"One of UND's main characteristics, which distinguishes it from most other chemical engineering programs around the country, is the commitment of the faculty to teaching, and to building strong rapport with the students. Every chemical engineering student is assigned a personal faculty advisor to help them set up their academic schedule, and guide them both through the program and into their first job or graduate school. All faculty maintain an open-door policy, encouraging students to get help and advise.

Teaching techniques at UND are innovative and interactive, including work with case studies and problem-based learning. The small class sizes —typically fifteen to twenty-five students — ensure that every student receives close interaction with their instructors, and receives personal attention throughout their educational career.

Many of the students conduct world-class research with a faculty advisor, giving them the opportunity to gain practical experience, rather than just theoretical knowledge, while earning credit towards their degree and learning about the possibilities for the future. Potential research topics include renewable energy production, environmental catalysis, air pollution modeling, and polymer and biopolymer synthesis and testing. Over 85% of chemical engineering graduates have participated in an experiential learning opportunity through industrial cooperative work studies, internships, or undergraduate research.

The undergraduate program culminates in a senior capstone design course that brings together all the skills the students have learned as they work in teams on a process design and evaluation project, working to professional standards. Many chemical engineering students increase their career options by taking a series of elective courses in areas such as sustainable energy, biochemical, environmental, management, and entrepreneurship, or focus their studies in law, medicine, or research —taking advantage of the opportunities to tailor their education to their personal career goals.

The quality of the education and research provided by the department has been recognized by the university. The Department of Chemical Engineering was the recipient of the 2005 Fellows of the University Award for Excellence in Research and the 2007 Fellows of the University Award for Excellence in Teaching. Faculty within the department have also been recipients of individual awards for excellence in both teaching and research.

The American institute of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter, and the Society of Women Engineers are both active student organizations at UND. Other students participate in the Society for Engineering Alternatives, and the PowerON! middle school outreach program.

Many scholarships are available to Chemical Engineering students in addition to those available to all UND students. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students based on grade point average and extracurricular activities."

Click here to read the 2008-2009 Chemical Engineering Department Annual Report.

Click here to read the Fall 2009 Chemical Engineering Newsletter.

Click here to view the descriptions for the following faculty vacancies:
Ann and Norman Hoffman Professor of National Defense/Energetics

Contact UND Chemical Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering
PO Box 7101, Harrington Hall Room 323
241 Centennial Drive
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks ND 58202-7101
Tel: 701-777-4244,
Fax: 701/777-3773
email: chem_e@mail.und.edu