Linda and Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical
and Biochemical Engineering
|
|
|
Dear alumni, friends and colleagues,
|
As we embark on a new academic year, I am excited to see what we will achieve together to help make the world a better place. I am filled with gratitude and pride as I reflect on everything we achieved since I last communicated with you. Our faculty's dedication to excellence is evident in the competitive federal grants we have attracted — particularly the NSF CAREER Award won by our own Dr. Monday Okoronkwo. I am also pleased to share that Dr. Joseph Smith is currently a candidate for president-elect of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and Dr. Christi Luks has accepted a nomination to run for president-elect of the American Society of Engineering Education next year.
One of our exciting milestones is the development of a new bachelor's degree program in biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. program in bioengineering. These programs, which are currently going through the approval processes, signify our commitment to expanding research and education in the emerging field of biomanufacturing. They will not only offer new opportunities to our students but also position our department at the forefront of innovative medical technologies.
I am also thrilled to welcome Dr. Hany Elazab, a new junior faculty member whose expertise in carbon management will be a valuable addition to our team. His knowledge and enthusiasm will undoubtedly enrich our research and teaching capabilities.
As always, our alumni continue to be a vital part of our success, serving as advocates and role models for our current students. Your ongoing support and engagement helps to create opportunities, foster professional development and build a network that strengthens the entire department.
Looking ahead, we are about to launch our annual Phonathon. This event embodies our community spirit and provides vital resources to help our department thrive. Your participation, whether through time or donation, will be instrumental in supporting our tradition of excellence. You will likely receive a phone call for this soon, but it is also possible to donate online with the link below.
|
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to you for being part of our success story. Your dedication and commitment fuels our progress and inspires our future.
|
|
|
Excellent undergraduate research presentations
|
Our department was well represented at the 2023 Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri. Isabella Kestle, a sophomore, presented research related to the sensitivity of explosives. Caleb Moellenhoff, a senior, focused on a modular biodiesel refinery. Seniors Jackson Oglesby, Justin Penn and Sarah Riley discussed biogas production from industrial waste.
The Missouri S&T Biomedical Engineering Design Team won a $15,000 first-place award at the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge in Kansas City for a project titled “Foliagraft.” The team is exploring a new way to use spinach leaves and stem cells to help burn patients and others with wounds and conditions that require a skin graft. Abby Knoesel, a junior in chemical engineering, was one of three students on the team.
|
|
|
Time-traveling concrete: S&T researcher wins NSF CAREER award
|
Dr. Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo, assistant professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, is researching ways to mimic the chemistry and composition of ancient Roman concrete while also applying modern technology to make it even better. He was awarded an NSF CAREER Award to support his efforts.
|
|
|
Academy of Chemical Engineers inducts five new members
|
Five professionals with ties to chemical and biochemical engineering at Missouri S&T were inducted into the Academy of Chemical Engineers during a ceremony held earlier this year. Congratulations to Mary Treis McLaughlin, Don Montgomery, William R. Morgan, Judy Roper and Dr. Hu Yang.
|
|
|
Eye-opening research: NIH funds glaucoma treatment research at S&T
|
Dr. Hu Yang, S&T’s Doshi Endowed Department Chair of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, was awarded the National Institutes for Health’s R01 grant for his research focusing on glaucoma treatments. Yang’s treatment involves a nanoparticle delivery system that allows more ophthalmic medications to enter the eye. Patients typically use eye drops daily, but Yang’s research may reduce the frequency to weekly.
|
|
|
We have an incredible group of staff members working to support the department. Theresa Brown was presented with an award for her excellent service as an office support assistant. Michael Murphy, a research technician, was honored for five years of service to the university. Kevin Walkup, our department’s academic advisor, provides great guidance to our students and also serves as a member of Missouri S&T Staff Council. These individuals are rock stars! If you would like to join our team, we will soon have a posting for an office support assistant on S&T's human resources website, and we currently have postings for faculty positions there as well.
|
|
|
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
|
|
|
|
|
