chemical engineering phd topics

CHEME-PHD - Chemical Engineering (PhD)

Program overview.

Current research and teaching activities cover several advanced topics in chemical engineering, including applied statistical mechanics, biocatalysis, biochemical engineering, bioengineering, biophysics, computational materials science, colloid science, dynamics of complex fluids, energy conversion, functional genomics, hydrodynamic stability, kinetics and catalysis, microrheology, molecular assemblies, nanoscience and technology, Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid mechanics, polymer physics, protein biotechnology, renewable fuels, semiconductor processing, soft materials science, solar utilization, surface and interface science, and transport mechanics.

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Chemical Engineering, Ph.D.

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Chemical engineering is part of a rapidly expanding field that requires interdisciplinary engineers educated in both the molecular and medical sciences. For every discovery made in the health and industrial sectors, a chemical engineer finds a way to develop and implement it on a large scale.

The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program at the School of Engineering prepares you to fulfill that role. Our curriculum offers an advanced course of study to refine your research skills, and we teach you the problem-solving skills to surmount any problem along the way.

Our Ph.D. program in Chemical Engineering is designed to outfit you with expert knowledge of the field’s core fundamentals as well as the latest research in its subtopics. By doing so, we further your specialization beyond a master’s degree, helping you achieve superior competence in a minor topic within chemical engineering.

Admission Requirements

A BS degree in chemical engineering or a related field of science or engineering is generally required for admission to graduate study. If you earned a bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution, you must submit TOEFL scores. Submitting graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. Applicants with degrees in other fields or from other colleges may be admitted with undergraduate or graduate deficiencies as evaluated by the graduate adviser. You will need to have had at least one course in differential equations.

Find out more about  Admission Requirements .

Urban Science Doctoral Track

Each doctoral candidate must complete a minimum of 75 credits of academic work past the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 36 credits of dissertation research, to complete the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program. A minimum of 30 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree (not including Ph.D. dissertation and non-dissertation research credits) are required in chemical engineering or related subjects. Of the 30 credits, 12 are to be taken as part of the required graduate core courses in Chemical Engineering and 18 are taken as electives. For electives: at least 3 electives (9 credits) are to be chosen from approved CBE courses, 6000-level and above. The remaining electives need to be selected in consultation with and with the explicit approval from the chemical engineering graduate adviser. In addition to the required coursework, attendance is required at departmental colloquia.

Students must also pass a comprehensive qualifying examination in chemical engineering and present a doctoral dissertation. The qualifying exam is given once a year. Additional details on the qualifying examination will be provided by the graduate adviser.

To meet graduation requirements, students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, excluding dissertation credits, and must not obtain a grade of C or lower in more than two required core courses.

A student who has earned graduate level credits and/or been awarded an MS degree should consult with the graduate adviser for course registration and possible credit transfer.

Important Information and Forms:

• Ph.D. Guidelines
• Committee Form
• Evaluation Rubric  
• PhD Exit Survey

Quick Links

• Graduate Admissions

Academic Director

Jin Ryoun Kim

Daniela Blanco

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Value Proposition Description

WPI’s PhD in Chemical Engineering brings you to the front and center of widely recognized global work in chemical engineering and related fields. You’ll have immediate access to advanced technologies, processes, and pioneering faculty providing core support in molecular bioengineering, sustainable energy, advanced functional materials, and catalysis, to name a few. You will join a diverse group of graduate students and because of WPI’s small size, you will have the opportunity to develop strong mentoring relationships with not only your primary faculty advisor but other faculty in the chemical engineering PhD program. WPI has a long-standing tradition of “research for a purpose” to address a societal need, so your work will have a tangible impact. Because of WPI’s interdisciplinary research tradition, you will get the opportunity to explore topics outside of the box. What is a PhD in chemical engineering? It’s a degree that prepares you to take on future challenges as a leader in the research community. 

While pursuing your Chemical Engineering PhD at WPI, you’ll employ active learning and knowledge of up-to-date practices to solve diverse real-life problems in areas such as bioengineering, nanotechnology, environmental engineering, energy, catalysis, process control, and safety. You’ll have your choice of courses to achieve your goals, with many electives offered within Chemical Engineering and in related departments such as Biology and Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics. Complete course descriptions and degree requirements for the PhD in chemical engineering are in the Course Catalog.

Graduate Student Professional Development

WPI is an emerging leader in graduate student professional development and offers a number of opportunities for graduate students to develop their interests and skills outside of a traditional research context. WPI’s Graduate School supports a robust Office of Professional Development and offers annual seminars and workshops as part of the STARS Program . The Chemical Engineering Department offers an annual Graduate Student Seminar Series where students explore the creation and implementation of Individual Development Plans, meet industry experts as part of career panels, and present their research to both peers and professionals.

Refer a Friend

Do you have a friend, colleague, or family member who might be interested in Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) graduate programs? Click below to tell them about our programs.

Research areas in Chemical Engineering:

• Cellular and metabolic engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Biopolymer interfaces
• Computational chemistry
• Functional materials
• Reaction engineering

Lab work is essential, but faculty want students to succeed in all aspects of their careers so professional development opportunities are offered and encouraged.

Students and faculty work closely as they conduct research in multidisciplinary, open lab environments within state-of-the-art facilities.

Graduate students use WPI’s computational facilities to advance their work in simulations, bioinformatics, and big data analysis.

Cutting-edge research in our labs makes a direct impact on human life.

From medical devices that stave off or prevent infections to advances in additive manufacturing, research in the chemical engineering department brings global problems to a human scale.

Chemical engineering is a vibrant, research-active department with dedicated and innovative faculty and students.

WPI’s chemical engineering research areas address pressing global challenges, including advanced functional materials, molecular bioengineering, sustainable energy engineering, and engineering education.

A big advantage in WPI’s PhD in Chemical Engineering program is your access to cutting-edge facilities and labs for interdisciplinary research. From our main facilities in Goddard Hall and Gateway Park to our many research centers, you’ll join other researchers across disciplines to use specialized equipment and novel processes and technologies.

Explore Your Career Potential with a Chemical Engineering PhD

Maybe you’re asking yourself how much do PhD chemical engineers make or are a chemical engineering PhD worth it? Check out our career outlook for the chemical engineering field and find out for yourself the types of companies that have hired WPI graduates, salary data, job titles, and more.

Jump Start Your Career with a Chemical Engineering Professional MS

WPI’s Chemical Engineering Professional MS degree lets you work on an industry project so you’ll gain advanced skills and professional credibility while earning your degree. This program’s distinctive Graduate Qualifying Project (GQP) lets you build the foundation you need for career success.

Need an MS First? Earn a Professional or Regular Master’s in Chemical Engineering!

Just browsing our graduate programs and need to earn a master’s in chemical engineering first? Our MS in chemical engineering focuses on global research so students can study the impact of technology, speed and accuracy, and more. If you’re looking for academic and industry expertise, our professional MS will provide exposure to the field while working on an industry-specific project.

Faculty Profiles

To me there is nothing more exciting than watching a student learn and develop and there is no greater privilege than having the title of professor. My favorite part of my job is being able to mentor and teach students in a research context – be that in a biochemical engineering course or laboratory, through supervising undergraduate IQP/MQP projects or by advising doctoral students in their thesis work. There is no greater satisfaction than to watch a timid, insecure student gain confidence through knowledge and practice.

Students here at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have a lot of enthusiasm and ambition, and it certainly is contagious. Teaching brings a lot of joy because of this, and I find myself often trying just to keep up with the students! I love to collaborate with people from many different backgrounds and technical interests. For my research, I work in the area of molecular modeling: trying to understand and solve energy and environmental problems using high-powered computer simulations. I am also involved in supporting, educating, and empowering introverted students.

My research involves educational scholarship: investigating how students learn chemical engineering and how the curriculum can be modified to optimize learning. That includes understanding learning in hands-on labs compared to virtual or remotely operated labs; learning in international contexts; and how safety, ethics, and social responsibility can be effectively integrated into the chemical engineering curriculum.

My research utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to explore and exploit the physical properties of biological soft matter systems. Through investigating the biophysical properties of cells, multicellular communities and their microenvironments, my group seeks to reveal connections between the physical properties of living systems and their disease states and to utilize these findings to develop biological control strategies, therapeutics and diagnostics. We are particularly focused on using our soft matter approach to address bacterial infection prevention and control.

Andrew is a classically trained chemical engineer with with specialties in the fields of chemical reaction engineering and materials science. He received his B.S. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2009, and continued to pursue his Ph.D. with Professor Dauenhauer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2014, before completing his postdoctoral studies with Professor Jensen at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2016, ultimately joining the faculty at WPI in 2017.

Sharing that “ah hah” moment with a student struggling and suddenly mastering a difficult concept; helping expand the intellectual horizons of an aspiring engineer; tackling and solving problems that challenge the energy, economic, and environmental security with passionate students; sharing my passion for engineering science: these are the reasons that I am a professor of chemical engineering. WPI students understand the importance of translating their engineering talents into technologies and knowledge that benefit others.

The BioPoint Program for Graduate Students has been designed to complement traditional training in bioscience, digital and engineering fields. Students accepted into one of the home BioPoint programs will have the flexibility to select research advisors and take electives in other departments to broaden their skills. BioPoint curriculum is designed to be individual, interactive, project-focused and diverse, and includes innovative courses, seminars, journal clubs and industrial-based projects. Learn more .

The PhD program in chemical engineering offers students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research that tackles pressing challenges facing our society and our planet in areas such as biomedicine, energy, security and sustainability.

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Students pursuing graduate-level coursework develop an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of chemical engineering and gain expertise in modern topics in the field through select elective courses. The overarching goal of this rich research and educational experience is to mentor and to equip our students to become future leaders in engineering and science, while simultaneously promoting scholarly achievement for both the faculty and students.

Doctoral candidates select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests. The department’s research focus areas are Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems; Complex and Computational Systems; Energy and Sustainability; Engineering Education and Pedagogy; and Materials and Nanotechnology.

With a premier location in downtown Boston, research in the department leverages the wealth of collaborations with neighboring universities, hospitals, medical centers and industry. New or prospective graduate students can learn about ongoing research topics from individual faculty members, faculty web sites and graduate student seminars. Graduate student seminars, where our students present the results of their research, are held on a regular basis and provide an interactive forum for learning and exchanging ideas.

• MS students can pursue a Gordon Engineering Leadership Certificate
• Department research interests include Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems; Complex and Computational Systems; Energy and Sustainability; Engineering Education and Pedagogy; and Materials and Nanotechnology. Graduate students are able to select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests.

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Millipore Sigma
• Northrop Grumman
• Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Application Materials

• Completed online application form
• $100 application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Statement of Purpose
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Application

PhD Priority: December 15

International outside US: June 1

International inside US: July 1

Domestic: August 1

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Chemical Engineering

Biomedical and Biotechnology

Catalysis and Reaction Engineering

Environment and Sustainability

Math and Computational Systems

Transport and Thermodynamics

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• View all journals

Chemical engineering articles from across Nature Portfolio

Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the processes (production, transformation, transportation and usage) necessary to produce useful materials and energy. Chemical engineers apply knowledge from the physical and biological sciences as well as mathematics and economics.

Printed circuit boards made greener

Achieving a circular system for electronics hinges on greener design and effective recycling methods. Now, research presents a more durable printed circuit board that can also be sustainably and effectively recycled.

