Career Workshops
We are pleased to announce the Workshop Schedule for the 2024 Annual Student Conference. This year's program has been organized into 7 subject tracks to help students decide which sessions they would like to attend.
Please find information on each of the workshops below.
- Track I: Building a Successful Career
- Track II: Beyond the Job
- Track III: Life-Long Learning
- Track IV: Game On: AIChE Competitions
- Track V: Trending Topics
- Track VI: Graduate Program & Partner Insights
- Track VII: Industry Partner Insights
Make sure to not miss: The AIChE Board of Directors will be hosting a special Town Hall event, which will take place from 10:00 am - 11:00 am before the Saturday Workshops. All are welcome to attend.
Track I: Building a Successful Career
11:05am - 11:50am: Living Out Inclusivity in Chemical Engineering and Doing a World of Good in Society
Presented by: Reginald Rogers, Chemical Engineering Technology Operating Council (CEOC)
This will be a moderator-led panel where students and professionals, who identify with DORIC, share personal stories of how they seek inclusion in the Chemical Engineering profession. The moderator with prepare a set of questions for panelists to respond to during the first 20 minutes of the session. Example questions include:
• How have you been able to leverage your challenges to promote a more inclusive environment where you work or go to school?
• What would you like individuals who do not identify with a disability to know about respecting individuals who do have a challenging ability?
• Has there been an instance where you were excluded from an activity because of the perception that you wouldn’t be able to be fully engaged in that activity?
The remaining 25 minutes will be reserved for discussion with the audience. The aim will be for audience members to develop ideas for taking back to their home institutions and carry forward into their graduate school or professional careers.
Panel – Composition of panel is targeted to be 2 students and 2 professionals.
Open Discussion – The open discussion portion of the workshop will be structured to allow students to get into small groups to talk about the perspectives they heard from the panelists and come up with ideas for promoting inclusivity at their universities and within the community. Panelists will be encouraged to walk through the audience to hear what ideas students are developing and provide feedback.
11:55am - 12:40pm: Starting Your First Position in Industry
Presented by: Carmen Daoud, Early Career Community (ECC)
What do employers look for in a recent college graduate? How can you prepare to ace your industry interviews? What does the typical day of an engineer look like in different fields? How can you make the most of your internship experiences to propel you into a full-time job? How can AIChE help you land a job and excel in your first few years out of college? Join the Early Career Community (ECC) in a discussion on preparing to apply for jobs and excel in your first position. This session aims to give the students an idea of what a Chemical Engineer can do in industry – such working in a plant, as a Project Manager, etc. ECC members will also discuss what they wish they knew when starting their first jobs. The session will feature recent-graduate young professional engineers from various companies talking about their experiences and giving advice on making the transition from college to career.
2:15pm - 3:00pm: Chevron Sponsored Workshop
Presented by: Chevron
More information coming soon!
3:05pm - 3:50pm: Navigating Dynamic Careers in Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
Presented by: Jesse Bond, Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division (Area 20)
Panelists will discuss their careers in the field of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering; how the Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division has played a role in their careers; and advise on how to navigate a dynamic and fulfilling career in the field. Panelists are selected from academia and industry and can offer insights into these career tracks. The panel is designed to engage the audience and provide opportunities for interactions through extensive Q&A and audience polls.
Track II: Beyond the Job
11:05am - 11:50am: The Path to Becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer
Presented by: Joseph Cramer, Management Division
This presentation discusses how becoming a Professional Engineer (PE) can enhance a chemical engineer’s career. Students learn about the PE licensure process which includes the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams, and educational and work experience requirements. The presentation utilizes embedded videos of young PEs and stresses the value of taking the FE exam before, or shortly after, graduation. The workshop leaders are Bill Parrish, Linda Bergeron and Joe Cramer who are members of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying’s (NCEES) Chemical PE Exam Committee as well as AIChE's Licensing and Professional Development Committee. Together they have a broad range of technical and managerial experience in chemical engineering practice and are Fellows of AIChE.
11:55am - 12:40pm: Network Your Society
Presented by: Alaina Levine
More information coming soon!
3:05pm - 3:50pm: Escape From the Zombie Boss
Presented by: Alaina Levine
More information coming soon!
Track III: Life-Long Learning
11:05am - 11:50am: Mixing of Highly Viscous and Non-Newtonian Fluids - What Is Rheology and Why Should We Care?
Presented by: Clara Gomez, North American Mixing Forum (NAMF)
More information coming soon!
11:55am - 12:40pm: Survive and Advance with Confidence: Navigating the Ph.D. Labyrinth
Presented by: Reginald Rogers, Nanoscale Science and Engineering Forum
More information coming soon!
2:15pm - 3:00pm: Materials Engineering and Sciences in AIChE
Presented by: Adrianne Rosales, Materials Engineering and Sciences Division (MESD)
By attending this workshop, you'll gain valuable skills and knowledge to help you manage stress, seek help when needed, and create a supportive community within your engineering cohort. By learning to prioritize your mental health as an engineering student, you will not only support your current well-being and academic performance but also set the foundation for long-term well-being.
