Purdue Ag Biological Engineering Program Ranked No. 1

Purdue’s Agricultural Biological Engineering Program (ABE) is ranked first in its category by U.S. News & World Report for the eighth consecutive year. ABE’s graduate program was ranked first earlier this year for the 10th time in the past 11 years.

 “To hold these types of ranking for extended periods of time is impressive and indicates the tremendous impact ABE faculty and staff are having within their disciplines,” said Purdue’s Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture Karen Plaut.

Bernie Engel, ABE professor and department head, has led the department for the past 14 years. He credits the university and colleges for this achievement. “We benefit greatly from the strength of the university, agriculture and engineering,” he said. “Purdue’s commitment to the breadth and depth of the ABE profession is noteworthy and sets us apart nationally and internationally. While many programs have been forced to focus more narrowly, we maintained strengths in longstanding areas within our profession while also growing and evolving in the biological engineering area.”

Engel also highlighted the contributions of the department’s alumni.  “Any department that consistently receives this kind of recognition must acknowledge the influence our alumni are having throughout the world,” he said.

Purdue’s ABE building is undergoing major renovations and additions. “We are extremely grateful to Purdue, the state of Indiana and all our alumni and friends who have made these new facilities possible because they believe in our mission. We look forward to continuing to meet and exceed these expectations,” Engel said.