A bio-inspired membrane for arsenic removal

A membrane inspired by the arsenic–protein interactions in biological systems allows the efficient removal of various arsenic species from contaminated water.

• Baolin Deng

Automation of air-free synthesis

Cutting-edge chemistry is often performed in non-atmospheric conditions. Continued development of the Chemputer platform now enables the utilization of sensitive compounds in automated synthetic protocols.

• Babak A. Mahjour
• Connor W. Coley

Latest Research and Reviews

Co-production of steel and chemicals to mitigate hard-to-abate carbon emissions

Achieving a net-zero future requires that hard-to-abate sectors be addressed. Co-production offers an opportunity to mitigate chemical and steel sector emissions by extracting H 2 and CO from steelmaking off-gas and using them for chemical syntheses. The authors examine carbon mitigation and costs of co-producing chemicals and steel in China.

• Denise L. Mauzerall

Redox active plant phenolic, acetosyringone, for electrogenetic signaling

• Fauziah Rahma Zakaria
• Chen-Yu Chen
• William E. Bentley

Quantitative measurement and comparison of breakthroughs inside the gas diffusion layer using lattice Boltzmann method and computed tomography scan

• Hossein Pourrahmani
• Milad Hosseini
• Jan Van Herle

Development of stochastically reconstructed 3D porous media micromodels using additive manufacturing: numerical and experimental validation

• Dongwon Lee
• Matthias Ruf
• Andreas Yiotis

Central composite design and mechanism of antibiotic ciprofloxacin photodegradation under visible light by green hydrothermal synthesized cobalt-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

• Mohamed A. Hassaan
• Asmaa I. Meky
• Ahmed El Nemr

Purity control of simulated moving bed based on advanced fuzzy controller

• Chao-Fan Xie

News and Comment

How long is this going to take?

An appreciation of characteristic timescales can save quite a lot of effort, as Ian Wilson explains.

• D. Ian Wilson

Mitigating uncertainties enables more accurate greenhouse gas accounting for petrochemicals

The carbon footprints of petrochemicals have large uncertainties, challenging decarbonization efforts. Now, a study identifies the main uncertainty sources and strategies for improving the accuracy of greenhouse gas emissions estimations and reporting for petrochemicals.

Electrochemical concentration pumping in liquid–liquid extractions

Liquid–liquid extraction is an indirect separation technique requiring solvent regeneration, and if a back-extraction is needed, it typically reduces the concentration. Now, using an electrochemical reaction, the concentration can be pumped up to 16 times the feed concentration.

• Boelo Schuur

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• Berkeley Academic Guide Home
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Berkeley Berkeley Academic Guide: Academic Guide 2023-24

Chemical and biomolecular engineering.

About the Program

At Berkeley, graduate work in chemical and biomolecular engineering emphasizes the excitement of original research in frontier areas of applied science. Graduate students may pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering, or they may apply to the Product Development concentration to obtain an MS in Chemical Engineering . While formal courses are necessary to provide scientific fundamentals and intellectual breadth, the primary characteristic of Berkeley's graduate experience is to participate in the quest for new knowledge. Graduate students and faculty collaborate as partners in scholarship, in learning, and in intellectual discovery.

Master's Program

Professional degree in product development program (ms).

The PDP is a graduate-level degree program whose central aim is to fill the unmet need at national and international levels for graduates of chemical engineering and related disciplines who have knowledge and field experience in the complex process of transforming technical innovations into commercially successful products. In the space of one calendar year, PDP graduates will gain exposure to real-world product development practices in a range of chemical process-intensive industries including biotechnology, microelectronics, nanoscience, and consumer products (concentrations within the program). The PDP does not require a research thesis, but students will find completing the extensive coursework and field study assignment challenging. By combining elements of advanced technical knowledge with focused business-related training, the PDP aims to fill a specific niche in the “choice space” of graduate education options for engineering graduates.

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Focusing on Chemical Engineering core courses and higher division electives this highly competitive program will test students on a) transport phenomena; b) kinetics and chemical fundamentals; and c) thermodynamics at the end of the first semester.

PhD Program

The PhD program is designed to enlarge the body of knowledge of the student and, more importantly, to discover and develop talent for original, productive, and creative work in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Breadth of knowledge and professional training are achieved through advanced course work. To develop the creative talents of the student, a paramount emphasis in the PhD program is placed on intensive research, a project on which students work closely with one or more members of the faculty.

PhD students may choose to add a designated emphasis (DE) to their program. A designated emphasis is a specialization, such as a new method of inquiry or an important field of application, which is relevant to two or more existing doctoral degree programs. Designated emphases open to students in this PhD program include Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NSE), Energy Sciences and Technology (DEEST), Communication, Computation and Statistics, Computational and Genomic Biology, and New Media.

M.S. in Bioprocess Engineering

The Master of Bioprocess Engineering (MBPE) program is designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to integrate classroom fundamentals, hands-on laboratory applications, and heavy interaction with a range of biotechnology companies spanning the biopharmaceutical, industrial biotech, and food tech industries."

Visit Department Website

Admission to the University

Applying for graduate admission.

Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! UC Berkeley offers more than 120 graduate programs representing the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary scholarship. A complete list of graduate academic departments, degrees offered, and application deadlines can be found on the Graduate Division website .

Prospective students must submit an online application to be considered for admission, in addition to any supplemental materials specific to the program for which they are applying. The online application can be found on the Graduate Division website .

Admission Requirements

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;

A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and

Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

For a list of requirements to complete your graduate application, please see the Graduate Division’s Admissions Requirements page . It is also important to check with the program or department of interest, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree. Department contact information can be found here .

Where to apply?

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page .

Admission to the Program

Admission is granted by the University's Graduate Division on the recommendation of the department. Applicants generally are required to provide the following: evidence of superior performance in the last two years of undergraduate studies; test scores for the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (the advanced GRE or subject test is not required); and three letters of recommendation from professors or colleagues familiar with the applicant's academic and professional aptitudes. International students whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. The weight of evidence from all sources determines admission. Students do not need a master's degree to apply for a doctoral degree. Most applicants will have completed a typical undergraduate program in chemical engineering. However, admission may be granted to students with undergraduate degrees in a related discipline. In this case, necessary background courses in chemical engineering are taken as part of the program for the first year.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

A total of 18 units of letter-graded graduate courses must be taken during residence in the graduate program. In the first semester, a minimum of 9 units must be obtained from the core chemical engineering courses in the areas of mathematics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and transport phenomena. In addition, students are required to take the CHM ENG 375 pedagogy course and two semesters in CHM ENG 300 . Students should be registered full time with a minimum of 12 units. These include CHM ENG 299 and colloquium series CHM ENG 298.

Additional units must be obtained from graduate level or upper division elective courses so that the total number of units taken is 18. Students  may take classes in other departments such as Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, etc. They are strongly encouraged to pursue additional courses of specific relevance to their thesis research and to explore other areas of technical, professional, or personal interest. 

Master's Degree Requirements

Professional master's with product development concentration.

The Master's PDP program places equal emphasis on advanced course work in new product development principles, specific industry practices, and the field study assignment. Successful completion of each of these elements is a prerequisite to graduation. The specific courses taken in the PDP program are selected in consultations between the student, the PDP executive director, and a faculty adviser. Upon entrance to the program, students will be required to declare an industry area specialization so that an appropriate academic schedule can be constructed. Students must complete a minimum of 28 units with at least 18 of those units from letter-graded courses which include a minimum of 12 units in graduate-level (i.e., 200 series) courses.

Specific coursework to pursue an industry track will vary based on the individual student's interests and the availability of course offerings in a given year.

For examples of representative curricula for each industry track, please visit:

http://chemistry.berkeley.edu/grad/cbe/pdp/graduation-requirements

Highly competitive admission and program. Students have to complete a total of 24 semester units are required for the MS. Of the 24 units, Academic Senate regulations state that a  minimum  of 12 units must be in 200-level courses in Chemical Engineering (230, 240, 244, 250 and 274). Additional 12 units in upper division/graduate courses electives as approved by our Graduate Advisor and 6 units in 298 and 299.

There is a comprehensive exam given by at least 2 Senate faculty testing on a) transport phenomena; b) kinetics and chemical fundamentals; and c) thermodynamics at the end of the first semester. Time for completion of the degree is 2 semesters.

CHM ENG 230 Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 2018 The course aims to introduce a variety of mathematical and computational methods useful in solving research problems pertaining to chemical and biomolecular systems. The course covers a wide range of topics from linear algebra and matrices, differential equations, and stochastic methods. Even though the focus is primarily on analytical methods, most of the concepts will be demonstrated with computations and applications. The goal of the course is to ensure that the students are aware of a wide range of computational methods that can be useful in their research and to provide the students with sufficient background in applied mathematics that can be useful in reading the science and engineering literature. Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Math 53 and 54 or equivalent; open to seniors with consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 236 Physics-Inspired Machine Learning 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024 Machine learning in the context of scientific problems is an exciting emerging area of research, and often requires the development of new methods that can incorporate and exploit the inductive biases and structure needed for such problems. There are also now numerous examples of concepts in physics historically influencing machine learning methods development more broadly. This course will give an overview of different physics-inspired machine learning methods, and the connections between concepts in physics (numerical methods, dynamical systems, symmetries, conservation laws) and machine learning. Physics-Inspired Machine Learning: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week.

Physics-Inspired Machine Learning: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 240 Thermodynamics for Chemical Product and Process Design 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Topics covered include molecular thermodynamics of pure substances and mixtures, interfacial thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and computer simulations. Thermodynamics for Chemical Product and Process Design: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Math 53 and 54 or equivalent; 141 or equivalent; open to seniors with consent of instructor

Thermodynamics for Chemical Product and Process Design: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 244 Kinetics and Reaction Engineering 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Molecular processes in chemical systems, kinetics and catalysis. Interaction of mass and heat transfer in chemical processes. Performance of systems with chemical reactors. Kinetics and Reaction Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 142 or equivalent; open to seniors with consent of instructor

Kinetics and Reaction Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 245 Catalysis 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018 Adsorption and kinetics of surface reactions; catalyst preparation and characterization; poisoning, selectivity, and empirical activity patterns in catalysis; surface chemistry, catalytic mechanisms and modern experimental techniques in catalytic research; descriptive examples of industrial catalytic systems. Catalysis: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 244 or Chemistry 223, or consent of instructor

Catalysis: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 246 Principles of Electrochemical Engineering 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2012, Fall 2010, Fall 2009 Electrode processes in electrolysis and in galvanic cells. Charge and mass transfer in ionic media. Criteria of scale-up. Principles of Electrochemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor

Principles of Electrochemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 248 Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2020, Spring 2014 Principles of surface and colloid chemistry with current applications; surface thermodynamics, wetting, adsorption from solution, disperse systems, association colloids, interacting electrical double layers and colloid stability, kinetics of coagulation, and electrokinetics. Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry: Read More [+]

Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 250 Transport Processes 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 Basic differential relations of mass, momentum, and energy including creeping, laminar, and turbulent flow, boundary layers, convective-diffusion in heat and mass transfer, and simultaneous multicomponent mass and energy transport. Analytic mathematical solution of the equations of change using classical techniques including: separation of variables, similarity solutions, and Laplace and Fourier transforms. Transport Processes: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering 150A, 150B; Mathematics 53 and 54, or equivalent; open to seniors with consent of instructor

