Opportunities for Young Professionals in Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division | AIChE

Opportunities for Young Professionals in Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division

This month, we sat down with Tom Degnan, Chair of the Catalysis and Reaction Engineering (CRE) Division to discuss opportunities in this Division.

The CRE Division is one of the largest of AIChE’s 14 Divisions.  It has approximately 700 members, not including student members.  The Division is active in advancing the science and technology of catalysis and chemical reaction engineering.  The Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division is approaching its 20th anniversary.  It was chartered in 1996.  Annual dues are $20.

Tell us a little about your Division?

AIChE’s Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division has eight objectives:

·       Provide the focal point for AIChE members with interests in Catalysis and Reaction Engineering.

·       Develop technical program for meetings, and in planning the technical program, to seek a balanced coverage of a variety of topics in Catalysis and Reaction Engineering.

·       Exchange knowledge of technical publications, computer programs, databases, Catalysis and Reaction Engineering research centers, networks, new developments in the fields of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering and Catalysis and Reaction Engineering programs.

·       Keep members informed of future Catalysis and Reaction Engineering meetings.

·       Coordinate exchanges with other groups, such as the ACS Divisions in catalysis, industrial and engineering chemistry, fuel chemistry and petroleum, the North American Catalysis Society, and ISCRE, Inc.

·       Recognize achievements of members through awards.

·       Encourage chemical engineering educators to place suitable emphasis on the field of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering and on the development of appropriate curricular material.

·       Foster research, development, and the application of chemical engineering knowledge to Catalysis and Reaction Engineering.

The target audience consists of individuals from industry, academia, and other organizations who have an active interest in both catalysis and chemical reaction engineering.

What benefits have you received from becoming a member of this Division?

Members are included on all Division newsletters and have the right to vote in annual CRE Division elections.  The Division is very active in organizing and orchestrating sessions at the Spring and Fall AIChE National meetings.  Members also receive invitations to the annual CRE Division dinner, which is held during the Fall meeting.  Membership is an excellent way to remain connected with other AIChE members who have similar interests.  The Division presents an annual CRE Division Practice Award to an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing catalysis and reaction engineering technology.  Each year, the Division solicits nominations for ~20 graduate student travel awards.  These awards, which are highly competitive, provide $400 to help defer the cost of travel to the make a poster or podium presentation at the AIChE Fall Annual Meeting.  Prerequisites are that the students must be AIChE members who have had their abstracts accepted for presentation, and that the nominators, who are predominantly the students’ advisors, are members of both the AIChE and the CRE Division.

What opportunities are available for members to get involved? What is a good way for Young Professional Members to get started?

The Division is always looking for individuals who are interested in helping to organize or to chair sessions.  Becoming a member of the Programming Committee is one of the best ways to become active in the Division.  The Programming Committee sets the themes for the sessions and also makes the abstract selections.  Members can suggest topics for special sessions.  The CRE Division is active in working with other organizations in the advancing topical areas in catalysis and reaction engineering.  The Division is sometime called upon by organizations such as the National Science Foundation to run special symposia.  It works with the Catalysis Division of the American Chemical Society, the North American Catalysis Society, and members of the International Society of Chemical Reaction Engineering (ISCRE) to advance the science and technology associated with catalysis and reaction engineering.

When does this Division hold events or meetings?

The major activities for the Division are structured around the Spring and Fall Annual AIChE meetings.  The Division organizes occasional webinars and organizes or participates in special symposia.

How does someone become a member?

AIChE members can opt for CRE Division membership when they renew their annual AIChE membership or when they first join the AIChE.  Individuals can also contact the AIChE directly and confirm their interest in joining.  Annual dues are $20.  Here is the CRE Division website

Who can I contact with any questions or to get more involved?

Individuals who are interested in more information or who would like to get involved with the Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division can contact any one of the Division officers as listed on the website.  They can also contact me, the CRE Division Chair at tdegnan1@nd.edu.