Updates from the Director

---

Companies recruiting ChBE graduate students

May 14, 2025

A multitude of companies recruit our alumni upon graduation. In this video, we explain how the combination of technical knowledge and business leadership propels a career forward across several industries and sectors. Our students are assured that their education and experience will be valued by their employer.

We are here to answer any questions you have about our program. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at chbe-meng@illinois.edu, and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Spring 2025 Workshop Summary

May 9, 2025

As the academic year draws to a close, I would like to share some information about our recent workshop activities. These workshops are an integral part of the MEng program, giving students a chance to hear directly from industry leaders and professionals.

This semester, the topic of the workshop was Business Value and Skills Application. Similar to the Leadership Skills Application workshop held last fall, instructor Jim Morris (BS 81; Former Chief Facilities Engineer for ExxonMobil Upstream) developed highly engaging course materials based on both classical examples and modern challenges faced by chemical engineers. He illustrated value propositions using a range of examples, such as the value and supply chain development of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, the liquefied natural gas value chain, and the Coca-Cola supply chain. Our guest speakers included senior executives from Strobel Energy Group and a consultant partner with Bain & Company, while our panelists included leaders from DuPont, Tokyo Electron America and ExxonMobil.

The workshop was held in hybrid mode with majority of the students attending the class on campus. One student in the class described the workshop as, “insightful and very engaging throughout,” and stated, “It was a great learning experience, and I’m excited to apply the concepts moving forward.”

It is always gratifying to learn that students find great value in the educational experience we offer at Illinois. Whether you will be joining us as a returning student or one that is new to the program, we look forward to seeing you at our next workshop in fall 2025! 

Career Services Open House and Tour for M.Eng. Students

April 14, 2025

As part of the School of Chemical Sciences' continued commitment to supporting graduate student professional development, the SCS Career Services team will host an Open House on April 30, 2025, to showcase its newly renovated office space and comprehensive career resources.

SCS Career Services Open House
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

As part of this event, SCS Career Services has arranged an office tour for ChBE Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) students, to provide them with a tailored introduction to the services and opportunities available, which include:

• Individual career advising sessions tailored to graduate students.
• Resume and cover letter support.
• Interview preparation guidance.
• Career search strategies.
• Employer networking and recruitment opportunities.

The Open House aims to provide integral services for helping the students in the program to be successful professionally and to do so at early stages of their careers. All incoming and continuing M.Eng. students are encouraged to engage with the SCS Career Services team early. ChBE M.Eng. graduate students may use the Open House or contact the Career Services team separately to establish a connection that will allow them to fully leverage the robust set of career development tools and resources that are offered throughout their graduate studies.

Access to SCS Career Services underscores the department’s dedication to providing broad and impactful career support that prepares our professional M.Eng. students for success in diverse industries. I hope each student will take full advantage of the opportunities it offers.

Please contact the M.Eng. program office with questions: chbe-meng@illinois.edu.

Fireside Chat with Radhika Rathi

March 31, 2025

Radhika Rathi, an international on-campus student, graduated from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka in India with a Chemical Engineering bachelor’s degree. She decided to pursue her professional master’s degree through the ChBE M.Eng. program.

What inspired you to join the ChBE M.Eng. program at the University of Illinois?

The ChBE MEng program at U of I appealed to me because of its unique combination of leadership training and advanced chemical engineering coursework. I wanted a program that not only deepened my technical knowledge but also prepared me to take on leadership roles in the chemical engineering field. The emphasis on practical, industry-relevant learning and the opportunity to be part of a highly reputed institution like U of I made it an easy choice for me. Additionally, the program’s focus on professional development, including networking opportunities and exposure to industry experts, perfectly aligned with my career aspirations.

What has been the learning experience in the ChBE M.Eng. program that you would like to share with all prospective students?

The learning experience in the ChBE MEng program has been well-structured and rewarding. So far, I’ve taken four courses: Managerial Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis, and MENG I – Leadership Skills Application. Each course has been thoughtfully paced, with two starting in the second half of the term, allowing me to focus on the material effectively. The leadership course, in particular, has been instrumental in helping me apply practical skills, while the technical courses have strengthened my understanding of key concepts like chemical kinetics and mathematical modeling. 

