Chemical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the physical, chemical, and biological transformations of matter. We use these transformations to make useful products for our society. It is distinguished from other disciplines by its focus on chemistry, biochemistry and molecular-level phenomena. It is incredibly diverse and dynamic and as such there is no way to predict what you will end up doing as a chemical engineer. But if we use your interests as a guide, here is what you may be able to do through a career in chemical engineering:
- Electronic and high-tech materials: Chemical engineers create the materials that make our high-tech world possible: from the semiconductors in your laptop to the liquid crystal polymers used in flat-panel displays, to the batteries that keep your cell phone working.
- Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medicine: Chemical engineers are pioneers in the application of genetic engineering to manufacture new biotech-based drugs and products. They have an incredible impact through the manufacture of the life-saving drugs, materials and devices used for human health care (such as artificial organs).
- The environment: Chemical engineers are continually searching for ways to minimize the impact of our society on the environment through technologies such as catalytic converters, fuel cells, photovoltaic device manufacture and in the development of more efficient processing and recycling methods.
- Polymers and plastics: Chemical engineers made plastics inexpensive and widely available in the early 20th century. This remains a very active field developing new engineering polymers, improving the properties of existing materials, and making them more amenable to recycling.
- Petrochemicals: Crude oil is transformed in refineries into the building blocks for fuels, lubricants, plastics, paint, detergents, etc., and chemical engineers continue working to improve the efficiency and safety of these transformations.
- Materials of everyday life: Chemical engineers often tackle the important problem of how to make scarce and expensive materials widely available through mass production using industrial processes. This is often done through computer modeling and simulations, closely tied to experimental programs.
- Feeding the world: Chemical engineers contribute to food production in many ways, from fertilizers that help crops grow more abundantly, to processing methods that lead to food products that retain or enhance their taste and nutritional value.
- Fibers: Chemical engineers fabricate fibers for our comfort and safety ranging from the fibers used in fleece fabrics to high-performance fibers for sports and outdoor gear, to bulletproof vests. High-tech inorganic fibers, such as fiber optics, are also prepared by chemical engineers.
In short, chemical engineers develop new products, design more effective processes, recover valuable raw materials and protect the environment and our health. A chemical engineering education also provides an excellent foundation for future careers in medicine, law, business, consulting and management due to the emphasis on problem-solving skills, quantitative analysis and teamwork.
