Chemical and Biological Engineering

Mary Thatcher: Prepared for what’s next
For many students, it can be challenging to determine what path to take. Iowa State's Chemical and Biological Systems Engineering department helps students explore countless paths before they walk across the stage at graduation. Students across the department have access to resources with peers and faculty, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone, explore new opportunities, and make the most of their time here at Iowa State. And senior Mary Thatcher has taken full advantage. Read More

June 11, 2024
Victoria Kyveryga: Outstanding senior in chemical engineering
"The combination of breadth and depth that anyone can achieve in the College of Engineering at ISU is unique. I’ve enjoyed the experience of diving into a major-specific topic, while also being able to pursue a variety of non-STEM opportunities across and outside the university." Read More

May 1, 2024
Wenzhen Li, Jean-Philippe Tessonnier become Royal Society of Chemistry Fellows
Wenzhen Li and Jean-Philippe Tessonnier have been named Fellows in the Royal Society of Chemistry Read More

March 11, 2024
“Spirit of innovation” helps lift Jean-Philippe Tessonnier to National Academy of Inventors
Jean-Philippe Tessonnier, Richard C. Seagrave Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering, has been named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. Read More

March 1, 2024
Could the future of powering Iowa homes and farms be microbes?
“We’re developing computationally engineered enzymes that are faster and more efficient at breaking down lignin, the world’s second most abundant renewable carbon source, into simple saccharides and energy. This breakthrough holds promise for potential integration into non-toxic, biodegradable biobattery systems that could power agricultural tools and even whole houses." Read More

February 26, 2024
A better way to (re)harvest rare-earth metals
Ratul Chowdhury is fine-tuning the protein Lanmodulin so it can be used to recover rare-earth materials from e-waste. Read More

February 13, 2024
Mya O’Connell: Outstanding senior in chemical engineering
"I think the best thing about the Iowa State engineering experience is the relationships I’ve built with my peers. Being an Iowa State engineer is a team effort, and my classmates were essential in navigating the coursework and offered perspectives that will always stay with me." Read More

December 12, 2023
AIChE student chapter again records successes at annual meeting – including another Outstanding Student Chapter honor
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student chapter from Iowa State University has once again returned from the national Annual AIChE meeting with some important honors. Read More

November 16, 2023
Brittany Hartwell named 2023 Cyclone Engineering Young Alumni Award winner
Brittany Hartwell ('11 chemical engineering) is a biomedical engineer advancing therapies and vaccines for illnesses affecting millions worldwide. As an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota, her research in immunoengineering is making progress in the fight against autoimmune and infectious diseases. Read More

October 27, 2023
Shao and Bardhan: Two faculty members in Chemical and Biological Engineering will see research advances with new appointments to professorships
CBE faculty members Zengyi Shao and Rizia Bardhan have been named to two important professorships. Read More

October 6, 2023
Luke Roling named Jack R. and Carol A. Johnson Faculty Fellow
Luke Roling’s computational research work in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) has received the support of the Jack R. and Carol A. Johnson Faculty Fellowship in Chemical and Biological Engineering. Read More

October 3, 2023
Honoring excellence: Cyclone Engineering faculty and staff award winners, named faculty positions and new patents
Congratulations to 2023 College of Engineering faculty and staff award winners, new named faculty positions, and patent recipients. Read More

September 7, 2023
Yue Wu named to collaboration role with Office of Vice President for Research
Yue Wu, professor and Herbert L. Stiles Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, will serve the Research Faculty Fellow role focused on research opportunities with the Department of Defense (DoD) and allied industry partners. Read More

August 9, 2023
Iowa State researchers receive 2023 Barry Award to investigate cellular structure of pancreatic cancer tumors, improve treatment outcomes
CBE assistant professor Molly Kozminsky, along with veterinary microbiology professor Michael Wannemuehler, continue to explore the cellular composition and organization of pancreatic cancer tumors in relation to treatment resistance. Read More

August 9, 2023
Building green fertilizer system to reuse waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions
Wenzhen Li, professor of chemical and biological engineering and the Herbert L. Stiles Faculty Fellow, will lead Iowa State’s work on the new $4 million project, joined by Liang Dong, the Vikram L. Dalal Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and other colleagues Read More

August 7, 2023