The Smith School's Ph.D. in chemical engineering will prepare you for careers in academia and research. The program is completed in four to five years, and students typically receive full funding. As your pursue your Ph.D., youll be prepared to make significant contributions to the fieldand youll be in good company.
Not only are our chemical engineering faculty leading researchers and facilities continually improving with state-of-the-art upgrades and equipment, the culture of collegiality at the Smith School is unmatched. While youre progressing toward your thesis and diploma, youll be surrounded by a community of scholars that is contributing to something greater and embracing the founding principles of Cornell University. Degree candidates are expected to pursue study and research that will give them a deeper comprehension of the basic and applied sciences and will develop initiative, originality, and creative ability. The thesis or dissertation may involve either research or special projects in such subjects as design, economics, or mathematical analysis. There is no language requirement for students majoring in chemical engineering.
Understanding the structure, rheology, interfacial and transport behaviors of complex fluids and polymers is among the foremost challenges of chemical engineering science. Research groups focusing on the field of Complex Fluids and Polymers within CBE are working in areas such as polymer rheology, transport in complex fluids, soft matter, interfacial science, and polymer synthesis. The research in these areas contributes greatly to: Energy applications: liquid fuel cells, conducting lubricants, electrolytes for lithium metal batteries, nanoparticle fluids for carbon capture, nanomaterials for biomass conversion. Transport processes in living systems: treatment of brain tumors, artificial trees, bioseparations. Soft matter: colloids and gel arrest, polymer rheology and synthesis. Microfluidics: microscale fuel cells, separation devices, microscale mixing, digital fluidics. Adhesion: liquid bridges and capillary wetting.
