Dr. Liangcheng Yang, a research fellow in the College of Applied Science and Technology at Illinois State University, is leading a research project to improve biogas production using the anaerobic digestion process. He is working to address key waste management challenges by developing methods to produce more efficient and higher-quality biogas, helping to create sustainable energy solutions.

“This research is important to me because I believe sustainability is critical to our society, and effective waste management technologies play a vital role in advancing it,” Yang said.

Yang’s interest in anaerobic digestion stems from the benefits this technology offers compared to traditional waste management approaches such as landfilling and incineration.

“Anaerobic digestion converts waste into energy under mild and environmentally friendly conditions,” Yang said.

The current process, however, is relatively inefficient, which motivates him to optimize its operation for greater impact. He emphasized the important role that waste management technology plays in advancing sustainability goals.

The main goals of the project are to find ways to make organic waste easier to break down and to improve the conditions inside the digester to produce more biogas. Unlike many projects that receive federal funding, Yang’s research project is supported by a global Fortune 500 company focused on practical solutions for commercial applications.

Graduate and undergraduate students play a vital role in the success of this research. Yang supervises one graduate and two undergraduate students who carry out laboratory work, including sample collection, digester operation, data analysis, and public outreach activities such as leading lab tours and presenting findings at conferences. Kathryn Stahl, a graduate student working on the project, said she gained a lot of confidence in my lab skills and overall research capability.

“After working in the lab with Dr. Yang for the past few months, I feel that I’ve gained a lot of confidence in my lab skills, presenting, and overall research capability,” Stahl said.

Support from Illinois State University and the College of Applied Science and Technology has been key to the success of this project. The University’s Research and Sponsored Program (RSP) office assisted with contracts and project management, while the College of Applied Science and Technology, Department of Health Sciences, and Department of Agriculture have provided support in facilities, student hiring, and purchasing.

The project includes collaboration of the experts from different fields, including Dr. John Sedbrook, a genetics professor who works with Yang as co-principal investigator. Dr. Rob Rhykerd and Dr. Nicholas Heller also contributed important research that helped make this project possible.

Beyond its scientific goals, the project supports Illinois State’s commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and student education. Since 2014, Yang has guided many graduate and undergraduate students in waste management research. The project also collaborates with local groups, such as the Ecology Action Center and the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District, to address environmental and waste issues within the community.

Yang and his sponsor hope to expand the research to pilot studies in the next few years. This step would move the project closer to real-world use, which is especially important now that federal funding is limited. Yang noted that there are numerous opportunities to convert waste into energy as society strives for sustainability.

Yang finds motivation in the project’s innovative potential and societal impact, stating, “I am excited by projects that make a real difference in the environment and society.”