News

Dr. Brett Taubman holds a glass of Rootsii.

This App State Researcher is Taking Wasted Sweet Potatoes — And Turning Them Into Milk [faculty featured]
Jun 4, 2026

North Carolina may be famous for its beaches and Blue Ridge Mountains, but the state has a lesser-known claim to fame.

Faculty and Staff, Grants and Research
App State professor Dr. Brett Taubman, left, and Fermentation Sciences Lab manager Daniel Parker have developed the sweetpotato milk Rootsii in fermentation lab facilities at App State. The locally sourced, sustainable and allergy-friendly product received $1.82 million in funding from NCInnovation, with a goal of bringing the milk from proof of concept to store shelves over the next two years. Photo by Chase Reynolds

From the field to the fridge: $1.82M NCInnovation grant supports sweetpotato startup at App State
May 15, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — Backed by a $1.82 million NCInnovation grant, Appalachian State University professor Dr.

Faculty and Staff, Grants and Research
CAS Corps member Seleen Al Horani is a senior chemistry major from Amman, Jordan. Photo submitted

Chemistry major Seleen Al Horani joins CAS Corps
Sep 23, 2025

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of CAS and to create, promote and execute... Chemistry, Students

Dr. Brett Taubman is a professor and the director of the Fermentation Sciences program in  Appalachian State University's A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences.

Dr. Brett Taubman featured on WUNC's Due South
May 27, 2025

What do cheese, beer, a “true country ham,” and sauerkraut have in common? Fermentation.

Department News, Faculty and Staff, Fermentation Sciences
Dr. Carol Babyak

Dr. Carol Babyak to serve as macebearer for Spring 2025 CAS Commencement
Apr 23, 2025

Dr. Carol Babyak will serve as the macebearer for the 5 p.m. ceremony.

Faculty and Staff
Forbes

How Majors Like Game Design And Ecotourism Are Saving Higher Education
Mar 24, 2025

Appalachian State University’s fermentation science program teaches students the science behind brewing beer, fermenting foods, and producin

Fermentation Sciences
Dr. Brett Taubman, professor and director of the Fermentation Sciences program at Appalachian State University

Dr. Brett Taubman featured on Appalachian Excellence podcast
Feb 13, 2025

On this episode of Appalachian Excellence, we explore the fascinating world of fermentation with Dr.

Faculty and Staff, Fermentation Sciences, Grants and Research
CAS Corps member Carli Samuelson is a senior chemistry major from Banner Elk. Photo submitted

CAS Corps Feature: Carli Samuelson
Dec 16, 2024

CAS Corps member Carli Samuelson is a senior chemistry major from Banner Elk.

Chemistry, Students
Dr. Brooke Christian, associate professor and research mentor in App State’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Excellence in Teaching: A Q&A with App State’s Dr. Brooke Christian
Nov 11, 2024

BOONE, N.C. — Earlier this year, Appalachian State University’s Dr.

Awards, Chemistry, Faculty and Staff