PhD in Chemical Engineering - Theory and Simulations in Rochester United States | University of Rochester

The PhD degree in chemical engineering is a research-based doctoral degree program. The program requirements are designed to provide candidates with fundamental understanding of core chemical engineering principles and intensive original research experience. Research opportunities are available in advanced materials, biotechnology, catalysis, functional interfaces, electrochemistry and theory and simulation in department-affiliated research groups. Most students entering the program with a BS degree in chemical engineering or closely related discipline will complete it in five years. While completing the program students are provided with an annual stipend of at least 28,000. In the first semester on campus, the Graduate Student Committee will assign academic advisors to all PhD students. By the end of the first semester, students are expected to select a PhD thesis advisor, who will supervise and support their dissertation research. A series of presentations are scheduled during the first semester, during which, students learn about the available research opportunities.

Robust theory and simulation is a core part of interdisciplinary research, especially in chemical engineering, we develop complex new materials, study increasingly complex biochemical systems and model sophisticated electrochemical systems. Theory and simulation provide the tools to develop detailed molecular-level understanding, offer predictions for complex systems, and enable rationale design of molecules and materials. Recent trends in areas like data-science and machine learning are creating new directions for chemical engineering theory and simulation, leading to new advances and new funding directions. For example, the material genome initiative at NIST and NSF and the computational data-science enabled cross-cutting program at NSF are funding opportunities specifically focused on theory and simulation research that use data-science. Our department has expertise in molecular dynamics, network theory, ab ignition quantum dynamic, electrochemical finite element modeling and empirical data-driven models.