Siwei Chang

Meet our Students

Siwei Chang, Graduate Student

Entered Fall 2012.

Where are you from? What was your undergraduate degree and from which university?

I grew up in Queens, NY. I received my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University with a minor in Biomedical Engineering.

Why did you choose the University of Illinois and the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department?

In addition to the department’s stellar reputation, the welcoming staff and faculty help to promote a collaborative working environment. Unfortunately for other schools I have visited, the combination of both is still a rarity.

Tell us about your research interests. What lab do you work in and what is your role in the lab?

My research interest focuses on the investigation of heterogeneous catalysis, which will help bridging the gap between future energy supply-demands through sustainable energy production. I am currently working with Dr. David Flaherty and am in charge of the UHV system studying transition metal phosphide.

What are your plans after you receive your Ph.D.?

I would like to continue my involvement in the energy section via research. I have yet decided on the exact path, but whatever it maybe, it will be an exciting one.

What’s your favorite thing to do around campus or in Champaign-Urbana? (Favorite restaurant, favorite way or place to unwind?)

The campus is fairly large and scenic, CMU was a much smaller school and didn’t have the same presentation. One of my favorite place to eat around campus is Woori Jib. The bar scene is usually Downtown Champaign.