Doctoral IGEP in BioBuild
BioBuild tours Red Suns Farms.
![BioBuild tours Red Suns Farms. A group explores the grounds of Red Suns Farms.](/content/mlsoc_vt_edu/en/programs/graduate/doctoral-igep-in-biobuild/_jcr_content/article-image.transform/m-medium/image.png)
Dive into innovative research and problem solving with an interdisciplinary lens exploring synergies between living systems and the built environment.
The Doctoral IGEP (Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program) in BioBuild at Virginia Tech is a specialized, interdisciplinary research and education program that brings together students and faculty from various disciplines to explore connections between living systems and the built environment through bioinspiration, biointegration, and bio inclusivity. The program aims to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for the construction industry by integrating principles of biological systems into the design, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure. Through this unique approach, the Biobuild program fosters collaboration, creativity, and transformative research toward holistic bio-inspired solutions.
90
Required credit hours for core courses and research credits
7
Affiliated colleges within Virginia Tech
21
Affiliated faculty from across the university
For more information on the application process for Virginia Tech's graduate school please visit:
The Program
- Join a cohort of students who desire to impact both local and global challenges
- Take part in interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach experiences
- Benefit from co-advisors across seven colleges at Virginia Tech
- Further your professional development through curricular and co-curricular experiences
Fellow Support
- Financial support for tuition and fees
- Stipends up to $24,000 annually
- Initial appointments of 9 to 12 months
- Financial support for travel to conferences and professional events
- Prospective students seeking a Ph.D. degree in an interdisciplinary program
- Students with an interest in studying the built environment from a bio-inspired perspective. Our fellows have backgrounds in a variety of areas including agricultural studies, architecture, biology, business, computer science, engineering, history, interior design, natural resource management, psychology, public health and urban planning.
Applications are accepted throughout the year
You may contact us at biobuild@vt.edu. We would be happy to discuss any questions you may have.
Applying to Virginia Tech and the BioBuild program
Students interested in becoming part of the BioBuild doctoral program must apply to become a graduate student at Virginia Tech.
- Please visit the Virginia Tech Graduate School website for general information on the graduate school program.
- The application to the Graduate School at Virginia Tech is accessed from the Admissions Page, where you will find instructions for applying online or via mail-in forms.
When selecting a program of study in your graduate school application, you can choose to apply directly to the BioBuild program (Bio-inspired Buildings) or a participating department/program.
- If you apply directly to a department, be sure to contact us at biobuild@vt.edu, so that we are aware of your interest.
- If you apply directly to the BioBuild Program (Bio-inspired Buildings) you must already have a committed advisor to enter the program.
- See the participating programs list below and review the requirements for specific degree programs.
- NOTE: whether you apply directly to the BioBuild program or a department, your Statement of Purpose must indicate why you are interested in this program and which faculty members in the program have research interests that align with your own.
Our graduate programs hold accreditation with the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 52.2001. However, it is important to note that this CIP code is not currently recognized as a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM Designated Degree Program. As a result, international students who graduate from our program may experience limitations or restrictions on their visa status, particularly regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions for STEM programs. Please consult with an immigration advisor or contact Virginia Tech's Cranwell International Center to understand the implications for your specific situation.
About our Program
In the classroom, Akanmu (far right) teaches the fundamentals of digitally mapping job sites for futuristic worker training and assessing hazardous conditions in a safe setting. Chiravi Patel for Virginia Tech.
![BioBuild group tours Red Suns Farm A group poses for a photo with smiles at Red Suns Farm.](/content/mlsoc_vt_edu/en/programs/graduate/doctoral-igep-in-biobuild/_jcr_content/content/adaptiveimage.transform/m-medium/image.jpg)
Unlike any other program, BioBuild at Virginia Tech distinguishes itself by taking an innovative, hands-on approach to environmental sustainability and education. With interdisciplinary at its core as a Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program (IGEP), BioBuild answers the pressing societal need for professionals with the interdisciplinary expertise necessary to create buildings and communities that are in fact bioinspired.
