Jackie Ying

Jackie Ying is Executive Director, Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, and a Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, at MIT.

The AIChE Foundation had an opportunity to chat with Jackie about her profession and how AIChE has played a part.

AIChE Foundation: What is it about chemical engineering that you’re most passionate about?

Jackie Ying: The breadth of chemical engineering prepares us very well to tackle complex problems, ranging from biomaterials, diagnostic devices, green chemistry to energy applications.

The research has led to over 900 publications in top journals and over 500 patent applications. We hope that these new technologies would impact the society through better healthcare.

- Jackie

AIChE: What are you working on that may most positively impact society or the future?

JY: I am directing the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore, a multidisciplinary research institute at the interface of science, engineering and medicine. Our 180 researchers are conducting research in nanomedicine, cell and tissue engineering, biosensors and diagnostics, green chemistry and energy. The research has led to over 900 publications in top journals and over 500 patent applications. We hope that these new technologies would impact the society through better healthcare.

AIChE: How has your relationship with AIChE helped you to fulfill your professional and personal goals?

JY: I have been an active member of AIChE since I was an undergraduate student. AIChE has been instrumental in expanding my network with other chemical engineers both in academia and in industry. This has led to many fruitful collaborations as well as friendships. I very much appreciate the strong peer support amongst the chemical engineers.

AIChE: Has giving back to the profession played a meaningful role in your life?

JY: Besides the Materials Engi- neering and Sciences Division, I have played an active role in the Society for Biological Engineering. By bringing our peers together in the frontiers of engi- neering, I hope chemical engineers will charter new directions in interdisciplinary research and technology development. I also hope that the young chemical engineers will be inspired to venture into new territories where our profession can make a distinct contribution.