The University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering offers both thesis and non-thesis Master's of Science programs, a Doctor of Philosophy program, and a five-year U2G program. Graduate students in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering gain an understanding of the principles of engineering science, with a focus on a chosen research area.

Information for Graduate Students

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Prospective Students

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For Current Students

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U2G Programs

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Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a mastery of advanced chemical engineering concepts. (All students—PhD, MS thesis, MS non-thesis, and BS/MS)
  2. Effectively communicate scientific concepts and/or research results in both written and oral formats to scientific and general audiences. (All students—PhD, MS thesis, MS non-thesis, and BS/MS)
  3. Demonstrate the ability perform independent research on an original topic in chemical engineering. (PhD and MS thesis students)
  4. Demonstrate the ability to critically identify and solve research problems, summarize disciplinary information, evaluate research findings. (PhD and MS thesis students)
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to safe and ethical behavior through adherence to best safety practices and academic integrity principles. (All students—PhD, MS thesis, MS non-thesis, and BS/MS)
  6. Demonstrate the ability to serve as a STEM ambassador through outreach and service activities. (All students—PhD, MS thesis, MS non-thesis, and BS/MS)

Contacts

Eric Nuxoll

Eric Nuxoll

Director of Graduate Admissions

Associate Professor, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

The director of graduate admissions recruits and serves as the first point of contact for prospective graduate students.

Alec B. Scranton

Alec Scranton

Director of Graduate Studies

Professor, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

The director of graduate studies is an advocate for graduate students and their success. He advises incoming students, coordinates the research advisor selection process, monitors and tracks student progress, and is a point of contact for graduate program questions.

Jun Wang

Jun Wang

Departmental Executive Officer

Lichtenberger Family Chair in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

The departmental executive officer is the academic administrator the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.

Sara Hartman

Sara Hartman

Graduate Program Specialist

The graduate program specialist is a contact for prospective, incoming, and current students for anything related to the academic program.

Amanda Jensen

Amanda Jensen

Department Administrator

The department administrator is a point of contact for anything related to graduate student human resources, finance, travel, and administrative odds and ends.

News Highlights

People walk in urban environment clouded by smoke

New satellite tech can map wildfire smoke plumes in 3D

Monday, July 28, 2025
A new satellite-based method gives scientists and air quality managers a 3D picture of wildfire smoke plumes, providing detailed data of the risks down to the neighborhood level for urban and rural areas alike, writes Jun Wang, University of Iowa professor of chemical and biochemical engineering.
Xi Chen holds award certificate

Xi Chen wins Goody Award for young scholars  

Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Xi Chen, a University of Iowa engineering researcher, has won the Richard M. Goody Award for early career scientists investigating how tiny particles interact with light and other electromagnetic particles in the atmosphere so scientists can improve weather forecasting and monitor air quality.
Dare group poses in front of Old Capitol Building

Midwest college students tackle extreme weather challenges through innovative summer camp

Thursday, June 19, 2025
The University of Iowa (UI) recently hosted 34 undergraduates from Iowa, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska for an intensive two-week summer camp focused on environmental data collection and extreme weather resilience.