Transport Processes: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 256 Advanced Transport Phenomena 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2020, Fall 2018 Formulation and rigorous analysis of the laws governing the transport of momentum, heat, and mass, with special emphasis on chemical engineering applications. Detailed investigation of laminar flows complemented by treatments of turbulent flow systems and hydrodynamic stability. Advanced Transport Phenomena: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 230

Advanced Transport Phenomena: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C268 Physicochemical Hydrodynamics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2013, Fall 2011, Spring 2011 An introduction to the hydrodynamics of capillarity and wetting. Balance laws and short-range forces. Dimensionless numbers, scaling and lubrication approximation. Rayleigh instability. Marangoni effect. The moving contact line. Wetting and short-range forces. The dynamic contact angle. Dewetting. Coating flows. Effect of surfactants and electric fields. Wetting of rough or porous surfaces. Contact angles for evaporating systems . Physicochemical Hydrodynamics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: A first graduate course in fluid mechanics sucs as 260A-260B

Instructor: Morris

Also listed as: MEC ENG C268

Physicochemical Hydrodynamics: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C270 Protein Engineering 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2010 An in-depth study of the current methods used to design and engineer proteins. Emphasis on how strategies can be applied in the laboratory. Relevant case studies presented to illustrate method variations and applications. Intended for graduate students. Protein Engineering: Read More [+]

Instructor: Tullman-Ercek

Also listed as: BIO ENG C219

Protein Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 274 Biomolecular Engineering 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Fundamentals in biomolecular engineering. Structures, dynamics, and functions of biomolecules. Molecular tools in biotechnology. Metabolic and signaling networks in cellular engineering. Synthetic biology and biomedical engineering applications. Biomolecular Engineering: Read More [+]

Biomolecular Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 275 Advanced Bioprocess Engineering 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course is designed for students interested in obtaining advanced training in bioprocess engineering for applications in the biopharmaceutical, industrial biotech, and food tech industries. Emphasis will be placed on integrated application of quality by design (QbD) framework, good manufacturing practice (GMP), statistical experimental design, and other advanced concepts addressing current industry needs. Advanced Bioprocess Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: CHMENG 170A, CHMENG 170B concurrent (or consent of instructor)

Advanced Bioprocess Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This pilot-scale laboratory course is designed for students interested in obtaining advanced training in bioprocess engineering for applications in the biopharmaceutical, industrial biotech, and food tech industries. Featured equipment (and experiments) include: Sartorius ambr250 (design of experiments), ABEC 300L bioreactor (fermentation), Alfa Laval disc stack centrifuge (liquid-solid separation), Alfa Laval M20 filtration skid (tangential flow filtration), and GE ÄKTA Avant chromatography unit (protein purification). Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: CHMENG 170A, CHMENG C170L, CHMENG 170B concurrent (or consent of instructor)

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 8 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Eight hours of laboratory per week.

Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 293C Curricular Practical Training Internship 0.0 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This is an independent study course for international students doing internships under the Curricular Practical Training program. Curricular Practical Training Internship: Read More [+]

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Summer: 8 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Zero hour of independent study per week for 8 weeks.

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Curricular Practical Training Internship: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C294A Mechanics and Physics of Lipid Bilayers 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017 Lipid bilayers constitute the membrane that encloses every animal cell and many of its interior structures, including the nuclear envelope, the organelles and the endoplasmic reticulum. This is a unique course devoted to modern developments in this exceptionally active field of research, ranging from models based on continuum theory to recent developments based on statistical mechanics. Mechanics and Physics of Lipid Bilayers: Read More [+]

Objectives & Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes: To expose students to advanced current work on the mechanics and physics of lipid bilayers (a very active field of current research relevant to biomechanics and biophysics)

Prerequisites: Mechanical Engineering 185 or equivalent

Instructor: Steigmann

Also listed as: MEC ENG C285E

Mechanics and Physics of Lipid Bilayers: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 295B Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Electrochemical, Hydrodynamic, and Interfacial Phenomena 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010 Current and advanced study in chemical engineering, primarily for advanced graduate students. Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Electrochemical, Hydrodynamic, and Interfacial Phenomena: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Open to properly qualified graduate students

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Electrochemical, Hydrodynamic, and Interfacial Phenomena: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 295K Design of Functional Interfaces 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2011, Spring 2005, Fall 2004 This course introduces students to the concepts and techniques involved in the design and physical characterization of advanced functional materials consisting of well-defined interfaces. Throughout the course, principles of supramolecular chemistry on solid surfaces are applied to functional systems. Materials with different connectivity and structure at the active site are compared for development of understanding. Specific topics include catalysis, separations, encapsulation, and biomedicine. Design of Functional Interfaces: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing

Instructor: Katz

Design of Functional Interfaces: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 295N Polymer Physics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2010, Spring 2008 This course, which is based on Gert Strobl's book addresses the origin of some of the important physical properties of polymer liquids and solids. This includes phase transitions, crystallization, morphology of multiphase polymer systems, mechanical properties, response to mechanical and electric fields, and fracture. When possible, we will develop quantitative molecular models that predict macroscopic behavior. The course will address experimental data obtained by microscopy, light and neutron scattering, rheology, and dielectric relaxation. Polymer Physics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 230 and 240

Polymer Physics: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 295P Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Introduction to New Product Development 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course is part of the product development initative sponsored by the department of chemical engineering. It focuses on real-life practices and challenges of translating scientific discovery into commercial products. Its scope is limited in most circumstances to situations where some knowledge of chemical engineering, chemistry, and related disciplines might prove to be particularly useful. The course primarily uses case studies of real-world new product development situations to simulate the managerial and technical challenges that will confront students in the field. We will cover a wide range of topics including basic financial, strategic and intellectual property concepts for products, managing risk and uncertainity, the effective new product development team, the evolving role of corporate R&D, the new venture product company and the ethics of post-launch product management. Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Introduction to New Product Development: Read More [+]

Instructor: Alexander

Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Introduction to New Product Development: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 295Q Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Advanced Topics in New Product Development 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course is a part of the product development initiative sponsored by the department of chemical engineering. The course builds on the coverage in 295P of real-life practices of translating scientific discovery into commercial products. We will cover a wide range of advanced product development concepts including technology road maps, decision analysis, six sigma, product portfolio optimization, and best practices for field project ma nagement. Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Advanced Topics in New Product Development: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. 295P recommended

Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Advanced Topics in New Product Development: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 295T Hard-Technology Innovation: Proof-of-Commercial Value Method 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This course is part of the Product Development Program initiative sponsored by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. The course builds on the coverage in Chemical Engineering 295P of real-life practices of translating scientific discovery into commercial products. In this course, we will cover a new risk-reduction methodology for bringing to market complex technical inventions that initially have a high risk profile that discourages investment for commercialization. The central learning objective in this course is: How might we utilize a new approach that would enable university-affiliated hard-tech innovators to sufficiently de-risk their venture propositions so that they become “fundable” by investors? Hard-Technology Innovation: Proof-of-Commercial Value Method: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Instructor approval needed

Instructors: Alexander, Joshi, Sciamanna

Hard-Technology Innovation: Proof-of-Commercial Value Method: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C295A The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013 After an introduction to the different aspects of our global energy consumption, the course will focus on the role of biomass. The course will illustrate how the global scale of energy guides the biomass research. Emphasis will be places on the integration of the biological aspects (crop selection, harvesting, storage, and distribution, and chemical composition of biomass) with the chemical aspects to convert biomass to energy. The course aims to engage students in state-of-art research. The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Biology 1A; Chemistry 1B or 4B, Mathematics 1B

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit under special circumstances: Repeatable when topic changes with consent of instructor.

Instructors: Bell, Blanch, Clark, Smit, C. Somerville

Also listed as: BIO ENG C281/CHEM C238/PLANTBI C224

The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C295L Implications and Applications of Synthetic Biology 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2007 Explore strategies for maximizing the economic and societal benefits of synthetic biology and minimizing the risks; create "seedlings" for future research projects in synthetic biology at UC Berkeley; increase multidisciplinary collaborations at UC Berkeley on synthetic biology; and introduce students to a wide perspective of SB projects and innovators as well as policy, legal, and ethical experts. Implications and Applications of Synthetic Biology: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Lecture and One hour of Discussion per week for 15 weeks.

Instructors: Arkin, Keasling

Also listed as: BIO ENG C230

Implications and Applications of Synthetic Biology: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C295R Applied Spectroscopy 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Spring 2009, Spring 2007, Spring 2002 After a brief review of quantum mechanics and semi-classical theories for the interaction of radiation with matter, this course will survey the various spectroscopies associated with the electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma rays to radio waves. Special emphasis is placed on application to research problems in applied and engineering sciences. Graduate researchers interested in systematic in situ process characterization, analysis , or discovery are best served by this course. Applied Spectroscopy: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering, physics, chemistry, or chemical engineering; courses: quantum mechanics, linear vector space theory

Instructor: Reimer

Also listed as: AST C295R

Applied Spectroscopy: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C295Z Energy Solutions: Carbon Capture and Sequestration 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 After a brief overview of the chemistry of carbon dioxide in the land, ocean, and atmosphere, the course will survey the capture and sequestration of CO2 from anthropogenic sources. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of materials synthesis and unit operation design, including the chemistry and engineering aspects of sequestration. The course primarily addresses scientific and engineering challenges and aims to engage students in state-of-the-art research in global energy challenges. Energy Solutions: Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemistry 4B or 1B, Mathematics 1B, and Physics 7B, or equivalents

Instructors: Bourg, DePaolo, Long, Reimer, Smit

Also listed as: CHEM C236/EPS C295Z

Energy Solutions: Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 296 Special Study for Graduate Students in Chemical Engineering 1 - 6 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015 Special laboratory and theoretical studies. Special Study for Graduate Students in Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Individual conferences.

Grading: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.

Special Study for Graduate Students in Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 298 Seminar in Chemical Engineering 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Lectures, reports, and discussions on current research in chemical engineering. Sections are operated independently and directed toward different topics. Seminar in Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Open to properly qualified graduate students with consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Seminar in Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 298B Seminar in Bioprocess Engineering 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Weekly seminar with industry partners invited to give presentations on bio-based research, technologies, equipment, processes, and/or products. Provides an interactive interface for students and the bioprocess industry. Offered Fall and Spring semesters. Seminar in Bioprocess Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: CBE 170A and CBE 170B (can be taken concurrently)

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of seminar per week.

Seminar in Bioprocess Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 298C Colloquium in Chemical Engineering 1 - 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Lectures, reports, and discussions on current research in chemical engineering. Colloquium in Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-3 hours of colloquium per week

Additional Format: Two to three hours of colloquium per week.

Colloquium in Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 299 Research in Chemical Engineering 1 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Research. Research in Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5-30 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 1.5-22.5 hours of independent study per week 10 weeks - 1.5-18 hours of independent study per week

Research in Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 300 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemical Engineering 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2016 Discussion, problem review and development, guidance of large scale laboratory experiments, course development, supervised practice teaching. Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, appointment as a Graduate Student Instructor, or consent of instructor

Additional Format: Individual conferences and participation in teaching activities.

Subject/Course Level: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers

Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 375 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemical Engineering 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018 Discussion, problem review and development, guidance of large scale laboratory experiments, course development, supervised practice teaching. Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Zero hours of independent study per week.

CHM ENG 602 Individual Studies for Graduate Students 1 - 8 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018 Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. Individual Studies for Graduate Students: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Ph.D. program

Credit Restrictions: Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for doctoral degree.