3:05pm - 3:50pm: Finances and Your First Job – Financial Planning for ChemE Careers
Presented by: Carmen Daoud, Early Career Community (ECC)
How do I start saving money? What benefits should I enroll in? How do I start planning for retirement? Join the Early Career Community (ECC) for a discussion on the benefits and rewards of financial planning when starting your first job. This session will feature ECC members in a variety of careers (graduate school, industry, government, etc.) and discuss tips for money management and planning for retirement. YPC members will discuss topics such as investing in 401Ks, budgeting, benefits packages, student debt, and planning for retirement. YPC members will also discuss topics that they wish they knew when starting their first jobs.
Track IV: Game On: AIChE Competitions
11:05am - 11:50am: Become a Chem-E-Car Hero: Best Practices in Chem-E-Car Safety and EDP Development
Presented by: Jeffrey Heil, AIChE Chem-E-Car Safety Coordinator
In this insightful presentation, attendees will get an in depth view into AIChE’s Chem-E-Car program, which has undergone significant safety and operational advancements over the last five years as it has grown from an American event to an International one. The session will commence with a review of the key rule changes that have been implemented to enhance safety and efficiency in the competitions and their relation to industrial standards. Participants will gain valuable knowledge from regional AIChE Safety Coordinators about the most pressing safety concerns in the design and operation of these chemical-powered vehicles.
The talk will explore application of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for hazard communication in the Chem-E-Car program. Current and future teams will learn how GHS and other elements of Process Safety Management (PSM) are employed to assess and mitigate chemical risks effectively both during fabrication and at the competition. Emphasizing the need for environmental stewardship and sustainability, the presentation will also cover the protocols for safe waste disposal and the management strategies enforced at both regional and national competitions. Applications to industrial standards are included as appropriate.
Lastly, the audience will be given an inside look at the need for attention to detail required in crafting a comprehensive Engineering Design Package, which is paramount to the success of any Chem-E-Car project. This abstract encapsulates a session that promises to be as educational as it is engaging, offering a thorough overview of the Chem-E-Car program's commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key safety and operational rule changes in Chem-E-Car over the past several years and how this relates to industrial practices.
- Review, directly from regional AIChE Safety Coordinators, the most prevalent safety concerns experienced in designing and operating a Chem-E-Car.
- Apply the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to evaluate and manage chemical risk within the Chem-E-Car competition.
- Develop an understanding of the importance of safe waste disposal, how it is managed at the regional and national levels, and where the guidelines came from (industry perspective).
- Apply an appropriate attention to detail that is required for a well thought out and complete Engineering Design Package (EDP) that includes everything the initial reviewer needs to pass your car.
11:55am - 12:40pm: MATLAB and Simulink for Chem-E-Car Competition
Presented by: Aycan Hacioglu, MathWorks
Every year, chemical engineering students design a shoebox-sized car powered by chemical reactions that must travel a specified distance, as announced on the day of the Chem-E-Car Competition. Are you up to tackling this interesting design challenge with MathWorks tools and resources? We have exciting news for Chem-E-Car Competition Teams! MathWorks is sponsoring the 2024 Chem-E-Car Competition and providing free access to MathWorks tools and curated resources so that you can perfect your car with model-based design. In this webinar, we will highlight how computational tools can help you during your Chem-E-Car design process.
2:15pm - 3:00pm: Essential Skills for a Successful Career: How to make effective and impactful presentations?
Presented by: Kishori Deshpande, Dow (Process Development Division)
Do you struggle with making effective presentations? Do you wonder if your message has reached the audience? Are you working on honing your communication skills to land your dream job? You are not alone! Process Development Division is glad to present a workshop on communicating effectively by an experienced Toastmaster coach, Ms. Maria Pollard (R&D Fellow, Dow Chemicals) who will help you navigate the world of PowerPoint presentations. The 1-hour workshop, intended for all experience levels, will focus on essential elements of a good presentation including effective messaging and body language. Hope you can join us.
3:05pm - 3:50pm: Starting Your ChemE Cube Team!
Presented by: Noel Stanley, University of Oklahoma
Qualifying Requirements
Advertising your team
Having successful meetings
Team leadership
Track V: Trending Topics
11:05am - 11:50am: AI in the Workplace
Presented by: Carmen Daoud, Early Career Community and Computing & Systems Technology Division
What is AI? And how does AI affect the work the Chemical Engineers do? As AI is becoming a highly utilized technology in recent years, companies are starting to look for ways to utilize the AI technology in their day-to-day operations to increase efficiency of currently used methods. For example, by utilizing AI, companies can now expand their knowledge base resulting in more refined method development and product testing. Join the Early Career Community (ECC) and CAST (Computing & Systems Technology Division) as we discuss how AI is currently emerging in the Chemical Engineering space.
