Chemistry and Chemical & Biomedical Engineering

Interim Chair: Dequan Xiao, Ph.D., Duke University

Professors Emeriti: Michael A. Collura, Ph.D., Lehigh University; Arthur S. Gow III, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University; Pauline M. Schwartz, Ph.D., University of Michigan; George L. Wheeler, Ph.D., University of Maryland

Professors: W. David Harding, Ph.D., Northwestern University; Nancy Ortins Savage, Ph.D., The Ohio State University; Dequan Xiao, Ph.D., Duke University

Associate Professors: Kagya Amoako, Ph.D., University of Michigan; Pier F. Cirillo, Ph.D., Boston University; Eddie Luzik, Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College; Chong Qiu, Ph.D.,Texas A&M University

Assistant Professors: Kristine Karlsson, Ph.D., Stony Brook University; Shue Wang, Ph.D., University of Arizona

Senior Lecturers: Robert Harvey, M.S., University of New Haven; Tiffany Hesser, Ed.D. Southern Connecticut State University

Lecturers: Michael Jaffe, M.S. University of Connecticut; Maryam Khalili, Ph.D., University of Connecticut; John Osambo, Ph.D., University of New Hampshire

Practitioners in Residence: Stanley Menacherry, Ph.D., Emory University; Madhuparna Roychoudory, Ph.D., Yale University; Alan G. Sutherland, Ph.D., University of East Anglia; Emily Yoon, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University.

The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical & Biomedical Engineering is to prepare a diverse student body for entrance into the chemical and biomedical engineering and chemistry professions and for evolving professional careers, including graduate study and professional school.

The Department offers bachelor's degree programs and minors in chemical engineering and chemistry.

Degrees Offered

B.S., Chemistry
B.S., Chemical Engineering

Jacob Finley Buckman Endowed Chair and Scholarships

The Jacob Finley Buckman Endowed Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering was established in 1981 by Mrs. Clarice Buckman of New Haven in memory of her late husband, Jacob Finley Buckman, cofounder of Enthone Corporation. The Clarice Buckman Scholarships are awarded to juniors majoring in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers are creative problem solvers. They apply the fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and economics to the solution of practical problems and to the search for new knowledge. Traditionally, chemical engineers develop, design, optimize, and operate processes that convert material and energy resources into new or improved products. It was practitioners of this discipline who developed the technological infrastructure for industries such as chemicals, petroleum products, plastics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

Chemical engineers are at the forefront in implementing emerging technologies such as bioprocessing and biomaterials and nanotechnology. Chemical engineers are also concerned with the critical areas of resource depletion, energy conservation, pollution prevention and control, improved control of processes, and enhanced productivity. The major has also proven to be an excellent background for the study of law, medicine, or business.

Mission and Outcomes

The mission of the Chemical Engineering program is to prepare a diverse student body for entrance into the chemical engineering profession and for evolving professional careers. The following four program objectives have been set to achieve the program's mission:

To graduate students who have the technical knowledge and professional skills necessary for the current practice of engineering.
To prepare students for technical careers that require a high level of interaction and communication with others and sensitivity to the broad social scope of engineering problems.
To prepare graduates to apply an organized approach to competently address problems and opportunities through careful problem formulation, critical analysis of inputs, creative solutions, and the ability to learn what is needed to solve the complex problem.
To assure that students have a firm understanding of the terminology, techniques, and methods employed by chemical engineers.

Based on the program objectives, seven program outcomes have been established:

Students can demonstrate an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
Students can demonstrate an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
Students can demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
Students can demonstrate an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
Students can demonstrate an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
Students can demonstrate an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
Students can demonstrate an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Achievement of these four objectives and ten outcomes is assessed by a variety of means, including course evaluations, exit surveys, alumni surveys, and employer surveys.

Chemical Engineering Club

The Chemical Engineering Club has ties to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). The Club provides students the opportunity to socialize, meet chemical engineers working in the area, visit process plants, and participate in community projects.

Chemistry

Chemists are concerned with the structure and analysis of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. Today's chemists are solving problems and developing new substances with the increasing use of laboratory instruments. Many of these instruments are interfaced with computers for rapid data analysis and display.

Careers for chemists in today's market include the rapidly developing fields of instrumentation; computers; energy; environment; forensics; medicine; biochemistry and biotechnology; safety and health; pharmaceutical, product, and equipment development; chemical engineering; plastics and polymers; synthetic fibers; industrial chemistry; technical sales and services; and management.

Objectives

The Chemistry program has the following educational objectives:

To provide a strong background in theoretical chemical principles and laboratory practice.
To develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
To develop the ability to communicate effectively.
To provide pertinent experience with chemical instrumentation.

Chemistry Club

The Chemistry Club is a student affiliate of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The Club is open to all students, and all chemistry and forensic science majors are encouraged to join. Club activities include field trips, community and University service projects, films, group discussions, and social activities.