Chemical Engineering Courses

Good Chemistry In U.S. Schools

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). The very name can conjure images of American engineers working for American companies, or U.S. students studying at schools in the United States. In truth, though, AIChE is an international organisation whose members are from, or work in, virtually every corner of the world.

According to John Sofranko, AIChE’s executive director, AIChE has broadened its focus to better serve foreign-born engineers and graduate students. “A vital portion of our vision includes taking a global leadership position within the chemical engineering profession. With that objective comes a strong responsibility to serve all chemical engineers, regardless of their place of birth,” he says. Some of the Institute’s most active—and successful—members are from places worlds away from the United States. Emmanuel Dada is a senior research engineering associate in the Chemical Technology Group of FMC, based in Princeton, New Jersey. He also chairs AIChE’s Minority Affairs Committee. Dr. Dada earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Ife in Nigeria. While he certainly could have continued his education in his native country, Dr. Dada chose to attend graduate school in the United States. As he explains it, “There are simply more opportunities here. I felt it was important to earn my advanced degrees in the country in which I wanted to work.”

Dr. Dada’s selection of a graduate school was not an arduous process. “When I was in Nigeria, a few of the textbooks we used were written by professors from Lehigh (in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania). I read the text-books, and was impressed by their contents. I made up my mind that I was going to work for Professor L.A. Wenzel, one of the authors of a book on unit operations. When I got to Lehigh, I attended a picnic organised by the department of chemical engineering graduate students’ association. There I met Dr. Wenzel and told him that I would like to do my graduate studies under his supervision. I worked with him for five years, for both my Masters and Ph.D.”

While Dr. Dada’s experience in connecting with an adviser might not be typical, it underscores the need for developing a good relationship with a mentor. As the chemical engineering profession continues to become more global, international students are finding personal connections more valuable than ever before.

Dr. Thomas Marrero, chemical engineering professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia, has spent 22 years in industry and 15 years in academia. He credits much of his success to his mentor. “I was fortunate to have a wonderful professor during my undergraduate years. The relationship I built was one that helped guide me through graduate school and, ultimately, my career,” says Marrero. “I can’t stress enough the importance of having a mentor or trusted adviser. I encourage my students to become fully engaged with their professors and working professionals. This is crucial to career success.”

Dr. Marrero works with many graduate students, particularly Hispanic and Korean students. “There are extraordinary opportunities here for chemical engineers, particularly for those individuals who are educated in the United States,” he says. “This is especially true for women. But there are cultural differences that must be recognised and embraced.”

Siddarth Sachdeva, who earned a graduate degree at the University of Southern California in chemical engineering last year and is presently working on a Masters in computer-aided engineering, agrees with Dr. Marrero.

“People here in Los Angeles are white or Mexican. It is tough fitting in. I am still working on it. People think you are from a different country, and they look at you differently. I am from India and have, at times, felt that I didn’t belong. I think it is a process, though. I would rather go through these feelings now, while I’m still studying, than when I’m older.”

When asked what advice he might offer to students considering graduate school in the United States, Sachdeva suggests students visit schools and speak with faculty before they apply. “Go to departments and talk to professors. Even now that I am here, I go and talk to professors. It is easier to under-stand what courses I should take. You can always email, but it’s not the same as talk-ing face to face.” While Sachdeva recognises the expenses involved in such visits, he considers it a small investment that can pay off throughout a career.

“In India we don’t have a professional society for chemical engineers like AIChE,” he says. “The large national meetings provide extraordinary opportunities to meet other professionals and make some valuable connections.”

In addition to the informal networking opportunities Sachdeva describes, the Institute offers a Graduate School Fair each year for student members. According to Executive Director Sofranko, “This provides the ideal setting for prospective stu-dents, particularly international students, to compare offerings of the United States’ top graduate schools. It allows the students the chance to ask questions of professors, administrators, and other graduate students.”

Many students pursue their careers in the United States. Others, like Sachdeva, plan to work in the U.S. for a time before returning to their native country. Earning a graduate degree in chemical engineering in the United States offers advantages for both career plans.

“A big advantage for U.S. schools is the research going on with companies,” says Sachdeva. “This is a big boost to anyone working on an advanced degree. Even if you don’t have hands-on experience, you can do industryoriented research,” all of which he believes to be helpful in a chemical engineering career.

International engineering students with plans to further their education at a univer-sity in the United States could benefit from membership in professional societies like the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, and others. Each has a Web site and offers unique services to both graduate and undergraduate students.

Elizabeth Feehan, senior manager of career services for AIChE, stresses joining a pro-fessional association while studying at the undergraduate level. “It’s smart to have the resources of a strong association behind you, particularly if you’re new to the United States,” she says. “Associations offer mentor-ing programs to link students with practicing engineers, technical meetings and conferences where research can be presented, and career fairs that introduce members to employers. These services, and others, can help launch a successful career.”

AIChE, founded in 1908, is a professional association of more than 50,000 members that pro-vides leadership in advancing the chemical engineering profession. Its members are creative problem-solvers who use their scientific and technical knowledge to develop processes and design and operate plants to make useful products at a reasonable cost. Chemical engineers are also at the forefront of research to assure the safe and environmentally sound manufacture, use, and disposal of chemical products. AIChE fosters and disseminates chemical engineering knowledge, supports the profes-sional and personal growth of its members, and applies the expertise of its members to address societal needs.

More Information
For specific information about the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, its programs for students and about U.S. schools offering advanced degrees in chemical engineering, visit http://www.aiche.

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