The objective of this project is to create a research experience that integrates undergraduate students in team-based research projects focused on converting biological wastes into products of value. The proposed REU site will provide a summer research experience for nine students per year, training 27 students over a 3-year period. Besides gaining research experience, we aim to impact student growth and development in two major areas: 1) communication of scientific results and 2) effective teamwork practices. In the course of growing as researchers, we also expect to observe positive changes in participant attitudes about research. Preparing future researchers aligns with the NSF mission of promoting the progress of science as well as advancing the field of bioprocess engineering. The objective of this project is to continue an existing REU site that integrates undergraduate students in team-based research projects focused on converting biological wastes into products of value. Solving this problem is an interdisciplinary challenge and we will engage teams of REU fellows and collaborating faculty mentors and graduate students. This team-based REU Site will i) result in a greater number of REU authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts compared to peer sites, ii) improve confidence and knowledge regarding effective team practices among fellows, and iii) increase fellows’ research self-efficacy and sense of identity as a researcher. Interdisciplinary projects will focus on 1) co