Advising
All students are welcome and encouraged to meet with their advisor and faculty members in the department with any questions or concerns regarding the program, program requirements, opportunities for scholarships, undergraduate research and future employment.
First-Year Students
First-year students are advised by College of Engineering advisors, but after declaring a major, all biosystems engineering students are advised by biosystems engineering advisors.
Second-Year Students, Transfer Students & the Pre-Biosystems Engineering Designation
These students are advised by Dr. Alicia Modenbach, who serves as both academic and specialty advisor for these groups.
Third & Fourth-Year Students
During their junior and senior years, biosystems engineering students receive advising from two advisors. The specialty advisor helps students with career development; the academic advisor ensures students are taking the correct courses to graduate.
Academic Advisor
The student services coordinator (Dr. Modenbach) and the director of undergraduate studies (DUS), currently Dr. Joseph Dvorak, serve as academic advisors. Academic advisors are responsible for ensuring students are on track to graduate. They review student schedules for accuracy and notify students of any issues before the semester starts.
Specialty Advisor
Students are assigned a faculty member who serves as their specialty advisor. Advising assignments are made by matching the faculty member’s area of specialization with the student’s desired career path. The specialty advisor provides advice about topics such as choosing technical electives, possible internships and co-ops and, when appropriate, graduate school.
Specialty Advisors for Juniors and Seniors:
- Machine systems: Dr. Joseph Dvorak or Dr. Michael Sama
- Bioenvironmental: Dr. Bill Ford
- Food and bioprocess engineering: Dr. Jian Shi
- All other students: Dr. Joseph Dvorak
All students are welcome to consult the DUS about questions regarding any issue, especially issues that are not specialty-specific.
Choosing an Area of Study
Some students arrive on campus 100% sure of what area in BAE they want to specialize in. Most students decide by the end of their sophomore year. If you’re still trying to decide which area is best for you, below is some helpful information:
- Career Exploration and Discussion from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
- Our Areas of Study
College of Engineering:
- Schedule a Tour
- Cooperative Education
- Elbert C. Ray eStudio (tutoring)
- Engineering Career and Co-op Office (including internships)
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Resources for Success
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE):
Contact Us
Joseph Dvorak, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)
107 C.E. Barnhart Building
Lexington, KY 40546
Phone: 859-218-4349
Email: joe.dvorak@uky.edu
