Student ProjectsAmerican Institute of Chemical Engineers ChemE Cube Competition
Project Manager
Natalia Barna, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
Amount Requested
$5,000
Summary
The Northwestern University American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) chapter is seeking funding to participate in the 2026 ChemE Cube Competition. This annual event challenges student teams to design, build, and present a one-cubic-foot system, or mini chemical plant, based on a specific theme within sustainable chemical engineering. Our objective is to engage students in a real-world engineering challenge that integrates core chemical engineering concepts (separations, thermodynamics, etc.) with sustainability, safety, and entrepreneurship. Through this project, students will develop a fully functional ChemE Cube, supported by proper design strategies. Students will have the opportunity to attend the AIChE Annual Student Conference, where they will showcase their system and compete against teams from across the country. This project utilizes the technical and interpersonal skills of a chemical engineer by promoting innovation and teamwork, and allows students to apply what they learn in class to a hands-on setting.
Watch video about the 2024 ChemE Cube competition.
Planned Activities/Investments
To achieve our objectives, the ChemE Cube team will begin with research and brainstorming to understand the assigned competition theme, then design a cube that meets both the technical and physical constraints. Students will work in diverse teams to select materials, develop a workflow, and create early-stage prototypes. Investments will include equipment and appropriate materials. The team will also participate in consistent meetings and presentations required by the competition, including a technical poster and a business pitch. As the competition nears, the cube will be refined and optimized through testing. Any additional funds will also support travel and lodging for the national competition, where students will present their work to a panel of judges, network with peers and industry professionals, and engage in professional development programming offered by AIChE.
Impact
This project will have a lasting impact on undergraduate engineering students by immersing them in an applied, team-based engineering challenge. When we sent out information about starting a ChemE Cube Team, about 20 students showed up to our information session, so we have more than enough interest to get the project started. Participants will gain experience in problem-solving, hands-on development, and public speaking, which are critical skills in both industry and graduate school pathways. The competition setting also introduces students to growing areas of sustainability and clean technology, reinforcing the modern considerations of chemical engineering. Impact will be evaluated by the engagement of students in the project. Students will, of course, be driven to win the competition, but the real impact will be measured by the skills that are accumulated, such as reinforcing engineering concepts and learning how to pitch and communicate projects to others.
Deliverables
The project’s primary deliverables will be a working, competition-ready ChemE Cube capable of performing a specific chemical process as well as a complete technical design report, safety and sustainability analysis, a business pitch presentation, and a technical poster. The team will also compile performance data from lab testing and craft a final project report that summarizes lessons learned and serves as a resource for future student teams.
Sustainability
We envision this project as a long-term initiative within the Northwestern AIChE chapter, with future teams building upon the knowledge and infrastructure developed each year. While grant funding is essential for initial project support, we are working to establish a sustainable funding model that includes departmental support. By documenting each year’s work and engaging underclassmen in the process, we will create a community of mentorship and innovation. The ChemE Cube program will hopefully continue to offer students a powerful hands-on opportunity to develop skills in sustainable engineering, entrepreneurship, and collaborative problem-solving year after year.
Previous Projects
Last year, the Northwestern AIChE chapter was generously awarded a $5,000 Murphy Society grant to support participation in the ChemE Car Competition. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen challenges in project organization and team transitions, the funds were never used. We deeply apologize for this missed opportunity and sincerely regret not following through on the use of that support. Since then, the chapter has undergone a complete leadership transition, with a newly elected executive board committed to accountability, planning, and communication.
Budget Overview
The requested $5,000 will be allocated across five key categories to support our participation in the ChemE Cube Competition. Approximately $2,000 will go toward materials and equipment necessary to construct the cube. An additional $1,000 will be used for prototyping and testing supplies as well as printing posters, preparing visual aids, and assembling required documentation. If the students make it far enough in the composition, about $2,000 will be used for travel, lodging, and registration fees for both the AIChE Annual Student Conference and the ChemE Cube event.
Total Budget Amount: $5,000
Faculty Adviser/Department
Krishna Shrinivas/Chemical & Biological Engineering