11:50am - 12:40pm: Chemical Engineering in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Presented by: Dana Alhasson, PD2M - Pharmaceutical Discovery, Development, and Manufacturing Forum, Early Career Committee
This presentation and panelist Q&A will focus on career paths within the pharmaceutical industry for chemical engineers. It will consist of an overview of the industry, multiple career paths (R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, etc.) and will open to questions from the audience to allow students to ask the panelists any questions.
2:15pm - 3:00pm: Path Towards Nanoscale Science and Engineering
Presented by: Albert Liu, NSEF
Dive into the fascinating world of nanoscale science and engineering with our expert panel at this year's AIChE Student Conference. This session is designed to introduce students to the exciting opportunities in nanoscale science and engineering, providing a comprehensive overview of the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Forum (NSEF).
During the panel, you will learn about:
1. The foundational concepts and recent advancements in nanoscale science and engineering.
2. Various pathways to get involved in the field, including academic research and industry careers.
3. Insights from experienced professionals and academics who have made significant contributions to NSE.
Don't miss this chance to explore the cutting-edge field of nanoscale science and engineering and discover how you can become part of this innovative community. Whether you're considering a research pathway or looking towards industry applications, this session will provide valuable guidance and inspiration.
3:05pm - 3:50pm: Green Collar Career Opportunities for Chemical Engineers
Presented by: Chad Able, Environmental Division
This workshop is designed to be an interactive discussion with experienced panelists in the environmental field for chemical engineers. The workshop will open with a presentation of opportunities in the environmental field in industry, academia, consulting and government and will conclude with a Q&A session with the panelists to field questions from prospective engineers in this field.
Track VI: Graduate Program & Partner Insights
11:05am - 11:50am: Imperial College London: Your Future Self Is Waiting for You
Presented by: Professor Cleo Kontoravdi, Imperial College London
Interested in taking the next step in your career in one of the world’s leading Chemical Engineering Departments? Join us to find out about the postgraduate opportunities offered by the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. Situated at the heart of London, ranked the best student city in the world, Imperial College London is a global institution with a multicultural study environment and a vibrant student community.
The event will include information on:
1. the 1-year MSc programme in Advanced Chemical Engineering and the Biotechnology and Process Systems Engineering streams;
2. the PhD programme that covers the broad range of research themes hosted by our Department;
3. the postgraduate admissions process for MSc and PhD studies;
4. the scholarship opportunities offered by our Department.
The event will feature a presentation by the Director of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Cleo Kontoravdi, followed by a Q&A session. It is aimed at current undergraduate and MSc students working towards a degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology and other related disciplines who are planning to undertake further technical and research training. It will also be relevant to Engineering and Science professionals wishing to develop their technical and research skills and obtain further qualifications.
11:55am - 12:40pm: Michigan State Workshop
Presented by: TBA
More information coming soon!
2:15pm - 3:00pm: Beyond the Bachelor's: Mastering Graduate School and Fellowship Applications
Presented by: Carmen Daoud, Early Career Community
Are you an aspiring chemical engineer ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Join us for this informative session where we will dive into the intricacies of applying to graduate school and fellowships. From crafting a compelling personal statement to securing strong letters of recommendation, we will provide you with expert advice and proven strategies to maximize your chances of acceptance. You will also learn about the various funding opportunities available through fellowships and gain valuable insights on how to navigate the application process for them. Whether you're considering a Master's or Ph.D. program, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to confidently pursue your academic goals and launch a successful career in chemical engineering.
3:05pm - 3:50pm: Michigan State Workshop
Presented by: Milenia Rojas Mendoza, Luz Jiménez Ruvalcaba, Alejandra Ramos Figueroa, Wrayzene Willoughby, Stanford University
With a focus on first-generation and/or low-income prospective applicants, this session (1) provides an overview of Chemical Engineering graduate programs at Stanford, (2) demystifies the graduate application process at Stanford Engineering, and (3) offers tips for a competitive application from 3 Stanford Chemical Engineering PhD Candidates.
Track VII: Industry & Partner Insights
11:05am - 11:50am: TBA
More information coming soon!
11:55am - 12:40pm: From Campus to Corporate: Navigating your Chemical Engineering Career to Success
Presented by: Luciana Moos & Eugenia Ndieze, Evonik
As a chemical engineering student, you are about to embark on an exciting journey into your impending professional career. However, transitioning from college to corporate can be challenging, and it's important to be prepared for what lies ahead. This presentation will provide you with the tips and tricks for excelling in your first year as a chemical engineer after college graduation. We will highlight some technical skills that are essential for success, as well as the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry. Additionally, we will discuss the leadership skills that are necessary for career advancement and how to develop them. By the end of this presentation, you will have a clear understanding of what it takes to thrive in the chemical engineering field and be equipped with the tools to make the most out of your first year after college graduation.
2:15pm - 3:00pm: Celanese Workshop
Presented by: TBA
More information coming soon!
3:05pm - 3:50pm: Secure the Future by Applying Process Simulation for Sustainable Process Design
Presented by: Bruna Giron, Jesse Williamson, & Mike Donahue, AVEVA
This workshop will focus on demonstrating how simulation can achieve both environmental and economic benefits in real-world applications.