PhD in Chemical Engineering - Catalysis and Renewable Energy in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Ph.D. program equips students to tackle intricate, long-range research challenges. Typically completed in four to five years, this program centers on a major research initiative that concludes with a dissertation. Most of our doctoral alumni pursue industry roles, primarily in research and development, while some embark on academic paths as postdoctoral researchers or assistant professors. Our Chemical Engineering curriculum offers robust foundational training while examining key applications across diverse process systems. Students develop sophisticated expertise in chemical engineering principles and their connections to adjacent engineering fields, spanning biochemical, biomolecular, biomedical, biotechnology, catalysis, surface science, computational modeling, environmental engineering, fluid dynamics, materials science, nanotechnology, polymer science, process optimization, separation technologies, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and predictive modeling. Graduates emerge with both qualitative and quantitative competencies essential for advanced research and academic instruction in chemical engineering.

To address growing energy needs and shifting global economic landscapes, innovative solutions for energy production, storage, and chemical conversions are imperative. While these applications encompass diverse technologies, they all fundamentally require novel material designs, advanced chemical processes, and enhanced scientific comprehension. Faculty research in this domain focuses on conceptualizing, creating, analyzing, and evaluating innovative functional materials, pioneering new methodologies, and advancing atomic-level scientific understanding. Professor Moule's team employs various synthesis and analysis methods to investigate organic electronic materials for optoelectronic devices and next-generation transistors. Professor Block applies data-driven strategies to enhance biological systems, while Professor Gates specializes in developing precisely structured, single-atom catalysts that undergo thorough characterization using synchrotron technology and electron microscopy.