MIT Chemical Engineering (ChemE)

We are so proud! Our own Paula Hammond has been named the next Dean of Engineering, effective January 16, 2026.

Paula Hammond ’84, PhD ’93, an Institute Professor and MIT’s executive vice provost, has been named dean of MIT’s School of Engineering, effective January 16. She will succeed Anantha Chandrakasan, who was appointed MIT’s provost in July.

Hammond, who was head of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 2015 to 2023, has also served as MIT’s vice provost for faculty. She will be the first woman to hold the role of dean of MIT’s School of Engineering. She has earned many accolades for her work developing polymers and nanomaterials that can be used for applications including drug delivery, regenerative medicine, noninvasive imaging, and battery technology.

Throughout her career at MIT, Hammond has helped to create a supportive environment in which faculty and students can do their best work.

“Ever since enrolling at MIT as an undergraduate, Paula has built a remarkable record of accomplishment in scholarship, teaching, and service,” says Chandrakasan. “Faculty, staff, and students across the Institute praise her wisdom, selflessness, and kindness, especially when it comes to enabling others’ professional growth and success.”

https://news.mit.edu/2025/paula-hammond-dean-school-engineering-1205

A beautiful new book by our own resident science photographer Felice Frankel was highlighted in Popular Science. The images (and context) are amazing.

What do you see? 12 extreme close-ups bring ‘hidden science’ to life New photography book encourages us to look for science everywhere.

Another big congratulations to our graduating Seniors! Congrats Chemical Engineering Class of 2025!!!

Let's get this commencement going, up first, School of Engineering Advanced Degree ceremony. Congratulations to Chemical Engineering's newest doctoral graduates!

Another incredible academic year is in the books — and we couldn’t be prouder of our students, faculty, and staff for all their hard work.

Before we head off for a well-deserved summer break, we’re thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s Chemical Engineering Department Awards

https://cheme.mit.edu/department-award-2025/

MIT CHemE grad student Shaylin Cetegen discussed cheap energy storage with The Chemical Engineer
https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/liquid-air-could-be-cheapest-method-for-long-term-energy-storage-researchers-predict/

Shaylin Cetegen, MIT ChemE PhD student, is helping shape the future of clean energy with liquid air storage — a low-cost, long-duration solution for renewable power.

https://news.mit.edu/2025/using-liquid-air-grid-scale-energy-storage-0410

MIT engineers created bacteria that light up in unique colors when sensing chemicals—visible from 90 meters away by drone. A new leap for remote environmental monitoring!

https://news.mit.edu/2025/engineered-bacteria-emit-signals-spotted-from-distance-0411

ChemE grad students Rhoda Zhang and Arjav Shahhelp advance solutions for water and food with the help of J-WAFS

Photo of Rhoda Zhang presenting a poster at the 2023 Earth Month poster session at MIT, co-hosted by J-WAFS, MIT Energy Initiative, and the Environmental Solutions Initiative.

https://news.mit.edu/2025/mit-students-advance-solutions-water-food-with-j-wafs-0410

Researchers have developed new treatments that enable more precise control of gene therapy treatments in rare diseases. Read more about this exciting news out of the Galloway Lab at MIT news.

https://news.mit.edu/2025/gene-circuits-enable-more-precise-control-gene-therapy-0428

ChemE alumna Maya Trotz ’94 named 2024 Ocean Decade Champion

https://www.usf.edu/engineering/news/2025/maya-trotz-ocean-decade-2024-story.aspx

Kulik Lab’s new model predicts a chemical reaction’s point of no return.

https://news.mit.edu/2025/new-model-predicts-chemical-reactions-no-return-point-0423