Their Uses to Study Variables Affecting Precision Applications of Agricultural Sprays. Journal of the ASABE, 66, 5, 1135-1151, https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15622
48. Roman, C; Jeon, H; Zhu, H; Campos, J; Ozkan, E. (2023). Stereo vision controlled variable rate sprayer for specialty crops: Part II. Sprayer development and performance evaluation. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 66, 5, 1005-1017, https://doi.org/10.13031/ ja.15578
49. Roman, C; Jeon, H; Zhu, H; Campos, J; Ozkan, E. (2023). Stereo vision controlled variable rate sprayer for specialty crops: Part III. Effect of Travel Speeds on Spray deposition and Ground Loss. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 66, 6, 1469-1479, https://doi. org/10.13031/ja.15699
50. Roman, C; Jeon, H; Zhu, H; Campos, J; Ozkan, E. (2023). Effect of travel speed on spray deposition using a stereo vision variable rate sprayer prototype. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, https://doi.org/10.13031/aim.202300164
51. Campos, J; Zhu, H; Jeon, H; Roman, C; Ozkan, E.; Gil, E. (2023). Flow rate modulations and droplet size distributions of PWM-controlled hollow-cone nozzles operated at high frequencies and pressures. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, https://doi.org/10.13031/ aim.202300364
52. Roman, C; Jeon, H; Zhu, H; Campos, J; Ozkan, E. (2023). A real-time variable rate sprayer prototype using stereo vision for specialty crops. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, https://doi.org/10.13031/aim.202300081
53. Roman, C; Jeon, H; Zhu, H; Campos, J; Ozkan, E.; Park, S; Barlow, A; Sjoblom, K. (2023). Evaluations of alternate test material for ISO 22368-1 standard test. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, https://doi.org/10.13031/aim.202300133
54. Puskas, J.; Shrikhande, G; Molnar, K. (2023). Synthesis and characterization of Four-functional fluoresceins. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 381, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2023.121747
55. Molnar, K; Pillai, AS; Chen, DJ; Kaszas, G; McKenna, GB; Kornfield, JA; Puskas, J. (2023). Investigation of the structure, filler interaction and degradation of disulfide elastomers made by Reversible Radical Recombination Polymerization (R3P). European Polymer Journal, 191, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.112033
56. Chen, DJ; Molnar, K; Kim, H; Helfer, CA; Kaszas, G; Puskas, J.; Kornfield, JA; McKenna, GB. (2023). Linear Viscoelastic Properties of Putative Cyclic Polymers Synthesized by Reversible Radical Recombination Polymerization (R3P). Macromolecules, 56, 3, 1013-1032, https://doi.org/10.1021/ acs.macromol.2c00892
57. Kornfield, JA.; Puskas, J.; McKenna, GB. (2023). Polymer Macrocycles: A novel topology to control dynamics of rubbery materials. Web. https://doi.org/10.2172/1971136
58. Puskas, J.; Polyak, P.; Krisch, E.; Molnar, K. (2023). Green Polymer Science: Enzyme-Catalyzed Structure Assembly – Mini Review of a Patented Method. American Chemical Society, Sustainable Green Chemistry in Polymer Research. Volume 1. Biocatalysis and Biobased Materials, 2, 17-37, https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2023-1450.ch002
59. Samaranayake, CP; Mok, JH; Heskitt, BF; Sastry, S. (2023). Nonthermal inactivation effects on oxidative enzymes in grape juice influenced by moderate electric fields: Effect of constant exposure electrical treatments combined with temperature. Journal of Food Engineering, 340, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2022.111288
60. Zhong, SQ; Mok, JH; Li, ZQ; Sastry, S.; Kopec, RE. (2023). Production of iron-enriched kale leaves (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) utilizing combinations of novel food processing technologies. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 187, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2023.115365
61. Sastry S. (2023). Modeling of pulsed electric field processing. Food Innovation and Advances 2, 3, 171−183, https://doi.org/10.48130/FIA-2023-0012
62. Manandhar, A; Shah, A. (2023). Techno-Economic Analysis of the Production of Lactic Acid from Lignocellulosic Biomass. Fermentation-Basel, 9, 7, https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9070641
63. Huezo, L.; Shah, A. (2023). Effect of Hydrochar from Anaerobically Digested Sewage Sludge and Manure as a Soil Amendment on Soil Properties and Plant Responses. Bioenergy Research, 16, 1195–1204, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-022-10479-1
Recent Publications
64. Shaheb, MR; Misiewicz, PA; Godwin, RJ; Dickin, E.; White, DR; Lowenberg‐DeBoer, J.; Shearer, S.; Grift, T. (2023). An economic appraisal of the effect of tire inflation pressure for alternative tillage systems on a silty clay loam soil. Agronomy Journal, 115, 6, 3144-3161, https://doi. org/10.1002/agj2.21440