As a student in the first cohort, do you feel the ChBE M.Eng. program provides the right environment for learning and professional development?

Being part of the first cohort has been a unique and sometimes challenging experience. With only two full-time on-campus students, most interactions with the rest of the cohort, who are online, have been limited. This has made the experience feel a bit different and occasionally isolated. However, the faculty and program structure have provided strong support to ensure that I still receive valuable learning experience. The on-campus courses and interactions with professors have been engaging, and the mix of leadership and technical training has equipped me with skills for both academic and professional growth. While it’s a new and evolving program, it offers a solid foundation for anyone looking to balance advanced chemical engineering training with leadership development.

As one international student of the first cohort, could you provide some advice to prospective international MEng students?

For prospective international MEng students, my biggest advice would be to stay proactive and open to learning beyond just coursework. The academic system here values independence, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and engage with professors—they’re approachable and willing to help. Time management is key because the coursework moves fast, and balancing assignments, networking, and job hunting can get overwhelming. Building a support system early on, whether through classmates, student groups, or university resources, makes a huge difference. Also, taking advantage of career services and networking events can really help with job prospects. It might feel overwhelming at first, but once you find your rhythm, the experience is incredibly rewarding.

What are the main challenges international students face when adapting to the new learning environment of the University of Illinois?

Adjusting to the learning environment at U of I as an international student comes with its challenges. For me, the biggest hurdle was adapting to the different teaching styles, professors expect a lot of independent learning, and participation matters more than I was used to. The fast-paced coursework and the way assignments are structured took some getting used to. Language wasn’t a huge barrier for me, but I know many students struggle with understanding lectures or speaking up in class. It can also feel isolating at times, trying to find a sense of belonging while juggling academics. Financial stress, figuring out campus resources, and just getting comfortable with a new system are all things international students deal with, but over time, it gets easier with the right support and connections.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering this program?

My advice to prospective students is to approach this program with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. As part of the first cohort, I’ve found the experience both exciting and unique. With only a small number of on-campus students, much of the interaction with peers has been limited, but the program's structure ensures that you still gain a strong learning and professional foundation. Make the most of the leadership and technical courses, as they are well-paced and designed to complement each other. If you’re looking for a program that combines advanced chemical engineering training with opportunities to grow as a leader, and you’re comfortable with some online interaction, this program can be a great fit.

M.Eng. informational video collection 

March 24, 2025

Summary of December Workshop for CHBE 594

March 17, 2025

Today I'm writing to share a recap of a recent workshop held for students in the CHBE 594 course on Leadership Skills and Applications. Held on December 6-7, 2024, the workshop was led by Jim Morris, the Industrial Board Chair of the M.Eng. program and Professional Development Instructor. Before retiring from industry, Morris served as Chief Facilities Engineer for Exxon-Mobil Upstream. 

In preparation for the workshop, the students read several articles and studied two cases on critical leadership skills for team leaders and team members. The workshop itself focused on four key aspects of leadership:

• understanding the purpose of your organization, your projects and your daily activities and how they relate to the overall mission and purpose of your organization;
• the importance of understanding the full breadth of your role and how it relates to others;
• developing and expanding your network, both internal and external to an organization; and
• how to influence and improve the culture of your teams, both as a team member and a team leader.

The highlight of the workshop was a panel discussion with three successful alumni who are previous recipients of ChBE’s Young Alumni Achievement Award.  The alumni – Laura Flessner, Ajay Virkar, and Eryn Schneider – each shared experiences from their leadership journeys and what they considered to be key skills for leaders to develop. The students asked many questions and had a great dialogue on several topics. 

At the end of the workshop, each student began drafting a personal leadership development plan. This document will serve as a guide for how they would take the lessons and skills that they learned in the course and the workshop and apply them to their own careers.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the alumni mentioned above for their participation in the workshop, and to the students for their thoughtful questions. This type of direct interaction with alumni who are already on a successful leadership track is an invaluable resource for our M.Eng. students, and just one example of the benefits of enrollment in our program. 

TSMC ARIZONA visit to ChBE/M.Eng.

