January/February 2020
Latest Research 
Directional control of self-propelled protocells: The future of drug delivery?

Synthetic protocells can be made to move toward and away from chemical signals, an important step for the development of new drug-delivery systems that could target specific locations in the body >>
Researchers explore using computer simulations to improve experiments

Penn State chemical engineering researchers recently received a four-year, $1.75 million grant from the National Science Foundation to explore the integration of computer simulations with experiments to quicken the development of new flexible electronics.  >>

Extremely slippery surface coatings such as diamond-like carbon (DLC), hold great potential for extremely low-friction surfaces that are more efficient and durable in automotive systems, medical devices, advanced sensors, and computer components.  >>

Protocells - artificial cells - that are active and mimic living cells by moving independently and that are biocompatible and enzymatically active are now possible using an improved method developed by Penn State researchers.  >>
Faculty Achievements 

Kristen Fichthorn, Penn State Merrell Fenske Professor of Chemical Engineering and professor of physics, recently received the 2019 Nanoscale Science and Engineering Forum Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.  >>
Energy, chemical engineering professor receives fellowship

Hilal Ezgi Toraman, Penn State assistant professor of energy engineering and chemical engineering, has been named the Virginia S. and Philip L. Walker Jr. Faculty Fellow in Materials Science and Engineering and Fuel Science Program. >>
Chemical engineering professor elected as American Physical Society Fellow

The American Physical Society elected Bryan D. Vogt, Penn State professor of chemical engineering, as one of its 2019 fellows.   >>
Chemical engineering professor lands global research fellowship

Amir Sheikhi, assistant professor of chemical engineering at Penn State, received an inaugural Institute of International Education's Global Research Fellowship.  >>
Student Stories
Chemical engineering undergrad part of women-led maker program

As equity and inclusion become increasingly important in engineering programs across the nation, offerings that expose students to challenging experiences designed to increase self-awareness, confidence, and engineering skills are needed more than ever.  >>

While their technical expertise is extraordinary, some engineers may lack the necessary leadership training needed to excel in industry. The Engineering Leadership Development program hopes to change this.  >>
Chemical engineering undergraduate students earn national poster awards

Students from the Penn State Department of Chemical Engineering's Research Experience for Undergraduates program earned two awards at the 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Undergraduate Student Poster Competition.  >>
Our Alumni 
Chemical engineering names 2019 Early Career Alumni Recognition Award recipient

Kelly Irvin was named the 2019 Early Career Alumni Recognition Award recipient by the Penn State Department of Chemical Engineering.  >>
Chemical engineering alum becomes ambassador for girls interested in STEM

While roughly one-third of girls say they have considered a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career, only one-quarter actually pursue that path. Looking to improve on that statistic are chemical engineers like Paula Garcia Todd.  >>
Schreyer Scholar alumna and chemical engineering graduate leaving legacy of impact

Quinta Nwanosike Warren spent the first six years of her professional career as an engineer, for an oil and gas company. She learned a lot and found satisfaction in the work, but something was missing.   >>
Penn State chemical engineering alumnus, benefactor remembered

Harvey F. Brush, 99, alumnus and longtime Penn State benefactor, died on July 12, 2019. Brush, who earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1942, contributed more than $2 million to the College of Engineering and the College of Education over the years.  >>
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