Lifetime Engineering Applications Project: LEAPing into a lifetime of learning

LEAP, the Lifetime Engineering Applications Project, is a technical project started by students who are part of AIChE at UCLA. Students learn how to use process design simulation software, called AVEVA PRO/II, to model real industrial processes while also taking economic analyses and ethics into consideration. We have developed a variety of unique projects to expose students to many aspects of chemical engineering, such as alcohol distillation, ammonia production, crude oil processing, biofuel synthesis, and perfume manufacturing. Although this project has a low cost, students complete it with a deeper understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals and preparation for senior design projects as well as industry challenges. The project leads sharpen their presentation skills and gain experience in preparing lesson plans while having fun. In this workshop, current LEAP leads will discuss their experiences and how this project has also been continued virtually.