September 11, 2023
Wilkins elected ASABE fellow
Mark Wilkins, department head and professor in the Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State University, has been elected a fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, or ASABE.
Wilkins, who came to K-State in 2022 after six years as a professor of biological systems engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joined nine others in the 2023 class of ASABE fellows, all honored with induction at the organization's 2023 annual meeting.
In addition to his work as a professor, Wilkins was also director of the Industrial Agricultural Products Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. From 2005-2016, Wilkins was on the faculty of the biosystems and agricultural engineering department at Oklahoma State University.
Wilkins' research focuses on the fermentation of sugars and lignin monomers to produce both bioplastics and chemicals. Utilization of waste products as feedstock is also an emphasis. Recent projects have included the production of bioplastics from the fermentation of sugars and lignin monomers, succinic acid fermentation, packed bed fermenter design and utilization of corn fiber as a feedstock for bioprocessing.
"I'm humbled by the ASABE selecting me for this honor," Wilkins said. "This is a great recognition of all of the great work my students and collaborators have done with me over the years. I have been honored to work with some wonderful students and colleagues."
Fellows are the highest honor bestowed by ASABE, recognizing members whose careers have been marked by extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the field of agricultural, food or biological systems engineering. Additionally, fellows must have a minimum of 20 years of engineering practice or teaching and 20 years as a member of the organization.