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New programs enhance Kettering's focus - Page 2

The Chemistry of Engineering

By Dawn Hibbard

The field of Chemical Engineering will play a central role in solving the major problems confronting the U.S. economy. According to the NACE Job Outlook (2005), Chemical Engineering is one of the top ten in-demand-degrees.

Dr. Diana Phillips
Originally spearheaded by Dr. Diana Phillips, associate professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry, plans for the Chemical Engineering program were enthusiastically received by Provost Harris during his first year at Kettering.

“I was pleased to be able to work with Dr. Phillips to develop and create this program,” Harris said.

The Chemical Engineering (CHME) program fits well with the existing strengths of the University and enables the institution to look to the future. A key component of that future is Kettering’s role in the Swedish Biogas project to produce alternative energy from waste removed from the city of Flint’s wastewater treatment plant.  

Kettering will collaborate with Linköping University in Sweden, working toward adapting municipal vehicles so they can utilize the bio-methane as fuel. Students in the CHME program will have research and employment opportunities through the Swedish Biogas project.

Kettering’s Chemical Engineering degree is an interdisciplinary program. With the exception of six new courses, the curriculum was constructed from courses and laboratories currently offered at the University. The 161 credit-hour curriculum satisfies Chemical Engineering ABET requirements.

Chemical engineers work in a variety of manufacturing operations including oil refineries like this one.
Faculty from both the Chemistry/Biochemistry and Mechanical Engineering departments will teach the Chemical Engineering courses. Navaz is working with Dr. Stacy, associate professor and interim head of Chemistry and Biochemistry, to manage the program through the Chemistry/Biochemistry department, which is responsible for oversight of Chemical Engineering at Kettering.

In developing the curriculum Kettering was able to utilize many classes currently offered at the University. Only six classes had to be developed “from scratch” for the program.

The Kettering curriculum includes a “Plant Design to Energy Technology” course to introduce sustainable and fossil fuel energy, explore the components that go into plant design and generating energy and to familiarize students with environmental codes and laws. “The plan is to invite industry and governmental leaders to guest lecture,” said Navaz.

In preparation, the senior design project of the Chemical Engineering program will likely involve having students design an industrial plant, including processes and physical plant from the ground up.

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