It is an exciting time for the Chemical and Materials Engineering Department (CME), as well as a time for change.  Many of us in the department entered the chemical engineering and materials science and engineering fields because of interests related to renewable energy. During the last few years opportunities in energy have been strongly emerging. Faculty in the department are doing research in areas related to: biofuels, biomass, photovoltaics,  solar/hydrogen, fuel cells, batteries,  hydrogen storage, carbon dioxide conversion and nuclear energy. Several of  our faculty have leadership positions in energy with Dr. Mano Misra as the Director of the Renewable Energy Center.  

Our department is strong in both research and education. In addition to the areas mentioned above, faculty are doing research related to biological/biomolecular engineering, advanced materials and the environment.  We have strong graduate programs in Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Our Graduate Program received an exemplary review by the external evaluation team in the Fall 2009. Our unique legacy related to metallurgy and mineral processing was recognized. Our successful efforts to expand into the areas of biological/biomolecular engineering set the horizons for an exciting future.  

As the Fall 2011 term is progressing, we are dealing with serious challenges which face our university and the entire nation with respect to fiscal growth and stability. We have a tradition of excellence in our undergraduate education programs and continue to focus our efforts on excellence in this area. This is one way that we prepare for our 2011 ABET Accreditation review.

What is the future for Chemical and Materials Engineering? We will continue to be leaders in the renewable energy arena. The emerging area of biological/biomolecular engineering offers great opportunities for our department in biomaterials and bioprocessing. Drs. Coronella and Vasquez are doing research in biofuels from algae and thermal treatment of biomass. We anticipate significant growth in both our undergraduate and graduate programs and our outstanding faculty will continue to provide leadership in many exciting facets of chemical engineering and materials science and engineering.

Best regards,

Alan Fuchs
Department Chair
Associate Professor
Chemical and Materials Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno