Who Should Apply:

Undergraduate students with an interest in research are encouraged to apply!  Typical majors include Biology, Ecosystem Management, Forestry, Engineering, Biotechnology, Agricultural Sciences, and Economics. If you would like to learn about topics such as sustainable energy and products, biomass crops, forest management, and ecosystem impacts, while developing your research skills, then this program could be ideal for you.  

As a MASBio Summer Scholar, you will be paired with a professor working in your area of study, and will carry out a research project.  There are many important research questions related to the bioproducts space, and the specifics of your project could be related to a wide range of subjects, including:

• Conversion of biomass to high value products such as biochar, biopolymers, and biostructures
• Assessment of the ecosystem impacts of biomass production and use
• Design and development of biomass production and processing systems
• Characterization of the unique features of biomass crops and their performance
• Development of bio-based devices
• Development of biomass-based strategies for land reclamation and forest enhancement

These topics, among others, will be the subject of investigation during the summer program.  The program is co-sponsored by the Northeast Sun Grant initiative, which will further broaden the scope of the experience. 

What to Expect:

Plan to arrive at Penn State on or about June 1st, where you will meet your fellow scholars, and take part in an orientation and tour of the research facilities.  This will include safety training and an introduction to research and the opportunities for biomass and bioproducts in the region.  You will be paired up with a supervising professor who will introduce you to the specifics of your research project, and will guide you throughout the summer as you carry out your research project.  Ongoing activities and programs throughout the summer will include seminars, discussions, field trips, and other events where you will have the opportunity to learn more about bioenergy, bioproducts, sustainability, and career development. 

The culmination of the summer program will feature an in-house symposium where you will present your research to the students and faculty, and celebrate the successes of the program. 

Send your application to Dr Stephen Chmely ( sc411@psu.edu).  Be sure to include the following:

• A copy of your resume
• Your undergraduate transcript
• A “statement of purpose” – a ~1page essay where you describe your background and interest in research, biomass, bioenergy, and bioproducts, as well as your professional goals. 
• Two letters of reference from faculty or former employers (these can be sent directly by the reference)

To receive full consideration, make sure you send in your application by January 30th, 2025. 

Send your questions to Stephen Chmely ( sc411@psu.edu) or Daniel Ciolkosz ( dec109@psu.edu).

1. Assessing Regional Biomass Operations and Supply Chains - Allison Wickman
2. Sustainable Plastic Alternatives Derived from Biomass for Packaging Systems - Chloe Taylor
3. Transpiration Drying and Associated Leaf Physiology of Common Appalachian Hardwood Species - Emme Linkous
4. Using Hemp-Lime for Carbon Sequestration - Shannon Fisher
5. A Modular Process System for Manufacturing Consumer Bioplastic Products from Food Waste - Sophia Deal

1. Monitoring Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Ameris Chadband | Advisor, Amir Hass.
2. Effect of Biochar on Microbial Extracellular Polysaccharide (EPS) Production and other Soil Attributes across Switchgrass and Willow Feedstocks - Sam Brumback | Advisor, Charlene Kelly
   
3. Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Extraction using Biochar | Erika Weisman | Advisors, Oishi Sanytal and Shawn Grushecky.
   
4. Production of Phenolic Monomers via Rapid Catalytic Lignin Depolymerization for Adhesive Applications - Abhinaya Polanka | Advisors, Changle Jiang and John Hu.

1. Retrofit Wood Panel Systems - Zoe Quinones
2. Polyhydroxybutarate (PHB) production from willow biomass using low severity pretreatment - Emily Froass
3. Long Term Soil Carbon Dynamics in Willow Biomass Crops - A. Herrington
4. Digital Visualization for Education - Keagan Drago-Leaf