By Bret Yager
App State research puts biochar in focus as a material that could help build a resilient future. The potential of this charcoal-like material is being investigated on several fronts: as a base material in concrete to reduce CO2 emissions, as a conductive material in “self-sensing” concrete capable of monitoring its own structural condition, and as a soil amendment to improve High Country agriculture.
Mountain growers are challenged by “old soils” that have lost key nutrients, minerals and organic matter, said Dr. Jeremy Ferrell, who teaches a biochar technology course at App State and leads outreach and educational activities that engage students, faculty and community members across departments and agencies.
“Biochar offers growers a tool for extending soil improvements,” said Ferrell, a professor in the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment. “It can be a long-lasting component of soil organic matter that also helps hold important soil cations and nutrients.”
On the construction front, Dr. Sharareh Shirzad and the Sustainable Construction Materials Lab are using biochar in the development of low-carbon, high performance materials.
“By incorporating biochar into concrete, our research aims to reduce the carbon footprint of construction materials, sequester carbon within infrastructure and improve long-term durability,” said Shirzad, an assistant professor in the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, who noted that construction is responsible for an estimated 8 percent of global CO2 production.
From left, Jenna Carlile and Sawyer Houston, both juniors majoring in renewable energy technology, and graduate student Noah Clay treat wood to heat at a Spring 2026 Biochar Day event at the Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm. Photo by Kyla Willoughby.
Student researchers have their sleeves rolled up on critical aspects of Shirzad’s research. Michael Ayiku, a graduate student from Accra, Ghana, who is pursuing a degree in technology-sustainable building design and construction, is focusing on biochar moisture levels in relation to mechanical performance and long-term durability in concrete. Christopher “CJ” Burns ’26, recently examined the effects of biochar particle size on workability, strength and material performance.
“To mitigate the environmental impacts associated with the production of concrete, sustainable alternatives that actively reduce cement consumption and enhance material performance are needed now more than ever,” said Burns, now a graduate student at App State.
Burns will also focus on optimizing electrical conductivity, piezoresistive behavior (electrical resistance changes when the material is squeezed, stretched or bent), and mechanical performance to develop multifunctional concrete capable of real-time structural health monitoring through detection of strain, cracking and damage, Shirzad said.
“The next phase of the research will focus on developing multifunctional carbon-sequestering concrete by combining engineered biochar with conductive nanomaterials to create self-sensing concrete capable of monitoring structural health in real time,” Shirzad said. “Additional work will evaluate long-term durability, life-cycle environmental impacts, and large-scale implementation.”
The research engages with industry and professional organizations through presentations at the Transportation Research Board and the Concrete Research Council, Shirzad noted, helping translate laboratory findings into practical transportation and construction applications.
About the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment at Appalachian State University features an integrated array of programs spanning the fields of sustainable design and technology. Its mission is to foster a strong and vibrant culture of inquiry, discovery and innovation that integrates theory with application, problem seeking with problem-solving, local issues with global perspectives and technological progress with environmental stewardship. It offers bachelor’s degrees in sustainable technology and building science, and a master’s degree in technology. Learn more at https://stbe.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at appstate.edu.
Dr. Sheri Shirzad thumbnail
Dr. Sheri Shirzad thumbnail