Summer: 6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week

Subject/Course Level: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering/Graduate examination preparation

Individual Studies for Graduate Students: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

Department of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

201 Gilman Hall

Phone: 510-642-2291

Department Chair

Bryan McCloskey

[email protected]

Vice Chair for Graduate Education

Joelle Frechette

[email protected]

Graduate Student Affairs Officer

Carlet Altamirano

[email protected]

Print Options

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CBE Doctorate Degree Program & Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

The Ph.D. program is designed to enlarge the body of knowledge of the student and, more importantly, to discover and develop talent for original, productive, and creative work in chemical and biomolecular engineering.

Breadth of knowledge and professional training are achieved through advanced course work. A total of 18 units of letter-graded courses must be taken during residence in the graduate program. A minimum of 9 units must be obtained from the five core chemical engineering courses in the areas of mathematics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and transport phenomena. Additional units must be obtained from graduate level or upper division elective courses so that the total number of units taken is 18. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue additional courses of specific relevance to their thesis research and to explore other areas of technical, professional, or personal interest. In addition students are required to take the ChE 375 Pedagogy course and department colloquium.

To develop the creative talents of the student, a paramount emphasis in the Ph.D. program is placed on intensive research. Starting the second semester students will work on a project with one or more members of the faculty serving as their advisor.

Two departmental examinations are required in the course of the degree. The first, an oral preliminary examination, is held at the beginning of the second semester to ensure adequate knowledge of fundamental graduate and undergraduate course material. The results of this examination, performance in course work, and a statement from the students' research director are used by a committee of the faculty to evaluate the students' progress toward the Ph.D.

The second examination, the oral qualifying examination taken at the beginning of the fifth semester in residence, consists of a written technical manuscript and a formal presentation of students' research to a committee, including review of the most relevant literature, research accomplishments to date, and a future plan. After passing the examinations students advance to candidacy and will spend most of their time on their dissertation research projects.

The department requires that each doctoral candidate assist in the instructional program of the department as a teaching assistant for two semesters. The faculty regard teaching experience as highly valuable for all graduate students, especially those who plan to teach as a career.

Completion of the Ph.D. occurs with students presenting the results of their dissertation research at the department colloquium and filing the dissertation with graduate division. Time for completion of the degree is on average 5.5 years.

Research Areas Online Application

PhD Application Deadline

Dec 4, 2023 8:59 PM

• Doing a PhD in Chemical Engineering

If you’re considering a PhD in Chemical Engineering, there are tough questions that need to be answered. For instance: what is a PhD in Chemical Engineering and how long does it take? What’s the typical line of research and how much can I expect to pay for PhD courses in chemical engineering? And what about funding opportunities or career paths after completing a PhD in Chemical Engineering? This article will answer all your burning questions on the subject!

What Is a PhD in Chemical Engineering?

A PhD in Chemical Engineering, also known as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is the highest academic level that can be achieved. It’s typically undertaken after receiving an undergraduate degree and provides further education for those wishing to pursue or advance their career in research or academia.

The PhD in Chemical Engineering is an internationally recognised qualification and can be taken at universities all over the world. The focus of this degree is on developing your skills as a researcher, so you’ll be able to independently carry out research in chemical engineering and work on complex problems.

Browse Chemical Engineering PhD Opportunities

Demobeccs: the potential and demonstration feasibility of beccs.

Project Description Centre for Energy Resources Engineering (CERE) at DTU Chemistry is seeking a talented PhD student to contribute to this DemoBECCS project. The project aims to tackle bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), a CCS technology to achieve negative carbon emissions. The storage research in this project will focus on the challenges posed […]

Application of artificial intelligence to multiphysics problems in materials design

Project Description Development, design or assessment of materials with better performance, better durability and lower carbon footprints are among the main current challenges of many engineering disciplines including the construction sector. Experimental or computational modelling approaches have been traditionally used for this purpose. The experimental approaches are often based on trial-and-error methods, which are lengthy, […]

Capturing vibration to drive chemical change

Project Description The development of efficient and stable catalysts for environmentally sustainable chemistry such as hydrogen production from water remains a challenge. Among the variety of approaches that are being investigated to produce chemicals with net-zero targets, piezocatalysis, is new and hot topic. Piezocatalysis captures vibration that can be used to drive a chemical reaction. […]

What’s the Focus of A PhD in Chemical Engineering?

A PhD in Chemical Engineering is all about developing your skills as a researcher and allows you to work on more complex problems than an undergraduate or Master’s degree. You’ll be able to independently carry out original research in chemical engineering and have access to some of the latest equipment and technology.

You’ll also be able to specialise in a wide range of area of chemical engineering that interests you and develops your knowledge in this field. Typical lines of research for chemical PhD students include those that focus on different types of chemical engineering processes such as:

• waste management
• pharmaceuticals production
• process modelling
• water and wastewater treatment
• nanotechnology
• bioengineering
• renewable energy

Depending on the nature of your project, you’ll also have the opportunity to work with other engineers from disciplines like physics or materials science and build links with industry.

How Long Does It Take to Get A PhD in Chemical Engineering?

In the UK, it usually takes prospective students around three years to complete a PhD in Chemical Engineering. However, this can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the university you attend.

What Are the Entrance Requirements for A PhD in Chemical Engineering?

To be eligible for a PhD in Chemical Engineering programme, you’ll need to have completed an undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject such as chemical engineering, chemistry, applied science, mechanical engineering etc. You’ll also need to meet the specific entry requirements for your chosen university, which may be different depending on where you study.

As part of the application process , international postgraduate research students will also require a student visa and will usually be required to demonstrate English proficiency by holding several English Language qualifications (i.e. IELTS).

How Much Does A PhD in Chemical Engineering cost?

The costs of undertaking a PhD in Chemical Engineering can vary significantly between universities and depending on whether you are a home or international student. Tuition fees can range from around £12,000 pa up to £18,000 pa. Depending on the specific nature of your research project, there may be additional costs associated with your studies, such as bench fees for laboratory supplies and travelling to conferences.

There are numerous higher education funding opportunities available so it’s worth doing some research before applying to find out what financial support is available for completing your research programme.

What Funding Opportunities Are There for Studying a PhD in Chemical Engineering?

There are several options when researching funding opportunities: charities; local authorities; business organisations; industry bodies and professional associations; universities or colleges.

You could also consider applying for a PhD in Chemical Engineering scholarship if you’re eligible and meet the criteria of the award.

It’s important to note that some funding opportunities at postgraduate level will only cover the tuition fees whilst others will also provide a stipend for maintenance costs, such as for living costs.

To find funding opportunities, we recommend asking the potential supervisor for the projects you’re interested in and checking out our database here: Browse funded PhD projects.

What’s Next After Completing a Chemical Engineering PhD?

There are several career paths open to those who complete a PhD degree: academia, research and development (R&D), education and training, consulting and professional practice (e.g. engineering).

Processing companies, in particular, are looking for chemical engineers with a PhD degree who have a good understanding of the engineering process and can provide consulting services. The engineer will be in charge of solving engineering problems in a variety of industries such as petroleum, petrochemicals, plastics and more.

A PhD opens up many opportunities as it demonstrates your ability to undertake independent research at the highest level of academic achievement, not to mention the broad range of transferable skills it imparts on you. It can also provide an advantage when looking for employment within organisations such as charities, government departments, NGOs or consultancy firms that require high-level skills like analytical thinking or problem-solving abilities.

To conclude, a PhD in Chemical Engineering is an internationally recognised qualification that can lead to a career in research or academia. It’s a challenging degree that requires dedication and hard work, but it’s also very rewarding and allows you to specialise in an area of chemical engineering that interests you. There are numerous funding opportunities available, so be sure to do your research before applying to ensure you have the best chance of securing financial support.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Chemical Engineering Research - Davidson School of Chemical Engineering - Purdue University

Chemical Engineering Research Areas

Davidson School of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University has a commitment to performing field-defining research that is regarded worldwide for its impact and quality. Our faculty is among the largest in the country. We are proud of our distinguished faculty members, including six elected members to the National Academy of Engineering and a recent recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. These numbers rank among the largest in the nation in chemical engineering. The range of research topics pursued at Purdue is very broad.

Research by Fundamental Topic Area

Biochemical and biomolecular engineering.

• Franses (Interfacial Engineering)
• Liu (Biomaterials, Protein Engineering)
• Morgan (Biocatalysis, Bioinformatics, Metabolic Engineering)
• Ramkrishna (Bioinformatics, Metabolic Engineering)
• Schultz (Biomaterials)
• Wang (Bioseparations)
• Won (Transport of Nanoparticles in Cancer Cells/tissues)

Catalysis and Reaction Engineering

• Andres (Cluster-Based Materials)
• Gounder (Catalysis, Surface Science and Kinetics)
• Greeley (Catalysis, Computational Catalysis, Surface Science and Kinetics)
• Martinez (Catalysis)
• Miller (Surface Science and Kinetics, Ordered Nano-Alloys, Synchrotron X-ray Absorption and Diffraction)
• Ramkrishna (Reaction Engineering)
• Ribeiro (Catalysis, Surface Science and Kinetics)
• Tackett (Surface Science and Kinetics, Electrocatalysis)
• Thomson (Computational Catalysis)

Fluid Mechanics and Interfacial Phenomena

• Beaudoin (Adhesion)
• Corti (Complex Fluids, Surface Thermodynamics)
• Narsimhan (Fluid Mechanics and Interfacial Phenomena, Complex Fluids)
• Schultz (Fluid Mechanics and Interfacial Phenomena, Complex Fluids, Rheology)

Mass Transfer and Separations

• Agrawal (Adsorption, Distillation, Membranes)
• Boudouris (Novel Polymers for Membrane-based Separations)
• Wang (Adsorption, Bioseparations, Chromatography)
• Wankat (Adsorption, Chromatography, Distillation)

Nanoscale Science and Engineering

• Agrawal (Devices and Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures, Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes)
• Andres (Devices and Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures, Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes)
• Beaudoin (Nanoscale Adhesion Phenomena)
• Boudouris (Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures)
• Corti (Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes)
• Dou (Devices and Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures, Materials Discovery and Characterization, Synthesis)
• Franses (Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures, Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes)
• Harris (Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures, Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes)
• Miller (Structure and Spectroscopy, Synthesis)
• Pol (Nanostructured Electrodes, Materials Discovery and Characterization)
• Ribeiro (Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures)
• Savoie (Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes, Materials Discovery and Characterization)
• Tackett (Nanostructured Electrocatalysts, Atomic Layer Modification)
• Thomson (Devices and Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures, Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes)
• Won (Devices and Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures, Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes)

Polymers and Materials

• Boudouris (Synthesis and Nanostructural Characterization of Optoelectronically-active Polymers)
• Dou (Polymers and Materials, Synthesis and Nanostructural Characterization of Optoelectronically-active Polymers, Interfacial Phenomena of Polymers and Colloids)
• Liu (Biomaterials)
• Savoie (Polymer/polyelectrolyte Brushes)
• Schultz (Polymers and Materials, Biomaterials, Rheology)
• Won (Interfacial Phenomena of Polymers and Colloids, Polymer/polyelectrolyte Brushes, Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers)

Product and Process Systems Engineering

• Agrawal (Energy Systems, Solar Economy, Transportation)
• Bernal Neira (Product and Process Systems Engineering, Energy Systems, Process Control and Optimization, Systems Engineering, Quantum Computing)
• Li (Product and Process Systems Engineering, Energy Systems, Process Control and Optimization)
• Nagy (Process Control and Optimization, Systems Engineering)
• Pekny (Deliberate Innovation)

Thermodynamics, Molecular and Nanoscale Modeling

• Corti (Molecular Simulation, Nucleation, Theories of Fluids)
• Greeley (1st Principle Study of Interfaces)
• Narsimhan (Molecular and Nanoscale Modeling)
• Savoie (Molecular and Nanoscale Modeling, Molecular Simulation)
• Thomson (Molecular and Nanoscale Modeling)
• Won (Self-consistent Field Modeling of Polyelectrolytes)

Research by Application Area

Biotechnology.

