UMass Amherst
Department of Chemical Engineering-University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Undergraduate Research

Many opportunities and programs exist for undergraduate students. The A.I.Ch.E. student chapter, the honors program, research opportunities, and independent projects are described in more detail below.

A.I.Ch.E. Student Chapter

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (A.I.Ch.E.) is the professional organization of Chemical Engineers in the United States. Today, most practicing chemical engineers are members of this highly respected organization. A.I.Ch.E. serves as the uniting force for all chemical engineers throughout the industrial and academic environments. With national and regional conferences, monthly journals, employment bulletins, and an assortment of newsletters, members are kept abreast of current events, industrial applications of recent developments, and the latest developments that pertain to the chemical engineering world. As undergraduates, chemical engineering majors have the opportunity to obtain membership at reduced rates through our student chapter of A.I.Ch.E. Membership in the student chapter is open to all students, and participation is strongly encouraged by the faculty. Sponsoring several social functions (including barbecues, plant trips, information nights, and meet-the-faculty evenings), the A.I.Ch.E. student chapter is responsible for informing the student body about activities within the department, as well as representing the student body to the faculty and the College.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The research efforts of the faculty and their students are a very important part of the life of this department. A variety of research activities are being carried out, principally by the faculty and graduate students, but there are numerous opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research projects through independent study courses. The faculty welcomes all enquiries from students concerning such activities. Additionally, students interested in attending graduate school are encouraged to discuss their plans with the faculty. It may be particularly helpful to choose a faculty member with a focus of research is close to the area in which further study will be pursued, since these faculty members will be familiar with the research efforts in these areas at other chemical engineering departments around the country.

The National Science Foundation funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)  Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.

By using the web page, you may examine engineering opportunities supported by various NSF units. Also, you may search by keywords to identify sites in particular research areas or with certain features, such as a particular location.

Students must contact the individual sites for information and application materials. NSF does not have application materials and does not select student participants. A contact person and contact information is listed for each site.

Honors Program

The University Honors Program offers a general education alternative for students of high academic ability. The program operates independently of departments or colleges, and the requirements are in addition to those specified for normal curricula. Students interested in this program must apply directly to the Honors Program for admission. The Honors Adviser in Chemical Engineering is Professor Susan Roberts.

Independent Projects

Projects may be available in the chemical engineering department for independent study. These projects are instrumental in allowing a student to gain practical experience in applying what was learned in the classroom to real world problem solving, as well as allowing astudent to gain some early insight to both a particular focus of research and to graduate studies. Students are encouraged to meet with the faculty to discuss opportunities. The procedure for enrolling in Independent Study begins with an interview with the Undergraduate Program Director.

 

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