February 28, 2025

On February 19, 2025, a team from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC ARIZONA) visited the department and the Master of Engineering program to explore potential long-term collaborations. The discussions focused on senior design projects, engagement events, internships, capstone/practicum projects, scholarships and other opportunities for academic and industry partnership.

As Director of the M.Eng. program, I was pleased to participate in this visit, which – in addition to the TSMC ARIZONA team – also included ChBE department head Chris Rao and several current M.Eng. students. This meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on aligning industry needs with academic training and fostering closer ties between TSMC ARIZONA and the university.

Key takeaways from the meeting included:

• Identifying potential areas for collaboration on industrial design projects.
• Exploring internship and Capstone Project opportunities for M.Eng. students.
• Discussing strategies to enhance student engagement with industry through workshops and networking events.
• Strengthening ties between TSMC ARIZONA and the ChBE department to create a sustainable pipeline of talent.

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to further explore these initiatives and establish a framework for continued collaboration. The next steps will involve follow-up discussions to define specific partnership programs and implementation strategies.

This was an exciting event for ChBE M.Eng. program in fostering industry-academic collaboration and providing valuable opportunities for students. I look forward to further discussions with the TSMC ARIZONA team and enhancing our connection with the leading industrial companies.

Fireside Chat with Auden Chase

February 11, 2025

Auden Chase graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. After spending some time working in industry, he decided to pursue his professional master’s degree through the ChBE M.Eng. program. Auden recently shared his reasons for deciding to earn an M.Eng. degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, his thoughts on the program, and some advice for prospective students.

What inspired you to join the ChBE M.Eng. program at the University of Illinois?

My initial interest in the graduate program came as the result of a presentation given by a current faculty member. Dr. Paul Kenis, a professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering, gave a presentation to prospective graduate students following a symposium on his electrochemistry research. While I already had some desire to further my education prior to his arrival, the lecture was what eventually convinced me to pursue the graduate program as a full-time student. I eventually returned to school after two years of serving as a consultant in the process control industry.

While I credit this talk as the primary source of my inspiration, there were several other factors that further motivated my decision to join the first cohort. First of all, even though my work experience had equipped me with many technical skills, it did not teach me the leadership and business skills that I needed to be effective in a managerial position. The professional Master of Engineering program at the University of Illinois is unique in that it is specifically designed to integrate these skills with traditional chemical engineering courses. This is due in large part to the internal partnerships formed between the Grainger College of Engineering and the Gies College of Business. Secondly, the graduate program gives students the opportunity to network with individuals who will aid in not only their academic journey, but in their professional journey as well. These networking opportunities are one of the many benefits of the personal development workshops that are included in the curriculum.

What has been the learning experience in the ChBE M.Eng. program that you would like to share with all prospective students?

I think the most important learning experience so far has been the personal development workshops. These events, which are unique to the graduate program, give students the opportunity to gain leadership insights by interacting directly with alumni. Every member that I heard from had advice that was relevant to my future career aspirations. Furthermore, it was inspiring to see the success of individuals who had once been in my position as a full-time student.

As a student in the first cohort, do you feel the ChBE M.Eng. program provides the right environment for learning and professional development?

Absolutely. Despite the small size of the first cohort, faculty members were able to bring us together on multiple occasions to form lasting connections, both on campus and virtually. I also felt that faculty members did a fantastic job at providing resources to support students at every stage of their progress. For example, the director of the graduate program, Dr. Hong Yang, helped students find employment opportunities at the corporate research park on campus. He also put us in contact with members of the graduate student advisory council, who were available to answer questions about organizational policies and procedures.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering this program?

My advice to prospective graduate students is the following: if you choose to attend a professional Master of Engineering program, do not assume that it will be easier than a doctoral degree. These classes are hard, even for those of us who aced their undergraduate courses. However, the work you put in will serve you throughout your entire life. Specifically, the personal development workshops that I attended opened my eyes to possibilities I never thought possible. It also equipped me with the leadership and business skills necessary to realize those possibilities. So, if you want to enhance your job prospects and attend this graduate program, prepare to be uncomfortable. But, more importantly, prepare to grow.