Centers
Catalyst Manufacturing Center
The Catalyst Manufacturing Center focuses on innovative research for the manufacturing of catalysts, and the education of a new generation of researchers in theoretical tools that can be applied to catalyst manufacturing. Catalysts are essential for many industrial processes, ranging from catalytic converters to the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Catalyst manufacturing processes are often designed relying on empiricism, leading to sub-optimal processes, decreased quality, and increased cost. By combining the substantial level of expertise in particle technology, optimization, multi-scale simulation, catalysis and molecular modeling available at Rutgers, we are developing science-based methods for designing and optimizing catalyst manufacturing operations such as impregnation, drying and calcination.
Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems C-SOPS
The Center for Structure Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS) brings together a cross-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists, as well as industry leaders, to improve the way pharmaceuticals, foods and agricultural products are manufactured. C-SOPS will focus on advancing the scientific foundation for the optimal design of SOPS with advanced functionality while developing the methodologies for their active control and manufacturing. Joining Rutgers University in the Center are Purdue University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, schools with established teaching and research programs in engineering, pharmaceutical sciences and technology.
Pharmaceutical Engineering
New Jersey is home to a large number of global pharmaceutical and medicinal manufacturing companies and Rutgers University is located at the national epicenter of pharmaceutical research and development. The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly looking for engineers and pharmaceutical scientists with advanced training in pharmaceutical engineering. Rutgers' provides an intellectual climate for the preparation of individuals for professional advancement and will train engineers and scientists with the requisite skills to work in the rapidly evolving regulatory framework that determines pharmaceutical product design and manufacturing processes.
NIH Biotechnology Training Program
The Rutgers NIH Training Program in Biotechnology provides a select group of outstanding PhD students with an integrated, multidisciplinary, educational and research training experience in biotechnology. The program has been continuously funded by NIH for more than 30 years. The aim of the program is to train creative investigators who (1) become well educated within a single biotechnology-related discipline (e.g. biochemistry, chemical engineering, molecular biology), (2) become fluent in the language, approaches, and principles of the biological and physical sciences, in general, and (3) recognize the steps needed to translate basic science discoveries into technology developments for the needs of society, government, and industry. The Biotechnology Training Program enhances the training of students in the technical, operational, and professional realms through specific courses, research experience, and other enrichment and experiential activities that go beyond those provided by the participating discipline-specific graduate programs in which students are matriculated. Four major graduate program groups participate in the program: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry & Chemical Biology, and Molecular Biosciences. Applications are open to first year, second year, and incoming PhD students.
Colgate-Palmolive Experiential Learning Opportunity Program
Colgate-Palmolive and Rutgers University has a strategic relationship and a long history of collaboration. The Colgate experiential learning program provide outstanding opportunities for PhD students to gain hands-on research experience in an industrial setting. This program offers a fellowship to fund selected students to train at the company’s Piscataway facility (located right next to the Rutgers Busch campus) under the guidance of a Colgate mentor. A competitive stipend will be provided for the participating students that may be used for salary, benefits, and tuition. The fellowship is provided on a yearly basis. The students will commit 15-20 hour per week to the Colgate project and leadership training at Colgate. The research projects may include but is not limited to the following areas: chemistry, data science, material sciences, clinical imaging & machine learning. Rutgers CBE is a major partner of this program, and multiple CBE students have been supported by this program each year to gain industrial experience and prepare for their future careers. Applications are open to post-qualifying PhD students.
NSF REU in Advanced Materials
Rutgers is the home to a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site on Advanced Materials. This program is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation and serves a diverse population of students to whom cutting-edge research experiences are not typically available and thus broadens the pipeline to graduate school for a wide range of students. The current program is led by Professors Meenakshi Dutt (PI) of the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department and Deirdre O’Carroll (co-PI) of the Materials Science and Engineering Department. The interdisciplinary nature of this REU provides opportunities for undergraduate students to carry out research in a broad array of advanced materials such as nanomaterials, hybrid soft materials, patterned surfaces, glasses, inorganic polymers, and advanced ceramic composites.