About Us

The mission of the Department is to provide the highest quality programs to educate students at all levels in the principles and applications of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, within the environment of Tulane University. As part of this mission, students perform innovative and high quality research that advances engineering solutions as applied to health, energy, and the environment.

Vision Statement

We strive to be internationally recognized as a leading chemical and biological engineering department that exemplifies the dual commitment of outstanding research and education, producing high quality graduates who are creating knowledge and developing innovations

Distinctive Features of Our Program

• Small class size (high faculty-to-student ratio) with individualized attention to students at all levels.
• Discovery-based research at the molecular level with strengths in materials, biomolecular and interface sciences, bioengineering, and molecular modeling and simulation
• Opportunities for undergraduates to carry out research
• Opportunities to interact with the major chemical industries along the Gulf Coast
• Interdisciplinary research with Tulane Medical School, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the Departments of Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Physics and Engineering Physics, and the Neurosciences Program
• Entrepreneurial research opportunities related to the unique environment of the coastal and deltaic region
• A rich and unique cultural environment in the New Orleans area and a campus culture that embraces civic engagement

Our Program Objectives

The objectives of Tulane’s chemical engineering undergraduate program are to provide our students with the engineering science education and problem-solving skills:

1. To be rapidly placed in the next step of their career paths following graduation (e.g., industry, graduate school, or professional school).
2. To successfully pursue their desired career path.
3. To be fulfilled professionals in their careers.

Program Outcomes

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.

Accreditation

The Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

In 1894, Tulane University was the first school in the South and the third in the United States to establish a four-year curriculum labeled Chemical Engineering. The program had it roots in Chemistry with the first curriculum being based on Industrial Chemistry. In 1895, B. P. Caldwell was the first recipient of the B.E. degree in Chemical Engineering at Tulane.

Today the department continues a strong tradition of rigorous learning coupled with the joy of discovery. The department values scholarship and seeks to provide its students with all opportunities to develop their academic potential. Class sizes are small and the student to faculty ratio in the department is typically less than 10:1. The faculty has an open-door policy and is accessible to students at all times of the working day. There are tremendous opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research, and the faculty encourages and promotes undergraduate involvement in research. The department has ten faculty members and sustains an intensive graduate research program leading up to the doctoral degree.

We welcome you to look through our website and learn more about the department, its people, and its educational and research opportunities.