• Franses (Bioseparations)
• Harris (Biotemplated Materials)
• Martinez (Protein Engineering)
• Ramkrishna (Modeling Disease and Recovery)
• Schultz (Biomaterials, Polymer-based drug delivery)
• Won (Cancer Drug/Gene Delivery, Imaging, Theranosis)
• Yuan (Biomaterials, Protein Engineering)

Electronics

• Agrawal (Solar Cell Devices)
• Beaudoin (Adhesion in Microelectronics Manufacturing)
• Boudouris (Microelectronics, Organic Electronics)
• Agrawal (Biofuels, Energy Systems Analysis, Solar)
• Boudouris (Solar)
• Greeley (Electrochemical Energy Storage - Batteries)
• Li (Energy Systems Analysis)
• Miller (Shale Gas, Petroleum Processing, Biomass)
• Morgan (Biofuels)
• Pekny (Energy Systems Analysis)
• Pol (Electrochemical Energy Storage - Batteries, Environmental Engineering)
• Reklaitis (Energy Systems Analysis)
• Ribeiro (Biofuels, Solar)
• Tackett (Electrochemical Hydrogen Generation and Fuel Cells for Energy Storage and Conversion, Renewables-Powered CO2 Conversion)

Manufacturing

• Agrawal (Separations)
• Basaran (Ink-jet Printing)
• Bernal Neira (Systems Engineering)
• Corti (Ink Particle Engineering)
• Franses (Ink Particle Engineering)
• Harris (Ink-jet Printing)
• Pekny (Process Planning and Optimization)
• Pol (Materials Processing, Technology Developments)
• Reklaitis (Process Planning and Optimization)
• Wang (Separations)

Pharmaceuticals

• Basaran (Personalized Dosage Forms)
• Beaudoin (Particle Engineering and Behavior, Powder Processes and Characterization)
• Harris (Personalized Dosage Forms, Powder Processes and Characterization)
• Nagy (Crystallization and Crystal Engineering, Particle Engineering and Behavior)
• Reklaitis (Systems Engineering)

Polymers and Advanced Materials

• Boudouris (Functional Macromolecules, Polymers and Polymer Composite Systems)
• Caruthers (Polymers and Polymer Composite Systems)
• Harris (Sol gels)
• Pipes (Carbon Nanotubes, Polymers and Polymer Composite Systems)
• Schultz (Biomaterials, Consumer Care Products)
• Won (Lung Surfactant, Polymer-based Nanomedicine, Theranostic)
• Beaudoin (Explosives detection)
• Boudouris (Explosives detection)

For Center-level Research Activities:

Gaann fellowship in pharmaceutical engineering.

Thanks to grant funding from the Department of Education's Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program, Purdue is proud to offer special fellowships in pharmaceutical engineering . These fellowships provide an outstanding opportunity for students to train for academic or high-level research careers.

GAANN Fellows in pharmaceutical engineering will receive the following:

• All tuition and fees paid for up to five years.
• An opportunity to participate in an early admissions program to help them get a quick start and maintain momentum throughout their student experience.
• Learning through an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum , including an international exchange program with Monash University in Australia.
• Professional development activities to jumpstart their careers.
• Industrial internship opportunities with major corporations offer hands-on experience.
• Supervised teaching and research experiences to prepare for possible careers in academia.
• Application
• Course List

GAANN Fellowships in Chemical Engineering Energy Education

Thanks to grant funding from the Department of Education's Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program, Purdue is proud to offer special fellowships in chemical engineering energy education .

These fellowships provide an outstanding opportunity for students to train for academic or high-level research careers. All courses and professional

GAANN Fellows in Chemical Engineering Energy Education will receive the following:

• Full funding for all tuition and fees for up to five years
• Learning through innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum
• Supervised teaching experiences prepare them for a career in academia
• Professional development activities

This Solar Economy Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training ( SEIGERT ) award supports the development of a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional graduate training program of education and research in sustainable Solar Economy at the Purdue University in collaboration with University of Delaware, University of Texas at El Paso, Sandia National Lab, National Renewable Energy Lab, Helmholtz Centre Berlin for Materials and Energy, and several industrial partners.

We use the term 'Solar Economy' to refer to a future state of affairs where nearly all the energy needed for electricity, transportation, heat, chemicals and food is based on sustainable supply of sunlight. To enable such a future state, this SEIGERT is primarily rooted in finding interdisciplinary technical solutions to the most important challenges of sun-to-electricity and sun-to-fuel within the context of harmonious coexistence with other uses of solar energy. In order to identify breakthrough technical solutions and gain a thorough insight into the complexity of a solar economy, a large number of interdisciplinary solutions will be generated and rapidly assessed for their system-wide impact.

The SEIGERT establishes a new vision and program for integrating education and training that will reveal the complexity of this system to individuals from the diverse backgrounds necessary to address the future key energy challenges. The transition away from fossil fuels to a new Solar Economy necessitates major changes to the U.S. infrastructure and redefines the skill set required by our workforce. The SEIGERT program will address this need by developing lectures, course modules, training modules, and simulation tools that will define a new paradigm for interdisciplinary education and training in renewable energy.

Welcome to C3Bio ! Our vision is to develop new technologies that maximize the energy and carbon efficiencies of biofuel production by the rational and synergistic design of both physical and chemical conversion processes and the biomass itself.

PhD Admissions

Main navigation, page contents, phd application timeline & deadline, phd admissions overview, phd admissions requirements, knight-hennessy scholars, phd frequently asked questions.

The Department of Chemical Engineering accepts applications to our graduate programs once per year for Autumn quarter entry only.

The application deadline for Autumn 2024 entry is December 1, 2023, at 11:59pm (PST).   All applications completed and received by this date will receive full consideration.  No late applications will be accepted.

All components of a graduate application must be received by the department no later than the appropriate deadline - including letters of recommendation.  Once submitted, applications are considered final, and no further updates are accepted.  Application review begins immediately so on-time submission of all materials is critical. 

A complete application consists of a completed application form, a statement of purpose (a summary of research experience for PhD applications), the application fee, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL examination results (scores and percentages) if applicable.

The PhD application season is late-September through mid-December each year. The application is closed. No late applications will be accepted.

Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is open to all applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or will have completed one before matriculating as a graduate student at Stanford. 

What We Look For ChemE PhD students come from a wide variety of personal, educational, and professional backgrounds. We welcome applicants with undergraduate degrees in diverse STEM disciplines including Bioengineering, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biochemistry, Physics, and Chemistry. There are no specific course requirements for applicants, but a competitive candidate will have strong quantitative training in mathematics and the physical sciences, along with a background in biology acquired through coursework or prior research. All admitted graduate students should be prepared to take the core courses in the first year.

We welcome students entering directly from undergraduate programs, as well as applicants with MS degrees and/or substantial work experience in areas ranging from biotechnology to robotics. Our admissions committee will look for evidence that an applicant has demonstrated qualities of successful PhD students such as creativity, self-initiative, dedication, and perseverance. We also aim to admit Chemical Engineering students who can thrive at Stanford because their specific interests and aspirations are well-matched with the research of our faculty and the educational environment of our department.

Individual Chemical Engineering faculty members do not admit applicants directly to their research groups. Please do not send individual faculty members or staff informal documents and appeals for informal evaluations and/or admission to a research group. We are unable to provide informal recommendations / evaluations on the basis of partial information such as a CV, test scores or a transcript. Inquiries and materials sent to individual professors may or may not be redirected to administrative staff. We encourage potential applicants to consider discussing their issues with faculty recommenders who know them well and could give better, individualized academic advice.

Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty that hold appointments in ChemE and represent diverse research expertise. Each application is read in full and evaluated by at least two separate committee members. The applicants who are considered most competitive are then discussed by the entire admissions committee who attempt to balance the research interests, perspectives, and backgrounds & experiences in the final cohort of students who are offered admission.

The Department of Chemical Engineering considers the following in offering admission to our program:  

• Academic preparation - applicant seeks and excels in coursework relevant to chemical engineering
• Quality of prior research experience - applicant takes advantage of available research opportunities, has made meaningful contributions in their research, and has engaged in depth in experimental or theoretical work
• Demonstrated resilience - applicant demonstrates an ability to overcome obstacles that present challenges in educational and training experiences
• Curiosity, creativity - for example, as demonstrated by applicant’s chosen engagement in research opportunities and coursework
• Motivation - applicant clearly describes personal motivation for graduate training and engagement in PhD research, demonstrated work ethic, and/or track record of pursuing available research and training opportunities
• Maturity and preparedness - e.g. as demonstrated by applicant’s past engagement in activities and classes, ability to work in teams, leadership roles, and/or demonstrated commitment to scholarly work
• Potential contribution to Stanford Chemical Engineering community

IMPORTANT: These departmental instructions and requirements are SUPPLEMENTAL to the  university-wide requirements  for each and every application for admission to any advanced degree program at Stanford University.

Application Materials

A degree in chemical engineering is not required but applicants should be familiar with key concepts and their applications. This typically means applicants have degrees in other science and engineering disciplines such as bioengineering, biology, chemistry, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering and physics. We are looking for coursework or other experiences demonstrating use of higher-level mathematics (e.g. linear algebra, partial differential equations) and recommend completion of core chemical engineering courses (e.g. fluid mechanics, heat and mass transport phenomena, chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics). An MS degree is not a prerequisite for admission to our PhD program or for PhD degree conferral. 

We invite excellent students from all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups in engineering, to consider Stanford University for their graduate studies. In making admissions decisions, the Department of Chemical Engineering will comply with the requirements of the law as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, evaluating each applicant based on their “experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race.” We continue to value a diverse student body that benefits the educational experience of our students and our mission of generating knowledge at Stanford University.

1.Completed Online Application

Access  online application

2. Enriching the Learning Community

Stanford University welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of experiences, interests, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. We invite you to share the lived experiences, demonstrated values, perspectives, and/or activities that shape you as a scholar and would help you to make a distinctive contribution to Stanford University.

3. Transcripts/Education History

Applicants are required to upload copies of their transcripts/academic records (including any legends/keys) directly into the online application. Please ensure that your scans are legible since the Admissions Committee will use them in their review process. Official transcripts will only be required for applicants who are admitted and accept the offer of graduate admission. Please do not arrange for any official transcripts to be sent to the department or Stanford graduate admissions until that time.

When completing the “Educational History 1” section of the application, you will be asked to list every college and university you have attended for a year or more, and any degree program in which you are currently enrolled. Please list the highest undergraduate degree awarded (e.g. Bachelor’s, Diploma, Maitrise, etc.) in the “Post-Secondary Institution 1” section.

