Impact of Student Programs on the Future of Chemical Engineering

At the 2024 AIChE® Annual Meeting, we had the pleasure of meeting Paola Baldaguez Medina, a rising star in chemical engineering who recently embarked on her academic journey as an Assistant Professor at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. Paola visited the AIChE Foundation booth, where she shared her inspiring journey:

AIChE has helped me for a span of about 10 years, since I started as an undergraduate student, until now that I became a professor… So, I think this is GREAT what you're doing. - Paola Baldaguez Medina, Assist. Professor at Univ. of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, Student Advisor 2024 AIChE Annual Meeting ChemE Cube Competition

“AIChE has helped me for a span of about 10 years, since I started as an undergraduate student, until now that I became a professor. Throughout my undergraduate years, I had many friends made through the AIChE chapter at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. And later on, as a graduate student, I was able to meet different colleagues at these types of meetings, as well as find a job in the future faculty poster session. And finally, now, as a student chapter advisor, I am able to see the development of new generations of undergraduate students that are even able to start their own startup company throughout the ChemE Cube competition. So, I think this is GREAT what you're doing.”

Paola’s story exemplifies how AIChE’s Student Programs are helping to shape the future of chemical engineering by empowering the next generation to thrive as leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. Support for the AIChE and AIChE Foundation’s Student Programs Fund makes this impact possible, providing students access to invaluable career development opportunities, hands-on educational experiences, leadership training, and recognition through awards that celebrate excellence.

This fund fuels critical initiatives like the Student Regional Conferences (SRCs) held annually across North America and internationally. These student-led events offer immersive learning experiences, serving as a gateway to the Annual Student Conference (ASC). Through your generosity, over 200 schools send their brightest students to ASC, where they engage in competitions like Chem-E-Car, ChemE Cube, and ChemE Jeopardy, while also attending workshops and networking sessions with industry leaders. Beyond competitions, these gatherings build confidence, nurture innovative thinking, and prepare students for real-world challenges. Your contributions ensure that students from diverse backgrounds can grow, collaborate, and form lasting connections.

By investing in AIChE and AIChE Foundation’s Student Programs Fund, you’re making an enduring contribution to the future of chemical engineering—empowering young professionals to become tomorrow’s leaders. Together, let’s ensure these transformative experiences continue to flourish.

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