Abstract: A system and method are provided which utilize microbes to convert biomass feedstock into a fuel. In one aspect, a method of producing aromatic compounds and lipids includes: receiving a feedstock including biological matter; separating the feedstock into a liquid phase feedstock and a solid phase feedstock; adding water and nutrients to the solid phase feedstock, thereby producing a liquid culture; inoculating the liquid culture with microbes capable of converting the solid phase feedstock into aromatic compounds and lipids, the inoculated liquid culture yielding microbial biomass; providing suitable conditions for the microbes to convert the solid phase feedstock to aromatic compounds and lipids; and extracting produced aromatic compounds and lipids.