Graduates will have an immediate impact in university and industrial settings, and they will change the relationship between the built environment and our planet. This requires a radical shift in how we understand buildings by bringing together faculty from departments and centers across Virginia Tech. Through the BioBuild program, explore building systems and living systems synergistically to discover innovative connections between domains.
Students in the Bio-inspired Buildings (BioBuild) program earn their doctoral degree from one of the degree-granting programs in which their BioBuild-affiliated advisor is located. Find the list of current participating programs below and visit specific programs of interest in the Graduate Catalog to review the requirements for those degree programs.
We recommend that you identify specific BioBuild faculty aligned with your research interests and contact them directly to discuss the possibility of enrollment in their home program as a BioBuild student. You may also contact other faculty with relevant research interests who are not listed as current BioBuild affiliate faculty. Please mention the BioBuild program as a possible funding source and encourage these faculty to contact Dr. Annie Pearce (apearce@vt.edu) regarding requirements for BioBuild affiliation.
Find participating colleges, departments, and faculty below.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- School of Animal Sciences - Erica Feuerbacher
College of Architecture, Art & Design
- School of Performing Arts - Dwight Bigler
College of Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics - Jonathan Boreyko
- Building Construction - Annie Pearce, Georg Reichard
- Civil and Environmental Engineering - Michael Garvin, Farrokh Jazizadeh, Freddy Paige, Tripp Shealy
- Construction Engineering & Management - Xinghua Gao
- Electrical and Computer Engineering - Walid Saad
- Engineering Education - Ben Chambers
- Mechanical Engineering - Rolf Mueller
College of Science
- Biological Sciences - Bryan Brown, Ignacio Moore
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences – Virginia Buechner-Maxwell
College of Natural Resources and Environment
- Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation – Amy Brunner, Susan Day
- Sustainable Biomaterials - Daniel Hindman, Jennifer Russell
College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
- Urban Affairs & Planning - Steve Hankey
BioBuild Fellows can receive one year or more of financial support from the program while working toward a degree in one of the current participating programs listed above, or from a doctoral program associated with any BioBuild-affiliated faculty.
To receive full consideration for financial support in the following academic year, applications should be submitted by January 15 for fall entry or September 15 for spring entry.
For more information, contact BioBuild Program Director Annie Pearce or send a general request for information to biobuild@vt.edu.
Core Benefits of Our Degree Program
A Biobuild group tours Healing Strides Farms.
![A Biobuild group tours Healing Strides Farms. Students take photos of a horse at Healing Strides Farms.](/content/mlsoc_vt_edu/en/programs/graduate/doctoral-igep-in-biobuild/_jcr_content/content/vtmulticolumn_152287_1906678782/vt-items_0/adaptiveimage.transform/m-medium/image.jpg)
Interdisciplinary Expertise and Pioneering Research
The BioBuild program is spearheaded by a team of faculty members who are at the forefront of their respective fields - from biology to engineering, and from construction to environmental science. Our faculty provide mentorship and work alongside students on innovative research projects, such as the development of phytoremediative greenwalls and household anaerobic digesters, making strides in environmental conservation and waste management. This multifaceted approach to research not only enriches the learning experience but also pushes the boundaries of knowledge in sustainability and bio-inspired construction.
![Two graduate students smile for a photo during a commencement ceremony while wearing their ceremonial cap and gown.](/content/mlsoc_vt_edu/en/programs/graduate/doctoral-igep-in-biobuild/_jcr_content/content/vtmulticolumn_152287_2060322878/vt-items_0/adaptiveimage.transform/m-medium/image.jpg)
High Demand for Our Graduates
BioBuild graduates bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the workforce or academia, making them sought-after candidates in a variety of fields. Thanks to hands-on learning experiences, mentorship from expert faculty, and a strong network of peers, our students are equipped to drive innovation and change in sustainability, biology, engineering, and beyond. The program's commitment to real-world problem-solving, as evidenced by student-led projects and patent disclosures, ensures our graduates are ready to take on complex challenges and make a substantial impact on the world.
