Power of

Teaching Points

Chemical Engineers apply physical science and math to convert raw materials to chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. The modern discipline of chemical engineering encompasses much more than just process engineering. They now produce high-performance materials used in other applications such as:

• Aerospace--dye-sensitized solar cells and other types of fuel cells

• Automotive-adhesives and composites for vehicles

• Biomedical-bio-compatible materials for implants and prosthetics, gels for medical applications

• Electronic-optical or spectroscopic properties for optoelectronics devices

• Environmental-air and water treatment technologies and separation processes for pollutants

• Military applications-pliable bandages that can stop fatal bleeding for trauma, Nanotechnology-regenerative medical materials to feed the repair and regrowth of bone blood vessels and soft tissue

Some may specialize in a particular chemical process, such as oxidation or polymerization, while others may specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials or the development of other specific products. Engineers need to be aware of all aspects of chemical manufacturing and how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers  Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical and detail oriented. They should be able to work as part of a team and to communicate well, both orally and in writing. Communication abilities are becoming increasingly important as engineers interact more frequently with specialists in a wide range of fields outside of engineering. A chemical engineer is either currently, or has previously, occupied the CEO positions for 3M, Dupont, General Electric, Union Carbide, Dow Chemical, Exxon, BASF, Gulf Oil, Texaco, and B.F. Goodrich. Even a former director for the CIA, John M. Deutch, was a chemical engineer in training.

 

 

Suggested Reading

1. Fireworks (Where’s the Science here?), Vicki Cobb.  2005. Grade Level: 3-4

2. Product Testing: The Chemistry of Ice Cream, Dianne N. Epp. 2001.  Grade Level: Elementary

3. History of Chemical Engineering, Janice Van Cleave

4. New PEM Brings Goal of High Temp Fuel Cell Closer, May 2004, Chris Cornelius

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Career Web Links 

1. U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chemical Engineers

2. American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

3. Sciencebuddies What they do? Career opportunities and example projects.  They also have a list of great experiments to try.

4. Chemistry Careers and Field Background