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  • Jan
    12

    ChBE Seminar Series: Smitha Gopinath

    McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

    11:00 AM L361, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    Please join the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department for a seminar by guest speaker Smitha Gopinath, titled "Enabling the design of engineering systems."

    ABSTRACT: I present recent advances that have enabled the design and operation of challenging separation systems and energy networks. The design and operation of these engineering systems entail the solution of large-scale optimization problems with thousands of decision variables and constraints. Standard optimization techniques may not even yield a feasible solution to these design problems. In this talk, I examine the role of novel problem formulations and algorithms in overcoming these challenges. The design of separation solvents and processes for carbon capture is first presented. By building on thermodynamic insight and process knowledge, a novel robust algorithm for integrated molecular and process design of separation systems is developed. The synthesis of new chemical processes via superstructure-optimization (SO) is next presented. A novel formulation that is informed by knowledge of chemical process models is developed. The use of the formulation is demonstrated on high-fidelity distillation column synthesis. Lastly, the optimal power flow problem, a longstanding challenge in globaloptimization, is briefly visited. A tight convex relaxation that is informed by the physics of power-flow is developed. Across examples and domains, I show that algorithms and problem formulations that are informed by the physics of the problem can enable the solution of challenging problems.

    Smitha Gopinath is a researcher at the interface of chemical engineering and optimization. She has just completed a postdoctoral stint in the Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory. She has developed design algorithms for problems in molecular systems engineering, process systems engineering, power systems engineering and remote sensing systems. She has a PhD in chemical engineering from Imperial College London. She has contributed to award-winning software.

    Bagels and coffee will be provided at 11am, and the seminar will start at 11:10am. Please plan to arrive on time to grab a bagel and mingle!

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    TIME Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    LOCATION L361, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Baylee Byers    baylee.byers@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

  • Sep
    8

    Welcome & Breakfast for New McCormick PhD Students

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    9:00 AM LR2 & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, September 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    LOCATION LR2 & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Sep
    12

    New Undergraduate Fall 2025 Registration

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Friday, September 12, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Sep
    15

    Welcome & Luncheon for New Full-time Graduate Students

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    11:00 AM Ryan Auditorium & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

    LOCATION Ryan Auditorium & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Sep
    16

    Fall Classes Begin. Change of Registration (Drop/Add) Late registration for returning students begins

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar