The chemical engineering profession has evolved in concert with the technological landmarks of the last century: from petroleum refining at the beginning of the last century to biotechnology and biomedical developments, innovations in digital communications and microelectronics, and nanotechnology.

These changes have driven chemical engineering from macroscopic to microscopic to nano-scale and eventually towards molecular dimensions. Although chemical engineers remain actively engaged in the synthesis of known knowledge into large scale processes—traditionally referred to as “scale-up”—the new revolutions in processing and products are involving them in the creation of new technologies at increasingly shrinking dimensions—“scaling down.”

The need for exploitation of new energy and raw materials sources and the increased emphasis on the life sciences offers new opportunities for chemical engineers in diverse industries such as biological, medical, and pharmaceutical firms, and presents new challenges.

Lafayette chemical engineers are well suited to take on these challenges. Our curriculum emphasizes general proficiency in science and mathematics the first two years, followed by professionally oriented work the next two. It is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Committee of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Graduates are eligible to become members of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

• Are able to tackle unfamiliar problems and demonstrate an ability to understand, formulate, analyze, design and provide solutions in the field of chemical engineering.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility, addressing economic, sustainability, and environmental considerations in the solution of engineering problems in both local and global settings
• Work well in multi-disciplinary teams and appreciate the value of multiple perspectives in engineering problem solving
• Explain and defend their solutions and communicate effectively using graphic, verbal and written techniques to all audiences
• Value mentoring, life-long learning and developing the talents of others and, by accomplishing these objectives, become effective leaders in engineering

Design is integrated throughout the curriculum, beginning with the first-year engineering course and continuing through the advanced-level courses, culminating in major capstone design courses in the senior year.

Students who perform well in their course work may do independent research and laboratory projects during the regular semesters as well as the summer and interim sessions. Many students take advantage of the EXCEL Scholars program to do one-on-one research with a faculty member. These students often present the results of their work at national meetings or publish it in professional journals.

Chemical engineering students are encouraged to join the campus chapter of the American Institute of Chemical
Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Organization of Minority Scientists and Engineers.

Excellent Facilities

The 90,000-square-foot Acopian Engineering Center includes innovative student learning centers, laboratories designed specifically for collaborative student/faculty research, and high-tech classrooms equipped with the latest instructional technology. The chemical engineering learning center, laboratories, and faculty offices are grouped together to facilitate interaction among students and faculty.

The main chemical engineering laboratory is equipped for work on bench-scale or pilot-scale equipment in traditional areas such as heat and mass transfer and separations, and emerging areas such as biochemical reaction engineering and nanotechnology. Typical experiments include distillation using a 15-tray bubble-cap tower and a 12-foot packed column, liquid extraction, gas absorption, and heat exchanger characterization.

In addition to the campus computer network, students have access to modern computer simulation packages that help them solve specific chemical engineering problems in the areas of process design, laboratory data analysis, and process simulation.

After Graduation

Among chemical engineering graduates in the Class of 2006, 53 percent accepted jobs and 41 percent enrolled in graduate programs. In recent years graduates continued their studies at public and private universities including Carnegie Mellon, Colorado, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Princeton, Rutgers, and Virginia.

Graduates have found jobs in traditional venues such as process engineering, manufacturing engineering and management, and research and development. An increasing number of majors are finding careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing and biochemical engineering research as well as in technical sales, service, and product marketing. Additionally some students have pursued careers in management consulting and investment banking.

Recent employers of graduates include Air Products & Chemicals, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Con Edison, DuPont, ExxonMobil, Environmental Protection Agency, Foster Wheeler, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Proctor & Gamble, Rohm & Haas, Spectra Gases, and Samsung.

Required Courses

Faculty

Patricia A. Darcy, Assistant Professor. Ph.D., University of Iowa. Teaching areas: thermodynamics, biochemical engineering and biotechnology, and chemical engineering laboratories. Research areas: biochemical engineering, bioseparations, and bioactive complex fluids.

James Ferri, Associate Professor. Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University. Teaching areas: transport phenomena, mass transfer and separations, and chemical engineering laboratories. Research interests: mechanics and transport in nanomaterials, interfacial phenomena, and bioengineering. Recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship.

J. Ronald Martin, Professor. Ph.D., Princeton University; P.E., Pennsylvania. Teaching areas: material and energy balances, thermodynamics, and polymers. Research interests: materials and their properties, polymer processing and use, and flammability of polymers. Recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award and Marquis Distinguished Teaching Award.

Polly R. Piergiovanni, Associate Professor and Head. Ph.D., University of Houston. Teaching areas: material and energy balances, unit operations, process control, and biochemical engineering. Research interests: biochemical processes, and system dynamics and control.

James P. Schaffer, Professor. Ph.D., Duke University. Teaching areas: engineering ethics, materials science, and transport properties. Research interests: physical and electronic structure of materials, and spectroscopy. Recipient of Jones Faculty Lecture Award, Student Government Superior Teaching Award, and Marquis Distinguished Teaching Award.

Javad Tavakoli, Professor. Ph.D., New Jersey Institute of Technology. P.E., Pennsylvania. Teaching areas: kinetics and reactor design, chemical engineering laboratories, and environmental engineering. Research interests: industrial wastewater treatment, hazardous waste treatment, renewable energy sources, and catalysis.

Polly R. Piergiovanni
Head, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
(610) 330-5431
piergiop@lafayette.edu

For general information:
Office of admissions
Lafayette College
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 330-5100
FAX (610) 330-5355
admissions@lafayette.edu