Katharine Strandquist

Dr. Katharine Strandquist serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the School of Engineering at Benedictine College, contributing to engineering education with expertise spanning bioenergy and sustainable systems. Her academic foundation combines dual bachelor's degrees with specialized doctoral research in biological conversion processes.

Educational background:

• BS in Chemistry, Benedictine College, 2018
• BS in Chemical Engineering, University of North Dakota, 2018
• PhD in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 2022

Her research centers on converting plant biomass to renewable natural gas using mixed microbial communities, integrating agricultural engineering, microbial biotechnology, and sustainable energy systems. This work addresses critical challenges in bioenergy production through interdisciplinary approaches that bridge chemical and biological engineering principles.

During doctoral studies, she collaborated with the Department of Energy’s Center for Bioenergy Innovations and contributed to a USDA-NIFA funded project (C-CHANGE) with Iowa State University, gaining experience in large-scale renewable energy initiatives. Her current role focuses on teaching within Benedictine College's engineering curriculum while maintaining connections to national bioenergy research networks.