Program Coordinator/Contact
Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Interim Department Head and Distinguished Professor
Lin Wei, Associate Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Raven Precision Agriculture Center 217
605-688-5141
Program Information
Students who undertake this Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering graduate degree normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues, and problems in agricultural, biological, thermal, fluid, control, bulk materials storage/handling systems, animal systems, precision agriculture and mechanical systems. Graduate studies improve the student’s ability to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize, analyze, and integrate ideas for decision-making and problem solving.
This program offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study in specialization areas such as:
- biorenewable energy and bioresource conversion technologies,
- engineering of advanced precision agriculture systems used in production agriculture,
- natural resources engineering for utilization and conservation of soil and water resources,
- advanced manufacturing and quality control technologies focused on composition, properties, and integrity of materials,
- advanced thermal-fluid systems,
- advanced composites,
- advanced animal systems
- bulk materials storage/handling systems,
- precision agriculture, and
- systems modeling.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Acquire and apply the knowledge and skills to make an original contribution to the agricultural, biosystems and mechanical engineering field.
- Conduct creative and independent research within a supportive framework.
- Understand and critically evaluate the relevant engineering literature.
- Communicate relevant engineering principles and theories by written, oral, and visual means.
- Apply engineering principles and procedures to the recognition, interpretation, and understanding of prior and current knowledge in the field.
- Exhibit an appropriate awareness of and commitment to the ethical conduct of research.
Course Delivery Format
The program engages students in lecture, laboratory, and in hands-on, field-based learning experiences.
Facilities and Services
The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department is housed in the Raven Precision Agriculture Center building. The entire building is dedicated to undergraduate and graduate instruction, research, and outreach projects that support the engineering needs of production agriculture, natural resource conservation, and value-added processing of the food and fiber produced in the region and nationally. Additional research and outreach projects take place at multiple field locations in the region. There are more than 25,000 square feet of space dedicated to industry-sponsored student design projects and cutting edge research, including a full fabrication shop and a computer lab to support these efforts. The department is also home to the South Dakota Water Resources Institute (SDWRI), dedicated to the proper stewardship of the state’s water resources.
Student Engagement and Support Opportunities
Financial assistance in the form of research assistantships and project assistantships is available on a highly competitive basis.
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