Chemical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Chemical Engineering (ChemE) stands at the forefront of education, research, and innovation. Specializing in critical areas like health and medicine, biofuels, air quality, and process systems engineering, CMU Chemical Engineers are leading the charge toward a healthier, cleaner, and more efficient future for all.

Creating a better future

Programs

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Master’s

Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering research

ChemE graduates go on to...

Work at companies like:

Accenture
Amazon
Anheuser-Busch
Deloitte
Dow
Eli Lilly and Company
Exxon Mobile
Intel
Merck
Procter & Gamble
PPG

Pursue graduate degrees or careers in academia at universities like:

Carnegie Mellon University
Duke University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of California Berkeley
University of Florida
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Minnesota
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania

Research areas

Air quality and climate

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical engineering

Catalysis and surface science

Energy, decarbonization, and sustainability

Process systems engineering

Soft materials and complex fluids

News

Feb 27

News & Events

Student spotlight: Robert MacKnight

In the search for new materials, Ph.D. student Robert MacKnight is motivated by the potential of AI to accelerate the daily tasks of research and, ultimately, the process of molecular discovery.

A new space dedicated to stewarding community, fostering connection, and hosting programming focused on DEI across the College of Engineering has opened in the A-level of ANSYS Hall.

DEI-focused space, The Belonging Center, opens in ANSYS Hall

Feb 19

News & Events

Diagnosing data quality with machine learning models

A cross-country research collaboration that Aaron Garrison (‘23) led as an undergraduate has published its findings.

Feb 8

News & Events

ChemE congratulates 2024 graduate fellowship awardees

Fourteen chemical engineering graduate students were recently awarded fellowships through the department and the College of Engineering.

Jan 31

News & Events

A new place for undergraduate collaboration and comfort

With a multifunction workspace, lounge area, meeting room, and quiet study room, the ChemE undergraduate flexible learning space serves educational, social, and community needs.

Jan 12

Energy & Environment

Torres awarded NSF CAREER award

Chemical Engineering’s Ana Inés Torres was awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER award for her research in circular economies.

Jan 8

Energy & Environment

Data science and machine learning approaches to catalysis

In a keynote at the AIChE annual meeting, John Kitchin illustrated what is possible when we think broadly about data science and machine learning.

Watch the Video

Coscientist is a copilot for science, making experimentation faster and more accurate.

AI Coscientist automates scientific discovery

Dec 15

Artificial Intelligence

Alum spotlight: Priyanka Vaddi

With a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Priyanka Vaddi (‘04) is uniquely prepared for her career as a pediatric dentist.

Dec 6

Artificial Intelligence

Student spotlight: Chetan Chilkunda

After years of hearing that his generation will have to fix our planet, undergraduate Chetan Chilkunda chose chemical engineering as the best preparation to do something meaningful.

Watch the Video

Nov 30

Artificial Intelligence

Alum spotlight: Lenny An

Alumni Association Board member Lenny An (ENG’11,’12) applies the systems thinking and team-based approaches he learned in chemical engineering to his work at Citigroup.

Nov 20

Artificial Intelligence

Predicting air pollution effects on the weather

Researchers designed a setup of the global climate model that adds the capability to simulate air pollutants in simulations like weather forecasts.

Undergraduate Ruby Perez-Fry is preparing to work in the consumer goods industry, on products that billions of people around the world use every day.

Student spotlight: Ruby Perez-Fry

Nov 3

Artificial Intelligence

Student-run mentorship program helps Ph.D. applicants

Current ChemE graduate students volunteer as mentors for prospective Ph.D.students. The program aims to remove barriers to educational opportunities and resources.

Oct 31

Artificial Intelligence

Two ChemE seniors selected as Andrew Carnegie Society Scholars

Tal Dassau and Anais Del Rosario Martinez are recognized for leadership, service, and academic success.

Oct 25

Artificial Intelligence

Student spotlight: Ian Gimino

From Lab I to his undergraduate research with a nanobioelectronics group, Ian Gimino is learning to solve problems.

Oct 23

Health & Biomedicine

Curing cancer is not enough

Colette Bilynsky pursues both cancer research and health policy to ensure that potential cures are affordable and accessible to all.

Oct 19

Health & Biomedicine

Khair elected to APS Fellows

Peers in the American Physical Society recognize Aditya Khair for exceptional contributions to the physics enterprise.