BioFuels Journal

BFJ.com Q & A Podcast With KSU Professor of Grain Science & Industry Fred Fairchild on New KSU Biofuels Degree Program

The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University (KSU)announced June 16 it is introducing a degree option in biofuels production and management.

BioFuels Journal Editor Myke Feinman interviewed Fred Fairchild, KSU Professor of Grain Science and Industry for background information on this new degree program.

Here are excepts from the phone interview:

When did the Grain Science and Industry program start at Kansas State University?

"In 1951, the Feed Science course was established at Kansas State."

Why did you establish a degree program for biofuels?

"Over a period of time, it became evident that people were needed to manager and operate these biofuels plants because managers and operators from the feed and other industries were made biofuels managers and supervisors with extremely attractive salaries and luring them into the biofuels industry."

How long to obtain a degree?

"Four-year degree program with an internship."

Facts About The Biofuels Production and Management Degree

• Starting this fall, students enrolled in the feed science and management program at K-State will have the option of focusing their majors in either feed production or biofuels production.

• The classes offered will cover all principles of processing grains, turning them into fuels and finding uses for the byproducts of the fermentation process.

• Students who have completed the course work for the degree will be prepared to operate and manage biofuels facilities.

For more information, call Fred Fairchild at 785-532-4090 or Jessica Grant at 785-532-1546.