Background

American Institute of Chemical Engineers Delaware Valley Section	Background

February 25, 2004
Student Night
Panel Discussion with ISA and AIChE Engineers

By Robert Madayag, AIChE-DVS Student Chapter Relations & Awards Coordinator

In the days where distillation column models and process efficiencies were calculated using a slide rule, the chemical engineer could rely only his or her understanding of chemistry, math and physics to perform at a high level. Those days have since vanished. Today, columns are modeled using expensive computer programs. Process efficiency is often measured using real-time in situ monitoring devices that utilize complex process control equipment. The knowledge base required of a chemical engineer to do his or her job has vastly changed as technological advances have made their way into the chemical engineer’s world.

To remain viable in today’s marketplace, chemical engineers must expand their horizons into areas not traditionally associated with chemical engineers, a view taken by the national AIChE Board of Directors and the universities that educate future chemical engineers. Many undergraduate schools in the past required that chemical engineers take courses in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and other engineering disciplines. Today, schools have recognized that in order to equip their students with the knowledge necessary to function effectively in the world of today and tomorrow, they must introduce their students to topics often seen as peripheral to chemical engineering; biology, computer science, material science, public speaking, etc.

Building on the foundation the national AIChE has set towards expanding into new horizons and seeking new opportunities, the DVS-AIChE has partnered once again with the South Jersey section of the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (“ISA”) to present a panel discussion for engineers and students. The ISA has a long history of advancing ideas and supporting members in the areas of Automation and Control. With a membership of +38,000 and an active seminar schedule, the ISA has advanced, and continues to advance, the professional development of its members.

The panel discussion will feature practitioners from both the AIChE and the ISA in various fields, such as project management, environmental, etc. The panel will be available to answer a wide range of topics, ranging from high level technical questions related to automation and control, to questions about employment and education.

I welcome every chemical engineer, including students, to attend this joint meeting. It is not only a great opportunity to meet professionals that you may not ordinarily come in contact with, but because the local university student chapters are invited to attend, you may also help guide young and upcoming chemical engineers in their path towards career satisfaction.

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