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CHEMICAL Engineering


Designing processes, delivering everyday impact

Undergraduate
Graduate
Research
Faculty

Design, analyze, and manage processes that transform raw materials into everyday products like fuels, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. With hands-on projects, state-of-the-art techniques, and personalized mentoring, students gain the skills to solve real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact.

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PROTECTING MAINE’S COASTS

Lauren Ross, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

APPLY TODAY!

Eliminating FOEVER CHEMICALS

Onur Apul, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Program Offerings

Undergraduate Level:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Chemical Engineering
Concentration: Pulp & Paper Management Certificate Concentration

Graduate Level:
Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering
PhD in Chemical Engineering
Paper Surface Science Graduate Program

 

chemicaL Engineering Overview

The University of Maine’s Chemical Engineering program prepares students for dynamic careers by combining a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry with advanced studies in engineering principles. Students learn to design, operate, and manage chemical processing systems to produce essential products such as fuels, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals that improve everyday life.

The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving through laboratory work, design projects, and collaborative research opportunities. With small class sizes, personalized academic advising, and access to cutting-edge technology, students receive individual attention and hands-on experience. Through UMaine’s cooperative work experience program, students gain paid, practical training with industry leaders.

Graduates are equipped to succeed in diverse fields including engineering, business, and healthcare. The program also meets prerequisites for professional pathways such as medical and veterinary school. With opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects like biofuel development, cancer imaging technologies, and molecular biosensors, UMaine chemical engineering students are empowered to drive innovation and transform industries.

Program Objectives

Our objectives are that in the time frame of three to five years after graduation our students will:

Hold positions that utilize their engineering training and have advanced in their job responsibilities, or be pursuing postgraduate education

Be working as engineering professionals, act ethically by adhering to standards and being committed to the health and safety of employees and the general population

Be pursuing innovative solutions to current societal challenges and continue to improve themselves through a variety of learning opportunities

Contribute to their employer and society by working effectively in the global economy, contribute to professional, civic, or governmental organizations, be leading or working collaboratively in teams, and be communicating with diverse groups

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, our students will possess:

Upon completion of the program, our students will possess:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Pulp & Paper Foundation

The University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation supports aspiring engineers studying at the University of Maine who are interested in pursuing careers in the paper industry.

Through financial assistance, networking opportunities, and expert guidance and support throughout their academic careers, each student graduates with a competitive advantage—and a job.Learn more button to PPF

Department Information

Department Chair: Gerard Van Walsum
Department Administrator: Cathy Dunn

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Jenness Hall, Room 117
Orono, ME 04469-5737
Tel: 207-581-2277
Fax: 207-581-2323

Biomedical & CHEMICAL Engineering Research


The Biomedical & CHEMICAL Engineering Department provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students for research in a wide variety of areas. Explore eaCH AREA and associated faculty members.

Biomedical Optics/Biophotonics

The study of light-tissue interaction for medical imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Michael D. Mason
  • Karissa Tilbury

Biomedical Engineering

Combining engineering principles with medical sciences to design healthcare technologies and devices.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Robert M. Bowie M.D.
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Andre Khalil
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Karissa Tilbury
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Biomass Processing & Biorefining

Conversion of biological materials into energy, chemicals, and materials for sustainable solutions.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • M. Clayton Wheeler

Engineering Education

Development and innovation in teaching methods to enhance engineering learning outcomes.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Karissa Tilbury
  • Sara L. Walton
  • Lisa Weeks

Environmental Science & Engineering

Application of engineering to solve environmental challenges and promote sustainability.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • William DeSisto
  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Materials Science & Engineering

Research on the properties and applications of materials for advanced engineering solutions.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • William DeSisto
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Yonghao Ni
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Composites & Interfacial Science

Study of composite materials and their interface properties to improve performance.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • William DeSisto
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Yonghao Ni
  • David J. Neivandt
  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Computational Modeling & Radiomics

Using advanced computation to model physical phenomena and analyze medical imaging data.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Andre Khalil

Catalysis & Reaction Engineering

Design and study of catalysts to enhance chemical reactions for industrial processes.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • M. Clayton Wheeler

Molecular Bio-Physics

Investigation of biological molecules’ physical principles and their interactions.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Andre Khalil
  • Michael D. Mason
  • David J. Neivandt
  • Karissa Tilbury

Polymer Science & Engineering

Study and engineering of polymers for industrial and biomedical applications.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Yonghao Ni
  • David J. Neivandt
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Process Simulation, Economics, and Life Cycle Analysis

Modeling processes to optimize design, cost, and environmental impact.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • M. Clayton Wheeler

Pulp & Paper

Engineering solutions for the production and sustainability of paper and related products.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Yonghao Ni
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • Thomas J. Schwartz

Sensors

Design and development of devices that detect and measure physical, chemical, or biological changes.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • William DeSisto
  • Caitlin Howell
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Spectroscopy

Study of the interaction between light and matter to analyze chemical and physical properties.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Caitlin Howell
  • Michael D. Mason
  • David J. Neivandt
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • Thomas J. Schwartz
  • Karissa Tilbury

Tissue Microenvironments

The study of cellular interactions with their surrounding environment, crucial for understanding tissue function, development, and disease progression.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Andre Khalil
  • Karissa Tilbury

Transport Phenomena & Separation

The analysis of mass, energy, and momentum transfer in systems, focusing on separation techniques and fluid behavior in engineering processes.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Michael D. Mason
  • Hemant P. Pendse
  • G. Peter van Walsum
  • Evan K. Wujcik

Our Faculty and Staff

At MCEC, our faculty is the heartbeat of our academic community. Dedicated, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable, our professors go beyond the traditional classroom experience to foster real-world skills and a passion for learning. Whether mentoring, leading innovative research, or providing personalized support, our faculty members are committed to empowering students to achieve their highest potential

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