The University of Iowa’s Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (CBE) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of activities that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and international collaborators.

At the center of the Milestone Celebration Week was the Carmichael Symposium, honoring Professor Greg Carmichael for shaping the direction of the college and elevating its profile over his nearly 50 years of service to the department.

“His contributions to the College of Engineering and the CBE department are deep, meaningful, and long standing,” Ann McKenna, Dick and Judy Smith Dean of the College of Engineering, said in opening the symposium. "We have great appreciation for all that you've done for the department and the college.”

Speakers traced the department’s history through key figures, from Karl Kammermeyer’s pioneering work in membrane separations to Carmichael’s transformative research in air quality modeling, atmospheric processes, and greenhouse gas emissions. Carmichael holds the Karl Kammermeyer Endowed Professorship in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.

Carmichael has served as a faculty member for nearly half of the department’s existence, and he has served 14 years as department chair and 12 years as associate dean for research and graduate studies.

The symposium served as an opportunity to celebrate and update research accomplishments of alumni and collaborators.

The Milestone Celebration Week included several other events, which provided opportunities for students and alumni to connect, share research, and reflect on the department’s evolution. There was a centennial reception, alumni panel on the global impact of CBE scholars, student showcase, and library exhibit.