Diversifying Technical Projects: The Chemical Engineering Introductory Project

The Chemical Engineering Introductory Project (ChIP) is a technical project that allows participants to learn about fundamental chemical engineering principles and apply them by designing small-scale continuous process systems in a team-oriented environment. In past years, our members have built coffee machines, self-sustaining boats, cooling towers, and soap batch reactors as their final project. ChIP is aimed toward incoming freshmen and transfer students, and since its introduction four years ago, AIChE at UCLA has seen an increase in student participation in technical projects and other areas of the club. The main challenge over the past year was adapting a traditionally in-person project to an online-only format while maintaining exposure to technical skills, a team oriented environment, and participation among new students. Topics covered in this workshop will include designing new projects, connecting small-scale projects to core engineering fundamentals, and building community amongst chemical engineering students.