Chemical Engineering senior, Kelsie F. Timbie, who hails from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, received a prestigious Goldwater Foundation Scholarship in April 2009.  Kelsie has been a Presidential Scholar at Clarkson during each of the last six semesters, and is working with Biology Professor Craig Woodworth and Chemical Engineering Professor Ian I. Suni on her honors thesis.

Kelsie’s research project is focused on developing a biosensor that can detect malignant changes in a sample of cervical cells. "I came all the way up here because Clarkson seemed to epitomize cooperative, problem-based learning," says Kelsie. "I plan to obtain a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, and would like to find a career in medical device design. I used to volunteer with a hippotherapy program, and that experience was my primary motivation for a career in biomedical engineering." Hippotherapy uses horses to provide physical therapy to young children with cerebral palsy or other motor impairments.

Kelsie won the Pablo Guttman Award for the most conscientious junior in spring semester 2009, and has been inducted into the Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi, as well as the Chemical Engineering Honor Society, Omega Chi Epsilon, which she serves as Treasurer.  She also is the Co-Chair of the Honors Service Committee.

The Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering is committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, in both teaching and research.

Chemical engineers deal with many problems that arise in a technical society, especially those involving chemistry. Chemical engineers engage in a spectrum of manufacturing, sales, and research activities in a variety of industries ranging from specialty chemicals to semiconductors and food processing.

Chemists do chemistry in test tubes and small beakers; chemical engineers do chemistry in a big way. They make useful products at the rate of tons per day, like gasoline, nylon, paper, penicillin, peanut butter, silicon wafers, catalytic crackers, and beer. They do a variety of tasks, such as product development, process design, management, quality control, pollution control, marketing, and technical sales.  To learn more about the many exciting contributions chemical engineers make to society, click here.

Chemical engineers have historically had the highest starting salaries of all the major engineering professions. In past years, graduating chemical engineers have enjoyed a high placement percentage. Since chemical engineers find employment in many different industries, a strong economy will always provide numerous opportunities for chemical engineers.

Some students seek employment right after graduation. Others go on to graduate school, in chemical engineering or a related field. Chemical engineering is also a good choice of major for students who want to enter medical school or law school.

To prepare for these diverse career paths, your education will include a significant amount of applied math, engineering, and chemistry. While these classes will be exciting, recognize that some of your important courses will be in liberal studies. Courses in economics, ethics, and communications skills will be vital toward your development as a professional engineer able to make significant contributions to society.

 To view a brochure about the Department, click here.