Chemical & Biological Engineering

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New Videos Show RNA as it's Never Been Seen

The first-ever data-driven movies illuminate RNA's mysterious folding process, as it transforms from disordered forms into functional structures.Read more

Dunn, Miller Among Investigators to Collaborate with Ojibwe

The project investigates challenges faced by Indigenous communities by bringing together scientific and traditional ecological knowledge with support from NSF, DOE, and Homeland Security. Read more

New Method Enables Predictive Design of Engineered Human Cells

The method uses computational modeling to more efficiently identify useful genetic designs before building them in the lab.Read more

Shelf-stable Vaccines Avoid Waste, Expand Access

A manufacturing platform developed by a team including Michael Jewett uses freeze-dried components and rehydrated with water to make sure the treatments don’t go to waste.Read more

About the Department

Pioneering transformational discoveries to tackle global challenges

Our internationally recognized Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University prepares the next generation of engineers by fostering their growth in a collaborative, multidisciplinary community built on excellence in research and education.

We impact and shape the world through inventions and innovations in soft materials, complex systems, synthetic biology, biotechnology, and catalysis and use them to tackle global challenges in renewable energy, biomanufacturing, clean water, sustainability, and human health.

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Facts and Figures

Setting ourselves apart

10

NSF CAREER awards

12

interdisciplinary research centers, institutes, and programs

13

startup companies

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Research Areas

From transformational discoveries to impactful solutions

Our department combines the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics with technology development to drive discoveries in our core research areas.

Programs

Fostering growth in a collaborative, multidisciplinary community built on excellence in research and education

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Combined BS/MS Degree Program

Minor in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering

Explore special programs in this department and across McCormick

Graduate

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Learn more about interdisciplinary programs and research groups for graduate students

Affiliated

Master of Science in Biotechnology

Department News

Doug Williams

An Unconventional Path

Alumnus Doug Williams ('00) combines his leadership in business strategy with his expertise in biotechnology, alternative energy, and chemicals as a consultant to technology and engineering startups.

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Discover Our Whole-Brain Engineering Philosophy

We augment the analytical core of engineering with design, entrepreneurship, leadership, personal development, and unusual collaborations to imagine what's next and take the world in a whole new direction.

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