4. Statement of Purpose (2 pages maximum)

In your statement of purpose, you should succinctly describe your reasons for applying to the Chemical Engineering PhD program, which may include:

Preparation and motivation for graduate study in Chemical Engineering

• Aspects of your background and interests outside of research that are directly relevant to thriving in graduate school, such as obstacles overcome and experience in service and leadership
• Motivation for pursuing a PhD drawing from specific examples of research , relevant work experience, and/or personal interests
• Possible general areas of research you might pursue
• Possible general areas of Chemical Engineering that you might pursue in your career
• Any faculty member’s research that is of specific interest to you
• Many experience obstacles in your education, especially during this past year. Please also feel free to provide further explanation about any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your academic preparation

The maximum length is two pages (single-spaced). Your statement of purpose should be a well-structured essay that effectively communicates the information above while demonstrating your expository writing ability; it is often effective to open with a summary paragraph.

5. Three letters of recommendation

Recommenders should know you well and be able to comment on your strengths and your potential for graduate study. Our faculty strongly prefer letters of recommendation from academic (or professional) references who can speak to your academic and/or research background (e.g. professors who have acted as research supervisors, or instructors who have had extensive individual interactions with you). Letters must be submitted by the stated deadline as application review begins immediately. Late letters will not be reviewed. Additionally, our faculty find it helpful to hear from references who can comment on your personal qualities that would enable you to succeed in our graduate programs (such as your work ethic, commitment to goals, passion for learning and teaching, and capacity to overcome adversity), even if these references are from outside of STEM fields (e.g. coaches, academic advisors, and university leaders). Additional recommenders beyond the 3 required Letters of Recommendation are not requested.  

The Department of Chemical Engineering does not accept letters of recommendation submitted through Interfolio.

6. List of Research Experience (CV/Resume format) - 1 page limit

Your Research Experience provides the admissions committee with additional information to better evaluate your preparation and fit for our program. This is an opportunity to summarize your qualifications, honors, educational accomplishments (including publications and presentations) and interests. It should be a bulleted list, and can be structured similarly to a CV or resume and include relevant experience.  Please note:  The application portal labels this the "Resume/CV" in the Experience section of the application and incorrectly states the page length is 3 pages. Please adhere to 1 page and upload your "List of Research Experience" where the application portal shows the "Resume/CV". 

7. TOEFL scores

Applicants whose first spoken language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless they qualify for an exemption or waiver. Applicants whose scores fall below Stanford’s minimum TOEFL requirements will still be considered for admission; if admitted, Stanford may require these students to take a placement exam and/or classes to satisfy the University’s English proficiency requirement.

TOEFL scores are retained for 20 months. For questions about the validity of TOEFL scores, please contact ETS. If ETS is able to send your TOEFL scores, we will accept them. Stanford currently does not accept scores from the IELTS exam.

8. Application Fee

Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver. Preference is given to low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

For applicants who are not receiving a waiver, a nonrefundable application fee of $125 is required for each application submitted to a graduate program at Stanford University. The fee must be paid through the payment section of the online application. The only accepted method of payment is by credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard only).

Graduate Fee Waiver

Join dozens of  Stanford Engineering students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission . 

My official test scores will not arrive by the application deadline! Can I still apply?

Yes, you may still apply. You should take your ETS tests and request that scores be submitted to Stanford as well. Your application will not be considered complete until your official transcripts and test scores arrive. We will contact otherwise competitive applicants with incomplete applications for follow-up. Be sure your e-email address and telephone number are correct.

Are TOEFL scores required for admission?

In general, yes, if your first language is not English. On your application, self-report both your ETS scores and percentages. The Graduate Admissions website has further details about the university-wide test requirements and exceptions. Any request for a TOEFL waiver must to directed to central Graduate Admissions. Individual academic departments may not approve requests for waivers.  In general, there is a high expectation for English language fluency in both formal use and informal interactions, in written and oral situations. One of the key goals of our educational programs is the further development of communication skills in English and ongoing opportunities are built into the curriculum.

Is there a TOEFL exemption process if I received a degree from an institution whose primary instruction was in English?

TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned a US bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provide in English (Australia, Canada except Quebec, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK. Stanford does not accept IELTS scores. More information can be found on the  Graduate Admissions website .

Do I need to select an advisor before starting the program?

Each first-year PhD student rotates with two different faculty research groups before choosing an advisor and lab in which to develop his or her own research projects. The rotations enable students to gain a better understanding of a given faculty member’s research program and to determine if that lab is a good fit for their future research. Furthermore, during the first six months, there are multiple opportunities to talk with a wide range of faculty members about their research.

I’m applying to the Knight-Hennessy Program. What’s my deadline? Do I need to do both applications?

You should submit two independent applications if you are applying to the Knight-Hennessy Program - one to the Chemical Engineering department by Dec 1 and one to Knight-Hennessy by their deadline. You should be sure to complete both your Knight-Hennessy application by their deadline of October 11, 2023. These applications are independent and separate. Be sure you complete each set of requirements for each separate application. Please visit the  Knight-Hennessy Website  for more information regarding the Knight Hennessy Scholars program.

Can I visit the department?

Admitted PhD applicants will be invited to visit the department and meet with our students and faculty.

May I apply to start graduate work in other times of the year than Autumn Quarter?

For programmatic and curricular reasons, admitted students should plan to commence studies at the beginning of the academic year, in September.

Are GRE scores required for admission?

GRE scores are no longer required or accepted as part of an applicant’s application materials.

What kinds of financial aid are available?

Fellowship awards, assistantship jobs and loans through the university. The department is the first point of contact for the administration of most external fellowships (NSF, NDSEG, DOD, DOE, NIH, Hughes, Bell/Lucent and various foundations,), university fellowships (Stanford Graduate Fellowship), School of Engineering and departmental fellowships, and research and teaching assistantships. The university's Financial Aid Office helps graduate students obtain loans.

What are my chances of getting financial aid?

We offer financial aid at the time of admission to approximately the top 5-10 percent of the PhD applicants, and virtually all the first-year PhD students in Chemical Engineering receive aid. Faculty hold workshops to help PhD students write research proposals and apply for external fellowships. Once PhD students join a research group, normally they are supported either by fellowship awards or assistantship jobs from their research advisors or a combination of these two sources of funds.

What is the usual size of the incoming chemical engineering PhD Class?

Recently, the incoming PhD classes have numbered in the mid-20s.

When will I find out about the decision on my application?

All applicants must maintain current and correct email addresses so we can communicate with you via email. PhD applicants can expect to hear from us in January/February. The final PhD decisions are made after the December PhD deadline so the entire pool may be considered. PhD decisions will be communicated to all applicants, in writing, via email.

Further questions can be directed to  [email protected]

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

PhD/MPhil Chemical Engineering / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

• The name of this programme
• Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
• Your proposed supervisor’s name
• If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
• A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
• Details of your previous university level study
• Names and contact details of your two referees.

Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals , including learning which relates to:

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Goal 7: affordable and clean energy, goal 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure, goal 12: responsible consumption and production, goal 14: life below water, programme options, programme description.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science is a world leader in industrially relevant research and teaching in chemical engineering and related subjects.

We undertake leading-edge multidisciplinary, creative and relevant research on a wide range of topics. Focused on advancing the science and engineering of complex systems and addressing different scales and levels of complexity, the research in the Department is carried out within seven research themes :

• Advanced functional materials and analytical science
• Biochemical and bioprocess engineering
• Catalysis and porous materials
• Multi-scale modelling
• Process integration
• Subsurface energy systems
• Sustainable industrial systems

Our breadth of research expertise and highly advanced facilities make us an ideal choice whatever your doctoral interest.

Facilitating research across chemical engineering and bioscience, chemistry, mathematics and analytical and measurement science, means we can offer you the benefits of a large multidisciplinary institution at the same time as ensuring you are given personal support for your professional development.

Explore the range of research projects we offer, as well as the development and network opportunities you can expect as one of our postgraduates.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £4,786; Band B £7,000; Band C £10,000; Band D £14,500; Band E £24,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £28,000; Band B £30,000; Band C £35,500; Band D £43,000; Band E £57,000
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £2393; Band B £3,500; Band C £5,000; Band D £7,250; Band E 12,250 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £14,000; Band B £15,000; Band C £17,750; Band D £21,500; Band E £28,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Contact details

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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Chemical Engineering Dissertation Topics

Published by Grace Graffin at January 5th, 2023 , Revised On August 18, 2023

Introduction

We all know that writing a Chemical Engineering dissertation is a challenging, burdensome, and hefty task because this branch of engineering encompasses a vast array of knowledge from different science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Choosing an appropriate and suitable topic for your chemical engineering dissertation can turn out to be tricky since this subject involves several subtopics spanning from the application of thermodynamics to product purification techniques used in various industries such as the pharmaceutical industry and food industry.

As a result, it becomes challenging to put forward a chemical engineering dissertation that meets the required quality standard and scores the desired marks.

To help you get started with brainstorming for chemical engineering topic ideas, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your chemical engineering dissertation.

These topics have been developed by PhD qualified  writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your own dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question , aim and objectives,  literature review , along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

2022 Chemical Engineering Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: significance of carbon-based nanomaterials in drug delivery and how has the incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials transformed the uk pharmaceutical sector.

Research Aim: The aim of the study is to focus on the importance of carbon-based nanomaterials in drug delivery and the transformation of the UK pharmaceutical sector with the incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials

Objectives:

• To shed light on the concept of carbon-based nanomaterials and their importance in drug delivery
• To understand the transformation of the UK pharmaceutical sector with the use of carbon-based nanomaterials
• To recommend solutions in order to mitigate challenges related to the use of carbon-based nanomaterials

Topic 2: An investigation into the different applications and challenges of using lithium iron phosphate battery in EV, a case study of Tesla

Research Aim: The aim of this research study is to investigate the different applications and challenges of using lithium iron phosphate batteries in EVs. The case study of Tesla is considered.

• To understand the concept of lithium iron phosphate battery
• To explore the significance of lithium iron phosphate batteries in electric vehicles
• To examine the different benefits of using lithium iron phosphate batteries in Tesla
• To analyse the different challenges of using lithium iron phosphate battery in Tesla

Topic 3: How is the UK manufacturing industry getting smart with the integration of nanomaterials?

Research Aim: The research aim focuses on integrating nanomaterials in the UK manufacturing sector and thus making it smart.

• To analyse the concept of nanomaterials
• To explore the importance of nanomaterials in consumer products
• To shed light on how the UK manufacturing sector is becoming smart with the use of nanomaterials

Topic 4: An examination of different technologies adopted in the UK chemical sector to treat industrial waste water.

Research Aim: The research aims to explain different technologies adopted in the UK chemical sector to treat industrial waste water.

• To understand different sources of industrial waste that lead to water pollution
• To analyse the current scenario of water pollution by the UK chemical sector and the laws formed to regulate this pollution
• To examine different technologies used by the UK chemical sector to minimise water pollution and treat industrial waste water

Topic 5: Exploring the benefits and challenges of incorporating thermophotovoltaics in UK residential areas.

Research Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the benefits and challenges of incorporating thermophotovoltaics in UK residential areas.

• To understand the current state of electricity consumption in UK residential areas
• To discuss the concept of thermophotovoltaics and explore the benefits of using this device in UK residential areas
• To determine the challenges of using this device in UK residential areas

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

Topic 1: improving supercapacitors: designing conformal nanoporous polyaniline..

Research Aim: This research aims to engineer conformal nanoporous polyaniline through the process of oxidative chemical vapour deposition and to note its potential use in the improvement of supercapacitors. The study will look into the various advantages of the oxidative chemical vapour process in the formation and integration of conducting polymers over the conventional solution-based methods. It will also address and look into the potential use of the nanoporous polyaniline in increasing a supercapacitor’s energy storage ability and power density.

