Graduate student in chemical engineering lab with professpr

Chemical Engineers Move Society Forward

Using advanced molecular engineering strategies, we are driving innovation in fields as varied and as important to society as solar energy and battery technologies, natural gas to chemical conversions, water purification, pollutant remediation, tissue engineering and pharmaceutical processing and drug delivery.

Our Research

  • Biotechnology and Biomolecular Engineering

    Our researchers work in the areas of protein separation, protein and viral engineering, tissue engineering, crystallization of pharmaceuticals and systems biology.

  • Energy and the Environment

    Faculty work in fields that include catalysis, electrochemistry, biorenewable conversion, bioremediation, materials for energy generation and storage, solar energy conversion and membrane-based water purification.

  • Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology

    Our labs conduct research in areas that include advanced polymeric materials, nanostructured fluids, novel catalytic materials, metal organic frameworks, biomaterials and macromolecular engineering for separations.

  • Simulation and Complex Systems

    UVA Chemical Engineering researchers work in areas that include Modeling of bacterial chemotaxis and phase separation of polymers on nanoparticles.

     

Meeting goals for sustainable energy, clean water and better health

Drawing on expertise in areas like catalysis, electrochemical systems, transport properties of biological systems and polymers for membranes and biomaterials, our faculty bridge the gaps between molecular-level interactions and real-world applications.

Our Student Culture

UVA Chemical Engineering students are not only taught to think like professional engineers, they join a vibrant and highly collaborative department culture. Throughout their years in the program, students learn clear communication, creativity and problem-solving skills. 

This year was the first CHE: The Challenge, providing students with both physical and mental challenges that showcased the importance of teamwork, communication and on-the-fly strategic thinking.