65. Alnaasan, N; Lieber, M; Shafi, A; Subramoni, H; Shearer, S.; Panda, DK. (2023). HARVEST: High-Performance Artificial Vision Framework for Expert Labeling using Semi-Supervised Training. IEEE International Conference on Big Data (BigData), 139-148, https://doi.org/10.1109/ BigData59044.2023.10386339
66. Youssef, MA; Strock, J; Bagheri, E; Reinhart, BD; Abendroth, LJ; Chighladze, G; Ghane, E; Shedekar, V.; Fausey, NR; Frankenberger, JR; et al. (2023). Impact of controlled drainage on corn yield under varying precipitation patterns: A synthesis of studies across the US Midwest and Southeast. Agricultural Water Management, 275, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2022.107993
67. Osterholz, W; Shedekar, V.; Simpson, Z; King, K. (2023). Resolving new and old phosphorus source contributions to subsurface tile drainage with weighted regressions on discharge and season. Journal of Environmental Quality, 52, 1, 100-112, https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20426
68. Evenson, G; Osterholz, WR; Shedekar, V; King, K; Mehan, S; Kalcic, M. (2023). Representing soil health practice effects on soil properties and nutrient loss in a watershed‐scale hydrologic model. Journal of Environmental Quality, 52, 3, 537-548, https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20338
69. Gonzalez, JM; Dick, WA; Islam, KR; Watts, DB; Fausey, NR; Flanagan, DC; Batte, MT; VanToai, TT; Reeder, RC; Shedekar, V. (2023). Cover crops, crop rotation, and gypsum, as conservation practices, impact Mehlich-3 extractable plant nutrients and trace metals. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2023.11.001
70. Winston, R.; Witter, JD; Tirpak, RA. (2023). Measuring sediment loads and particle size distribution in road runoff: Implications for sediment removal by stormwater control measures. Science of the Total Environment, 902, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166071
71. Grimm, AG; Oabel, A; Steiner, H; Winston, R. (2023). Curbing sediment: The effects of added surface roughness in the curb and gutter as a novel pretreatment for green infrastructure stormwater control measures. Journal of Environmental Management, 344, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. jenvman.2023.118370
72. Simpson, IM; Schwartz, JS; Hathaway, JM; Winston, R. (2023). Environmental regulations in the United States lead to improvements in untreated stormwater quality over four decades. Water Research, 243, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.120386
73. Winston, R.; Witter, JD; Tirpak, RA; Sester, L; Jenkins, H; Lillard, V. (2023). Abundance and composition of anthropogenic macrolitter and natural debris in road runoff in Ohio, USA. Water Research, 239, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.120036
74. Simpson, IM; Winston, R.; Tirpak, RA; Dorsey, JD; Stagge, JH; Hathaway, JM. (2023). Hydrologic responses of single land use urban and forested watersheds and their implications to improving urban drainage design. Journal of Hydrology, 620, A, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2023.129430
75. Lange, K; Furen, R; Osterlund, H; Winston, R.; Tirpak, RA; Nordqvist, K; Smith, J; Dorsey, J; Viklander, M; Blecken, GT. (2023). Abundance, distribution, and composition of microplastics in the filter media of nine aged stormwater bioretention systems. Chemosphere, 320, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138103
76. Simpson, IM; Winston, R.; Dorsey, JD. (2023). Monitoring the effects of urban and forested land uses on runoff quality: Implications for improved stormwater management. Science of the Total Environment, 862, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160827
77. McNabb, CE; Gee, KD; Brooker, MR; Bean, EZ; Winston, R. (2023). Investigation of Thermal Dynamics within Rainwater Harvesting Systems and Implications for Design. Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment, 9, 1, https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.SWENG-396
78. Furén, R; Österlund, H; Winston, R.; Tirpak, RA; Dorsey, JD; Smith, J; Viklander, M; Blecken, GT. (2023). Concentration, distribution, and fractionation of metals in the filter material of 29 bioretention facilities: a field study. Environmental Science-Water Research & Technology, 9, 12, 3158-3173, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ew00823h
79. Knight, RM; Hocter, JS; Milliken, SR; Herkins, MJ; Zhao, L.; Zhu, H. (2023). Development and optimisation of full-scale prototype electrostatic precipitators in a laboratory for particulate matter mitigation in poultryfacilities. Biosystems Engineering, 230, 71-82, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. biosystemseng.2023.03.0
80. Knight, RM; Herkins, MJ; Hocter, JS; Milliken, SR; Zhao, L.; Zhu, H. (2023). Field evaluation of electrostatic precipitators for particulate matter mitigation in a manure-belt layer facility. Biosystems Engineering, 230, 131-144, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2023.04.005
