The NJ AIChE section sponsors these awards for Rutgers chemical and biochemical engineering junior and senior students in recognition of not only their excellent academic performance but also student leadership, volunteer work, research experience and achievements. The below awards were presented at the Student Awards Dinner & Mixer on March 22, 2017. We congratulate the award winners for their achievements.
Erin Dippold, Leader-Scholar Award (Senior)
Erin is President of Omega-Chi-Epsilon (OXE), a chemical engineering honors society at Rutgers University. Erin has been a dedicated student leader in service to her community since joining the department as a sophomore. Early on she helped spearhead recruitment efforts for the nascent Research Scholars Academy. She later devoted her efforts to OXE, which has been operating smoothly under her capable leadership as President.
Nicholas Townsend Haas, Leader-Researcher-Scholar Award (Junior)
Nicholas is Internal Vice-President of the Rutgers chapter of AIChE and had served as the chapter’s secretary. He is a dedicated leader who spearheaded the tutoring program that has benefited many students. He has also made significant contributions to outreach and recruiting activities among high school students. In Professor Ierapetritou’s group, Nicholas conducts research in Developing Advanced Model for Predictive Feedforward/Feedback Control of a Tablet Press.” He won 3rdPlace in Undergraduate Poster Competition at the AIChE 2016 Annual Student Conference, San Francisco.
Philip Whong, Leader-Scholar Award (Junior)
Philip is External Vice-President of the Rutgers chapter of AIChE and Chem-E-Car Captain. He is an enthusiastic leader who organized alumni events and industrial company tours, and develop collaboration with other engineering organizations. As Captain of Chem-E-Car, he manages a multi-disciplinary team of students to create a chemically powered car. Through his leadership, the team has been recognized as a club by the Engineering Governing Council. He has also contributed to numerous outreach and recruiting activities, developing and leading the very popular 'baking soda and vinegar Rutgers rocket car project' to help explain chemical engineering to students ranging from middle schoolers to college freshmen. His enthusiasm for chemical engineering contributes significantly to the esprit de corps of the undergraduate program.
Rachel Yang, Leader-Researcher-Scholar Award (Junior)
Rachel is an accomplished leader and researcher. She leads the Rutgers chapter of AIChE as President and served as Research Connections Committee Chair of the AIChE (2015-2016). She is a dedicated leader who led by example and motivated others to serve the student body. She is a Rutgers University Presidential Scholar (2014-Present), and was a winner of Rutgers 2016 Academic Excellence Award. In her research in the Celik Catalysis Group, she conducted research in synthesis of high pressure high temperature annealed TiO2 for photocatalytic production of sustainable fuels. She won 2nd Place in Undergraduate Poster Competition at the AIChE 2016 Annual Student Conference, San Francisco.
