Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Programs Rise to No. 18 Among Public Schools

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering’s (CHBE) graduate programs ranked No. 18 among public schools, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report, up three spots from last year’s rankings.

In the overall category, which includes private institutions, the program climbed four spots to No. 30, compared to last year’s graduate rankings.

"With the impressive achievements of our faculty and students and the recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, our department continues to lead in excellence and innovation," said CHBE Chair Peter Kofinas.

Home to 18 tenure-track faculty, including seven Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) awardees and two Maryland Academy of Sciences Outstanding Young Engineers, CHBE researchers are at the forefront of energy, sustainability, biotechnology, biomaterials and machine learning innovations.

Leading the Change
Technologies for a Healthier World

During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Chemical Engineers Reach for a Cure: A team of researchers led by Professor Jeffery Klauda aim to develop a drug that mitigates the central mechanism triggering the different pathologies of the disease.
Advancing Nanotherapies for Female Reproductive Health: As a graduate student in Johns Hopkins University, now Assistant Professor Hannah Zierden pioneered an animal model to mimic inflammation-induced preterm birth, creating a tool to observe uterine contraction mechanisms via rodents. She was named the 2024 Maryland Academy of Sciences’ Outstanding Young Engineer for her contributions.

Leading the Change
Technologies for a Smarter World

How an AI, Collaborative Robotics Model Can Automate Technological Designs: Push-back associated with trial-and-error experimental processes often delays innovations. To solve this challenge, Assistant Professor Po-Yen Chen, proposed an accelerated method to create materials used in wearable heating applications.
A Pacific Dive Inspires A Machine Learning Model for Bioplastics Design: Assistant Professor Po-Yen Chen developed a method to accelerate the discovery of new formulations for biodegradable plastic alternatives.

Leading the Change
Technologies for a Greener World

A $1.5 Million Award to Pioneer Batteries for Rail and Ship Transportation: The initiative, led by Assistant Professor Paul Albertus and Professor Chunsheng Wang, could revolutionize modern transportation and curtail millions of tons of yearly greenhouse gas emissions.
Next-Generation Batteries: An invention by Professor Chunsheng Wang involves a high-energy lithium metal battery that deals with fewer manufacturing resources and a reduced environmental impact.

Leading the Change
Technologies Ahead of the Game

Replace Glue with Electricity: Obtain the Same Results: An accidental discovery of an adhesion technique involving electrical currents has captured the attention of scientists around the world. A team led by Professor Srinivasa Raghavan revealed a method for adhering hard and soft materials by applying electricity.

Published July 30, 2024