Topic 2: Complete Engineering of Metal-Free Carbon-Based Electrocatalysts.

Research Aim: The focus of this research is to both electronically and structurally engineer a Carbon-based and metal-free electrocatalyst that can be employed in the splitting of water. Such electrocatalysts will be able to substitute the conventional catalyst used, Platinum, for this process. We will observe if it proves to be a cheaper material that offers clean and sustainable energy conversion reactions. In this attempt, the study will also electronically and structurally construct a Carbon-based electrocatalyst to improve its catalytic performance in any reaction it is used in.

Topic 3: Heterostructure Engineering of BiOBrxI1-x/BiOBr for efficient Molecular Oxygen Activation and Organic Pollutant Degradation.

Research Aim: This research will look into the formation of a heterojunction structure of BiOBrxI1-x/BiOBr into a photocatalyst. This photocatalyst will have the ability to degrade some organic pollutants and oilfield wastes in an ideal and efficient manner to reduce pollution and release air pollutants. This will further provoke the idea of enhanced molecular oxygen activation capacity of bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts for the same reason.

Topic 4: The Control of Key Bio functions by The Chemical Synthesis of Glycosaminoglycan-mimetic Polymer.

Research Aim: The research will look at the different advantages of chemically synthesising glycosaminoglycan-mimetic polymer over naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan. The study will also highlight the critical importance of this synthetic polymer over its naturally occurring counterpart in the controlling of essential bio functions in an organism.

Topic 5: The Catalytic Applications of Chemically Designed Palladium-Based Nanoarchitectures.

Research Aim: This research will look into the future development of chemically designed Palladium based catalysts. The study will also be looking into their various applications. This research will also discuss the use of the different types of palladium-based nano architectures, which include alloys, intermetallic compounds, etc., against the limitations of pure palladium in the reactions it is used in.

Topic 6: To Achieve an Efficiency of That Over 15% in Organic Photovoltaic Cells.

Research Aim: This research will focus on achieving an efficiency of 15% or more in an organic photovoltaic cell using a copolymer design. This is because ternary blending and copolymerisation strategies have been noted to boost photovoltaic performance in photovoltaic organic solar cells by a certain degree. It will also discuss the applications of this enhanced photovoltaic cell in practical production and use soon.

Topic 7: To Achieve Efficient Hydrogen Production Through Chemically Activated Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2).

Research Aim: This research will look into the application of Molybdenum disulfide as a promising catalyst for the process called the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). We will discuss the two-dimensional layered structure of MoS2 and why it is a suitable replacement for the already used catalyst Platinum (Pt). The research will also explain the formation of this catalyst (MoS2) and how it becomes chemically activated. The paper will also compare and contrast the catalytical abilities of both Pt and the chemically activated Molybdenum disulfide. Related: How you can write a Quality Dissertation

Chemical Dissertation Topics 2021

Topic 1: organic redox and electrolyte development for semi-organic dry cell and flow battery production development..

Research Aim: Electrochemical technology advancement could optimize renewable energy for value-added chemical processing. This research will use organic redox species-rich electrical chemistry to generate new dry cell and flow batteries.

Topic 2: Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering.

Research Aim: This research aims to identify the relationship between Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering.

Topic 3: Influence of Chemicals on Environment

Research Aim: This research aims to measure the influence of Chemicals on Environmental Management

Topic 4: How is industrial chemistry revolutionising?

Research Aim: This research aims to identify how industrial chemistry is revolutionising

Topic 5: Method of Preparing Hydrogen by Using Solar Energy

Research Aim: This research aims to focus on the method of preparing hydrogen by using solar energy

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Material Production Dissertation Topics

Topic 8: engineering enterprise systems impact on the project design of oxygen scavenging nanoparticles.

Research Aim: The research will analyse how the implementation of an engineering enterprise system influences the design cycle of material production. The study will use material production projects related to oxygen scavenging nanoparticles as the case with which research will be conducted. The study aims to understand how enterprise systems can be implemented in material production to reduce costs and ensure the project is completed on time. The quality of the material is not compromised.

Topic 9: The Efficient Detoxification of Toxic Metals and Dyes Under visible Light Illumination.

Research Aim: This research will discuss the heterojunction of Fe2O3 on BOC (Bismuth carbonate) to increase the efficiency of detoxifying toxic metals and dyes by visible light illumination. It will also explain the effect of Fe2O3 heterojunction on the photocatalytic impact, solar harvesting ability, and enhanced charge carrier ability of BOC.

Topic 10: The Deformation of Geopolymers Based From Metakaolin Through Chemical Procedures.

Research Aim: This research will look into the chemical deformation process individually and the effect of these deformations on the volume stability in binder materials. It will focus on the impact of deformation in metakaolin based geopolymers as they experience three stages of deformation due to chemical procedures.

Topic 11: Improving The Mechanical Properties Of Oil-impregnated Casting Nylon Monomers Through Chemically Functionalized SiO2.

Research Aim: The research will discuss the effect of chemically functionalizing SiO2 in an attempt to observe any changes in oil-impregnated monomers of casting nylon. It will explain the changes observed in the casting nylons tensile strength, elastic modulus, notched impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus.

Topic 12: Increasing The Electrocatalytic Effect of 2H-WS2 By Defect Engineering For The Process Of Hydrogen Evolution.

Research Aim: The research will attempt to increase the electrocatalytic effect of 2H-WS2 to increase the active sites found on the compound to achieve an efficient method to evolve hydrogen gas from evolution reactions. The electrocatalyst is evaluated both theoretically and experimentally for better results.

Chemical Engineering Techniques and Processes Dissertation Topics

Topic 13: the control of water kinematics in a water solution of low deuterium concentration..

Research Aim: The research will study the effects of the change in deuterium concentration in water. The study will compare the kinematics of deuterium depleted water, the average concentration of deuterium, and that of hard water (D2O).

Topic 14: To Assess the Temporal Control Photo-Mediated Controlled Radical Polymerization Reactions.

Research Aim: The research will examine the effect of light control over some photo-mediated polymerisation reactions. It will also observe the changes in the polymer when the light is on and when it is off.

Topic 15: The Influence of Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-design for Green Chemical Engineering.

Research Aim: The research will analyse how the implementation of life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-design concepts in a chemical engineering company solves design issues from a technical, social, economic, and environmental viewpoint. The research will use empirical data to conduct the study, performing a survey of chemical engineers from various companies throughout the UK.

Topic 16: Using Techniques of Structural Engineering To Design Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Research Aim: In this research, various techniques of structural engineering are implemented to obtain a flexible lithium-ion battery, which can be used in such electronic devices which can function even in extreme deformations such as flexible displays, flexible tools, and any wearable devices. It will analyse the battery based on the structural design at both component and device levels.

Topic 17: Applying Chemical Looping Technology On Cerium-Iron Mixed Oxides for Production of Hydrogen and Syngas.

Research Aim: This research will prepare impure hydrogen gas by the looping method to generate syngas. At the same time, a mix of cerium and iron oxides is prepared to form oxygen carriers. It will apply different techniques to obtain more efficient methods for the formation of hydrogen gas and CeO2.Fe2O3 to for syngas.

Topic 18: Designing Fracture Resistant Lithium Metal Anodes with Bulk Nanostructured Materials.

Research Aim: The research will attempt to use bulk nanostructured materials on lithium metal anodes to form such anodes with the stress exerted by a passing electrical flow that is equally distributed to avoid fracturing. This method will allow creating fracture-resistant lithium metal anodes in high rate electric cycles with a larger capacity.

Topic 19: To Obtain Efficient Photo-Chemical Splitting of Water by Surface Engineering Of Nanomaterials.

Research Aim: The research discusses the effects of various surface engineering techniques in the process of water splitting. Surface engineering alters the surface layer of the electrolyte in an attempt to add a significant change in the production of hydrogen gas during water splitting. It will also discuss the challenges faced by surface engineering and potential opportunities in applying this method in future uses.

More Dissertation Topics on Chemical Engineering

Topic 20: assessing the competencies of personal skills in chemical engineers..

Research Aim: The research will analyse the impact of chemical engineers’ transferable skills or personal skills using PLS-SEM. The study will examine the variables of communications, teamwork, IT skills, self-learning, numeracy, and problem-solving to understand chemical engineers’ competencies better.

Topic 21: The Impact of Communication Skills on Team-Individual Conflict of Chemical Engineers.

Research Aim: The research will examine, using qualitative methodologies, the impact of technical workshops that focus on speaking and writing on team-individual conflicts of chemical engineers in various UK industries. The research aims to understand how specific communications skills focusing on technical ability affect conflict situations in industrial environments.

Topic 22: Using Social Network Analysis to Assess Management in Chemical Enterprises.

Research Aim: The research uses social network analysis (SNA) to analyse the management systems of chemical enterprises. The data will be collected through a psychometric questionnaire to assess variables of communication, governance, work environment, and other management components. The research aims to comprehend how these variables interact to ensure the appropriate management of chemical enterprises.

Topic 23: The Impact of Process Systems Engineering on Sustainable Chemical Engineering.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the impact of process system engineering (PSE) on achieving sustainable chemical engineering. The study will focus on metrics, product design, process design, and process dynamics to better understand if it aids industries to become more sustainable. The research methodology will be mixed methods based on collecting data from questionnaires and interviews.

Topic 24: To Observe the Effect of Water-Splitting in Acidic Environment By Using Transition-Metal-Doped Rulr Biofunctional Nanocrystals.

Research Aim: This research will use the Ruler alloy as an electrocatalyst due to its bio-functionality and efficiency in oxygen-evolving and hydrogen evolving reactions. These observations will be taken in an acidic environment due to the necessity of developing the proton exchange membrane for producing clean hydrogen fuel.

Topic 25: Using The Mono-Doping and Co-Doping Processes to Obtain Efficient Metal-Free Electrocatalysts From N-Doped Carbon Nanomaterial

Research Aim: This research discusses the recent advancements in producing N-doped carbon electrocatalysts prepared by mono-, co-, and N-doping processes with other heteroatoms. It will also discuss the possibilities of developing a more sustainable electrocatalyst.

Topic 26: Synthesising Ultra-High Surface Area Porous Carbon by The Use Of Fungi- A Literature Review

Research Aim: The research will attempt to use a systematic literature review methodology to organise and discuss the characteristic degradation of fungi to isolate suitable and tailored microstructures which benefit a subsequent amount of carbonization and chemical activation.

Topic 27: Using Various Biogas and Manure Types To Synthesise A Biogas Supply Network.

Research Aim: This research will attempt to form a supply of biogas to generate electricity over a monthly time period. We will develop a generic mixture of manure and vegetative materials to build a biogas mixture for this purpose. It will then note the amounts of material used for the mix and note the changes to the number of electricity formations if we change the ratio of the original mix.

Topic 28: The Role of Surface Hydroxyls On the Activity And Stability Of Electrochemical Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide.

