Department of Biological Engineering Faculty Member: Ron Sims BE Students: Jon Wood, Jason Peterson, Cody Maxfield, Tyler Gladwin, & Alan Hodges Protein from Algae for Better Health of People and Animals In this Challenge Session students will obtain hands-on experience setting up a process to extract protein from algae in order to make health products for people and feed for animals. Proteins are essential building blocks of cell structure and enzymes. Algae protein provides a non-animal alternative source of protein that has the same quality or higher quality than soy. Students will learn how to extract protein from algae, test different kinds of algae, and compare algae for protein content. Student will also learn how protein-associated extracts of algae can be transformed into antioxidant biochemicals with applications in medicine. Background will be given for other types of algae and their applications in bioenergy and bioprocesses to make bioplastics. Applications of algae bioprocessing will be discussed that are currently being explored in collaborations between the BE Department and industries in Utah. BE a Biological Engineer. BE the future.