Research
Chemical engineering encompasses a broad range of cutting-edge research. The diverse education that chemical engineers receive allows them to work at the intersection of a variety of different fields, including biology, chemistry, energy, physics, materials science, and other engineering disciplines.
Chemical engineering research at Northeastern is supported by multiple areas: Biomolecular & Biomedical Systems, Complex & Computational Systems, Energy & Sustainability, Engineering Education & Pedagogy, and Materials & Nanotechnology.
The College of Engineering is also home to a National Science Foundation Center for High-Rate Nanomanufacturing, as well as numerous other research centers and institutes to push the boundaries of research.
With a premier location in downtown Boston, the department is perfectly located to take advantage of a wealth of collaborations with other universities, as well as local hospitals, medical centers, and industry.
Quick Facts 2023
Recent News
Boosting Solar Energy and Water Purification with Advanced Nanotechnology
ChE Associate Professor Allison Dennis, in collaboration with Bjoern Reinhard from Boston University, was awarded a $708,937 NSF grant for “Interfacial Excitation Transfer in Hybrid Metal/Chalcopyrite Plasmonic Nanostructures.”
Studying Gut Bacteria
ChE Assistant Professor Benjamin Woolston, in collaboration with Ahmad (Mo) Khalil from Boston University, was awarded a $900,000 NSF grant for “Synthetic Ecology of Mixed Aerobic/Anaerobic Microbial Consortia.”
Combo COVID-19-Flu Shot Could Have Broad Appeal
Bouvé/ChE University Distinguished Professor Mansoor Amiji says the convenience of a combined mRNA COVID-19 and flu shot, which successfully completed a late-stage trial at Moderna, could drive up the percentage of people vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Prebiotics in Food Are More Certain Source of Health Benefits Than Prebiotic Sodas
While the health benefits of prebiotics in soda are debated, ChE Professor Rebecca Carrier recommends relying on the definitive evidence that food with prebiotics promote a healthy gut and can have overall health benefits.