Skip navigation, view page content

Begin OSU masthead and toolbar

The Ohio State University
www.osu.edu
  1. Help
  2. Campus map
  3. Find people
  4. Webmail

Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Banner
Agricultural Engineering Construction Systems Management Pre-Med/Pre-Vet
Agricultural Systems Management Ecological Engineering
Biological Engineering Food Engineering

 

Welcome!

Welcome Statement Facilities
Mission and Vision Awards
The Ecological Paradigm Available Positions

tom_bean

Tom L. Bean

Chair of the Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department

History

The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) for many years was known as the Department of Agricultural Engineering.  In fact, our building still holds this name. 

Ives Hall was the first home to the department and at the time was the largest agricultural engineering building in the country.  Ives Hall, named after the Chair, Frederick Ives become the first American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) Historic Landmark in 1926. Mary Parks Ives, Professor Ives' spouse, was the first woman to become a member in ASAE. She designed tools for AmericaÕs homemakers.

In 1935, the department helped put Òrubber on the roads.Ó With partnerships from industry FABE was instrumental in designing the first rubber tires for tractors, thus mobilizing American agriculture. In 1961, the Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem was developed which became an ASAE standard in 1964, was adopted by the National Motor Vehicle Code in 1968, became an American National Standard, and was adopted in the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Standards in 1971.

During that same time period the Agricultural Research Service and members of the FABE faculty were at work developing a laser-beam grade control system that has inspired all future work in this area.  In addition, from 1959 Ð1978 work progressed on the development of corrugated plastic tubing for draining the fields of AmericaÕs farms and production of food and fiber rose across the country. In 1987, we opened our new building and Ives Hall became the home to other departments until 2002 when it was demolished.

The Department Today

Work still continues today, FABE faculty are working on till/no-till production systems to improve the economy on Ohio farms. We are contributing to the U.S. Space Program through development of robotic arms that sense and pick fresh vegetables for the mission to Mars and beyond. In addition, special packaging for food for those long flights has been developed.

We take pride in educating tomorrowÕs leaders in agriculture. Our student numbers have grown to over 490 students. 

We offer three educational options:

  • An accredited Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering bachelors, master and doctorial degree;
  • A bachelors degree in Agricultural Systems Management;
  • And a Bachelors degree in Construction Systems Managers.

Our students receive many Òhands onÓ experiences and have close personal interaction with instructional staff and faculty.  The students have the opportunity to participate in four departmental student clubs and we have excellent internship programs available.   Upon graduation our students are hired at the top of the salary scales offered by industry, government organization and other universities.  We are currently working toward accreditation of our Construction Systems Management program.

Additional information concerning FABE is found on our web site.  Should you have any questions, we look forward to hearing from you.