The graduate students in our department come from a diversity of backgrounds representing the best departments of chemical engineering in the US and around the world. Although their experiences are varied, year to year the students continually form a supportive peer group both in academic and nonacademic arenas.

Graduate Student Activities in Chemical & Biological Engineering

The Graduate Student Forum works to develop community within the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department by planning events where graduate students and faculty can interact in a relaxed environment. These activities include a department-wide opportunity to train for a 5K race, golf and sporting event outings, clothing and food drives, sponsored dinners and cocktail parties, and the occasional evening out on the town. In addition to these GSF events, the department sponsors an annual retreat for faculty and graduate students to welcome new students before courses begin in the fall semester. Rising second year graduate students traditionally plan, organize, and produce the department retreat.

Undergraduate Organizations

The Northwestern Chapter of AIChE is one of our most active and influential student organizations. Run by department undergraduates and reflective of the larger national organization, it encourages greater awareness of chemical engineering in academia and industry as well as community within the department. Activities include an annual debate between undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty on a relevant current topic, forums to discuss the process of applying to graduate school or industry jobs, and social gatherings.

The Society of Women Engineers

The Society of Women Engineers is a national program that encourages the empowerment of women in engineering and science fields through the sponsorship of career and social events for faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students. In addition to professional development, SWE organizes a variety of community outreach programs such as Career Day For Girls and Industry Day.

SECMA: The Science and Engineering Committee on Multicultural Affairs

The Science and Engineering Committee on Multicultural Affairs (SECMA) is composed of faculty members, graduate students, and administrators. The committee was established in December 2004 with the goal of recruiting and retaining underrepresented graduate students in academic careers in Sciences and Engineering. SECMA organizes recruiting activities in the spring in addition to sponsoring colloquia and student activities throughout the year.