Students watch as a professor is in river.
![Students watch as a professor is in river. Students watch as a professor is in river.](/content/mlsoc_vt_edu/en/programs/graduate/doctoral-igep-in-biobuild/_jcr_content/content/vtmulticolumn_152287_1643707998/vt-items_0/adaptiveimage.transform/m-medium/image.png)
Engagement in a Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainability
The BioBuild program encourages students to immerse themselves in the multi-faceted world of environmental sustainability, blending science, technology, arts, and community outreach. From participating in interdisciplinary research projects to public engagements, students experience a breadth of opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills. Furthermore, they learn to communicate scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences, advocate for sustainable practices, and inspire change in their communities.
Embarking on the BioBuild program offers a transformative opportunity to become an innovator in the converging domains of living systems, sustainability, construction, and engineering.
By becoming a part of the BioBuild family, you are not just choosing an academic degree, but a life-altering experience that prepares you to be a leader in shaping a sustainable, healthier, and eco-conscious future. Join us on this exciting journey to redefine the boundaries of bio-inspired construction and environmental design, as we continue to make strides in this dynamic and evolving domain.
Our Faculty
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General ItemDwight Bigler
Director of Choral Activities
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Bio ItemJonathan Boreyko , bio
Associate Professor, John R. Jones III Faculty Fellow
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Bio ItemVirginia Buechner-Maxwell, DVM, MS, DACVIM , bio
Professor, Large Animal Internal Medicine
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Bio ItemDr. Benjamin Chambers , bio
bdc0112@vt.edu
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Bio Item
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Bio ItemXinghua Gao , bio
Assistant Professor, Construction Engineering and Management
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Bio ItemMichael J. Garvin , bio
Vecellio CEM Program Coordinator, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Bio ItemSteve Hankey , bio
Associate Professor, Urban Affairs and Planning (UAP)
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Bio Item
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Bio ItemFarrokh Jazizadeh , bio
Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Bio ItemRolf Müller , bio
Raymond E. and Shirley B. Lynn Professor
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Bio ItemFrederick Paige , bio
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Bio ItemAnnie Pearce , bio
Associate Professor, Building Construction; Director, BioBuild Interdisciplinary Graduate Program; Head, Sustainable Facilities and Infrastructure Laboratory
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Bio ItemGeorg Reichard , bio
Associate Director for Operations, Myers-Lawson School of Construction; Professor and Head, Building Construction; Director, Building Enclosure & System Technologies Lab; Preston and Catharine White Fellow
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Bio Item
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Bio ItemTripp Shealy , bio
Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
![An orchestra performs on stage](/content/mlsoc_vt_edu/en/programs/graduate/doctoral-igep-in-biobuild/_jcr_content/content/vtcontainer_36613604/vtcontainer-content/vtcta_copy_copy/adaptiveimage.transform/m-medium/image.jpg)
BIOBUILD NEWS
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Article ItemVeterans Day Plantsgiving , article
BioBuild was invited to do Plantsgiving at the YMCA alongside the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets for Thanksgiving.
Date: Nov 06, 2023 -
Article ItemMental Health Day Plantsgiving , article
BioBuild students participate in Plantsgiving as part of Mental Health Day.
Date: Oct 10, 2023 -
Article ItemBiobuild Program Outreach At The Mary Draper Ingles Festival , article
In the BioBuild Program's most recent outreach event, affiliated faculty and students provided bioinclusive projects for the next generation. The Mary Draper Ingels Festival takes place annually in Radford at the Glencoe Mansion in honor of Mary Draper's courageous voyage. Learn more about the event and her story.
Date: Aug 01, 2022 -
Article Item‘Mosaic for Earth’ to extol world wonders, sustainability with hundreds of Virginia Tech musicians , article
The director of choirs at Virginia Tech will conduct the premiere of “Mosaic for Earth” on April 3. Featuring 250 musicians from Virginia Tech and across the region, the performance is set for 7 p.m. in the Moss Arts Center.
Date: Mar 30, 2022
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