Climate change is altering weather patterns, leading to more frequent and intense rainfall events that place increasing strain on community stormwater systems. In 2022, the Sustainability Institute (SI) at Ohio State announced a new collaboration with Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS), a provider of water management solutions for stormwater and onsite septic wastewater systems, to study the impacts of urban stormwater management, engage student engineers, and promote campus collection of recycled plastic, a material used in ADS pipe.

Plastic pollution is an environmental threat that continues to impact sustainability efforts not only in Ohio, but the world. While the material itself is very useful, it proves quite resistant to natural degradation, contributing to major challenges to global waste management. 

Polyethylene (PE) plastic specifically is a leading contributor to pollution, since it is by far the most highly produced at 27% of global plastic production. PE is commonly found in plastic bags, food containers, bottles, and water pipes.

Providing hands-on learning opportunities and making good use of university resources for the advancement of student success are two things that the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) at The Ohio State University does exceptionally well.

The department recently introduced the Digital Earthworks Sandbox, a nine acre plot of land located at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center to give students across all three majors adequate laboratory space outside of the classroom. 

Bryce Schott, a senior agricultural engineering major in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE), recently completed his summer internship at CNH, a global leader in the agricultural and construction equipment industry. The internship provided Schott with an invaluable opportunity to immerse himself in real-world projects and gain direct experience in a corporate environment.

The Ohio State University’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) was tied for 12th in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Biological / Agricultural Engineering Programs, which was released this week. 

"It's an exciting time to be in FABE and the College of Engineering," said department chair Scott Shearer. "We will continue to give our students the best opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond."