Kettering University dedicated its new Chemical Engineering Laboratory and facilities during ribbon-cutting ceremonies Wednesday, June 1. The 3200-sq-ft facilities include a state-of-the-art lab, a classroom and design center, a department studio, and five faculty offices. The new laboratory, outfitted with all new instructional laboratory equipment, is the result of a $750,000 investment Kettering made in its latest engineering degree program offering.

Dr. Stacy Seeley, program director of Chemical Engineering, said the lab is a major step forward for Kettering’s newest academic major. “This state-of-the-art facility incorporates prototype systems of conventional industrial processes found within the discipline. Its opening is a huge milestone for us,” she said.

University president Stan Liberty said the development of a bachelor of science program in Chemical Engineering was the next logical augmentation of Kettering’s nationally ranked engineering programs. “Chemical Engineering is a high-demand field,” he explained, “recently spurred on by growth in a number of areas of scientific application including, for example: biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, alternative energy, and battery technology. Kettering is very pleased to dedicate this new space and is very grateful to those who contributed to getting us to today’s ceremony, including the C.S. Mott Foundation which provided a portion of the funds used to purchase the new equipment.”

Read more about Kettering’s new Chemical Engineering lab

Dr. Steve Nartker, the first faculty member to work and teach in the Chemical Engineering program, said the lab allows students to experiment and analyze using distillation, absorption, adsorption, filtration, numerous types of chemical reactors, heat exchangers, viscosity, density, gas chromatography, surface area, and porosity techniques.

Dr. Jonathan Wenzel, who also teaches in the program, said the lab serves the purpose of demonstrating practical chemical applications which not only educate, but build a student’s confidence in their innate abilities as engineers.

Kettering will graduate its first class of Chemical Engineering graduates in December 2011. Kettering has about 80 Chemical Engineering majors.

Kettering University is the home of the country’s most advanced professional co-op program and a national leader in preparing entrepreneurs and innovators. For more information, visit www.kettering.edu.