The research will observe the effect of surface hydroxyls on the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. It will explain why the reduction of carbon dioxide is susceptible to react with the proper amount of surface hydroxyls through hydrogen bonding, which causes self-reduction. Not Sure Which Dissertation Topic to Choose?   Use Our Topic Planning Service  GET A FREE QUOTE NOW Related:   Civil Engineering Dissertation

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Important Notes:

As a chemical engineering student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing chemical engineering theories and processes – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The field of chemical engineering is vast and interrelated to so many other academic disciplines like  civil engineering ,  construction , engineering , mechanical engineering , and more. That is why it is imperative to create a chemical engineering dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is the basis of your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in  writing your dissertation , as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the very initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best chemical engineering dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalising your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Take a look at some of our sample chemical engineering dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Chemical Engineering Dissertation

A well-structured   dissertation can help students   to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review :  This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic in light of the research questions to be addressed. The purpose is to highlight and discuss the relative weaknesses and strengths of the selected research area whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down of the topic, and key terms can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology: The  data collection  and  analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes  research design, research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and  data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis: Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include  graphs ,  charts, and  tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and  Conclusion: The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to link the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References:  This should be completed in accordance with your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices: Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the  dissertation  but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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Kylie Trettner PhD in Chemical Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is to always carry around a notebook. Though I suppose the true advice is what that implies:  to write everything down . Writing out my thoughts and reasons why I want to try things (in terms of research) has been so helpful! Not only do I have a handful of notebooks (I'm really organized so each one serves a different purpose) but I've also found that typing up notes to myself when I need to get an idea out quickly is so helpful as well.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Since I'm still working toward earning my PhD, I'd have to say my greatest accomplishment was running TSP DIY last year (TPS = The Speed Project). It's normally a relay-style race from the Santa Monica Pier to the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign, but because of COVID we did it around Santa Monica and Beverley Hills. I ran 31 miles at 6:27 average mile pace over the course of the 31-hour 45-minute race with 8 other women. It was incredible and I can't wait to run the real TSP relay next year!

What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?

I don't impulse buy! I have to stick to my budget and I usually plan out my bigger purchases a few months in advance to spread them out. Once in a while I'll be tempted by the Madewell sales or buying a few more books than the one that I'm looking for, but if I can't fit it in my budget I don't buy it.

Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.

My research is a very interesting mix of materials science, electrical engineering, microscopy, and cancer biology! I'm currently working on creating both a magnetic hydrogel system and electromagnetic microscope mount to be able to use and applied magnetic field to change the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. I'm using this as a tumor microenvironment model to study howincreased material stiffness (modulus) changes the biological properties of cancer organoids grown in the hydrogel matrix. Eventually, I'll use this to study the cellular secretion profile and pair the system with a mechanotransductor to get both biological-only and material/organoid interface read-outs. I'm excited to work on engineering solutions to study biological effects and I've found myself working in the biophysics field - an industry I never knew existed until I began designing my project - and it truly forces us to push the boundaries between engineering, physical sciences, and biology to unlock the fundamental properties of fibrotic diseases.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

I would hands down be a professional athlete. I was a student-athlete in undergrad and I'm really involved in the running community here in Los Angeles and if I was ever given the opportunity, I would jump into full-time training.

What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?

Beyond USC's location, I saw within USC the opportunity to truly forge my own path. Part of this is because I recognized my PI's encouragement for collaborations (both within and outside of USC) and actively pursued an institution that would support me but also give me the freedom to create at the same time as investigating biologically-inspired questions.

If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?

There's too much to pick for all of California, so I'll limit it to a ~4 hour drive from LA. I absolutely love Death Valley National Park! In LA, the Santa Monica Mountains are probably where I spend most of my weekends (cycling through, but hiking and running are incredible there too) and while I'm talking of mountains, the access to various national forests is great here too (Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino and a few of those mountains are often my cycling destinations for Saturdays as well). My third place would be Ginger's Divine Ice Cream on Washington in Culver City; it's probably the best ice cream I've ever had!

What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?

A memory I'll always cherish from USC actually happened during my visit weekend. It rained the whole day we toured campus and spoke with professors. Once I got out of my final meeting (with my current PI) and went to head back to the hotel, a rainbow popped up across campus I ended up walking back through campus under it. I think it was a sign haha!

What's one thing about you that might surprise me?

I was on Good Morning America when I was in middle school on accident. I went to watch the Fray perform, but during the interview with Steve Martin (he was promoting the Pink Panther movie) they decided to ask the crowd to try and repeat things in his character's accent. They came up to me! After I did it, the hostess turned to Steve and said, "I guess the accent isn't so hard!" which I took to mean I did pretty well.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm really not sure what I want to do after graduation! I have a couple more years and right now I'm not sure if I want to continue my career doing benchwork or transition to a more consulting-type position. I love problem solving and building but I also really love science communication and public speaking, so I know I'll have to find the right position that will give me a good balance of both.

Hometown (city, country):

Wading River, NY, USA

Personal Website (if any):

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ kylietrettner

Faculty Advisor:

Prof. Andrea Armani

Jose Cobena-Reyes PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself I am originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador. My bachelor’s degree is in chemical engineering, and  after graduating, I worked for a few years as a Production Supervisor at a company called Holcim in Ecuador. I have always wanted to study abroad, so I took my chance and I came to USC.

What attracted you to choose USC for your graduate studies? It’s a world class university and the research I’m doing here is related to my interests, which is a mixture of chemical engineering and computational research.

Tell us about your interests outside the classroom.

Currently, I serve as the Graduate Student Representative for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Chapter at USC. I plan activities tailored to our Hispanic graduate students. Our most popular event is Painting Night! We gather together to paint on small canvases, it is very relaxing.

Last year, I served as part of the Center of Engineering Diversity Advisory Board at USC. We held meetings were we gave feedback and shared our concerns about the needs of our communities. During my free time, I play the guitar. I also love watching soccer and movies.

How has SHPE helped you grow? In so many ways. Professionally, thanks to SHPE I have learned networking techniques, how to follow up after meeting someone either by email or by Linkedin, how to approach people in networking events; in general some social conventions that we should apply when we attempt to grow our network. Socially, there are always opportunities to connect with other Hispanic graduate students during the SHPE events. That helped to make more friends!

Tell us about some exciting and unforgettable incidents from your two years at USC.

Related to my research, the publication of my first paper was incredibly important to me. I worked for a year and a half on it before I was able to finally publish it. I would also say that my networking skills have strengthened thanks to many workshops I have attended. I’ve been able to expand my network considerably and meet many new people.

Is there something that may surprise people about you? I also have a master’s in business administration!

Overall, how has the PhD journey been at USC? I would say that it has been probably one of the most fruitful experiences in my life. I have grown a lot, both personally and professionally. Studying abroad in Los Angeles and at USC has been a great time learning about other cultures and about myself and  learning how to conduct world class research.

What are your future plans after completing your Phd? My aim is to do research either in the semiconductor or chemical industries.

What innovations/discoveries do you hope to see (or be a part of!) in the next ten years? The computational techniques that I use are currently moving towards a combination that involves machine learning to either predict material properties or to accelerate molecular simulation. I think exciting times about this are coming.

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The graduate program in the Department of Chemical Engineering offers students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research that tackles pressing challenges facing our society and our planet in areas such as biomedicine, energy, security, and sustainability.

Students develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of chemical engineering through core coursework and applied electives, while gaining career experience through laboratory research or co-op.

Chemical Engineering master’s students can select research-based (thesis) and course-based degree options.  The MS in Pharmaceutical Engineering offers coursework and rich experiential learning.

The department’s research areas include Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems; Complex and Computational Systems; Energy and Sustainability; Engineering Education and Pedagogy; and Materials and Nanotechnology. Graduate students are able to select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests.

The overarching goal of the rich research and educational experience is to mentor and to equip our students to become future leaders in engineering and science, while simultaneously promoting scholarly achievement for both the faculty and students.

Full-Time and Part-Time Options

The PhD in Chemical Engineering degree is offered as a full-time program. The non-thesis MS Chemical Engineering degree is offered as either a full-time or part-time program to make it more accessible to students pursuing concurrent industrial careers. The MS in Pharmaceutical Engineering is a full time program.

Students pursuing the non-thesis MS in Chemical Engineering degree may, in exceptional cases, apply and seek admission to pursue a thesis MS degree following their first term of enrollment in the graduate program; if admitted, the thesis MS degree is offered only as a full-time program.

Both full-time Chemical Engineering Master of Science degree and Doctoral students are able to select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests.

The  Graduate Dissertation Completion Fellowships provides PhD candidates who are nearing completion of their dissertation the financial support to spend their final semester writing.

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Northeastern is a leader in experiential learning and is one of only a few that offer a cooperative education program for graduate students. Cooperative education at the graduate level is not just a way for students to gain real world experience, but it is also a way to challenge, network, expand and fine-tune their knowledge within their respective industry, and foster career development, while helping to finance their education.

Located in Hub of Innovation

With a premier location in downtown Boston, a hub of high tech, biotech, and medical and pharmaceutical institutions, including world-renowned hospitals, research in the department leverages the wealth of collaborations with neighboring universities, hospitals, medical centers and industry. New or prospective graduate students can learn about ongoing research topics from individual faculty members, faculty web sites and graduate student seminars. Graduate student seminars, where our students present the results of their research, are held on a regular basis and provide an interactive forum for learning and exchanging ideas.

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• Munguía-López, Aurora

Aurora del Carmen Munguía-López

Research Topics

Mathematical modeling, optimization, systems engineering, process design, multi-scale modeling, techno-economic analysis, life cycle assessment, social justice, sustainable supply chains and systems, plastics recycling, waste management

Contact Information

308 Furnas Hall

Buffalo NY, 14260

[email protected]

Related Links

Select publications.

• A.C. Munguia-Lopez, D. Hornke, K.L. SanclH'7R.ivera, H.A. Aguirre-Villegas, S .A vraamidon, G.W. Huber, and V.M. Zavala (2023). Quantifying the Environmental Benefits of a Solvent-Based Separation Process for Multilayer Plastic Films. Green Chemistry, 25(4), 1611-25.
• R. Ochoa-Barragan, A.C. Munguia-Lopez, and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2023). Strategic Planning for the Optimal Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences.
• A.C. Munguia-Lopez, R. Ochoa-Barragan, and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2022). Optimal Waste Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification, 176, 108942. Selected as cover of the issue.
• Cansino-Loeza, A.C. Munguia-Lopez, and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2022). A Water-Energy-Food Security Nexus Framework based on Optimal Resource Allocation. Environmental Science & Policy, 13(3), 1-16.
• Ramin-Marquez, A.C. Munguia-Lopez, M. Martin, J.G. Segovia-Hernandez, and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2022). Optimal Design of a Solar-Grade Silicon Refinery incorporating a Fairness Approach. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 186, 25-36.
• R. Ochoa-Barragan, A.C. Munguia-Lopez, and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2021). Use of Mathematical Approaches for Addressing COVID-19 Pandemic - A Critical Review. Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, 5, 755-775.
• D.J. Cruz-Aviles, A.C. Munguia-Lopez, and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2021). Optimal Design of Water Networks in Eco-Industrial Parks Incorporating a Fairness Approach. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 60(24), 8844-8860.
• A.C. Munguia-Lopez, A.F. Sanchez-Bautista, M. M. El-Halwagi, and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2021). Strategic Planning of an Integrated Fuel Production System with a Fair-Sustainable Approach. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 9(14), 5116-5127.
• A.C. Munguia-Lopez and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2021). Fair Allocation of Potential COVID-19 Vaccines Using an Optimization-Based Strategy. Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, 5, 3-12.
• A.C. Munguia-Lopez, J . M . Nmie7rLopez, and J.M. Ponce-Ortega (2020). Identifying Fair Solutions in the Optimal Design of Integrated Residential Complexes. Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification, 157, 108116.