Sebastian Behrens

Dr. Sebastian Behrens is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering at the University of Minnesota, with joint appointments at the BioTechnology Institute. His research bridges Molecular Microbial Ecology, Geomicrobiology, and Environmental Biotechnology to address environmental contamination and resource recovery through microbial processes.

His educational background includes:

• B.S. in Biology from the University of Bremen, Germany (1998)
• M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Bremen and Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Germany (2000)
• Ph.D. in Molecular Microbial Ecology from the University of Bremen and Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Germany (2003)

Dr. Behrens investigates microbial processes for bioremediation of mining wastes, agricultural runoff, and industrial contaminants, specializing in biochar applications for wastewater treatment, nitrogen cycling, and degradation of fluorinated compounds. His lab combines classical microbiology with molecular tools to analyze microbial community dynamics in engineered and natural systems, focusing on sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

His recent publications demonstrate biochar's dual role as a microbial habitat and pH stabilizer, significantly enhancing nitrogen removal efficiency and contaminant degradation in wastewater systems while supporting carbon sequestration and reducing microplastic pollution through sustainable material substitution.

Dr. Behrens actively mentors graduate students and secures research funding through:

• Federal agency grants
• MnDrive Environment initiatives
• Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) awards

His work directly supports Minnesota's emerging biochar industry and sustainable carbon management strategies.

He leads the Behrens Research Group across dual facilities at the Civil Engineering Building and BioTechnology Institute, collaborating with the Minnesota Biochar Initiative on statewide applications including soil remediation, microplastic degradation, and the 2025 North American Biochar Conference planning.