Students from McDonogh High School’s Chemical Engineering class visited the Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering (CBEE) on February 27th. They toured lab spaces, heard from faculty and students about their innovative research, and learned about CBEE’s academic program. They were accompanied by Dr. Melanie Batarseh, an Upper School Science Teacher, and Jennifer Little, an Academic Dean.

The visit began with Dr. Marten, the Chair of CBEE, sharing insights about the department’s academic offerings and research projects. McDonogh students shared about the chemical engineering projects they were working on and asked questions about CBEE. COEIT Advisor, Hailey Turney, joined to give an overview of the application process for the CBEE program. Students enjoyed breakfast and won UMBC swag by answering questions about CBEE.

Then, students toured the laboratories of Dr. Josephson, Dr. Almodovar, and Dr. Hennigan. During the tours, ongoing research projects were discussed, equipment demonstrations were given, and lab samples were passed around to inspire curiosity amongst students.

This visit was a great opportunity for high school students to connect with CBEE faculty and students, explore potential engineering career paths, and better understand the real-world impact of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering.

Students from Mt. St. Joseph High School had an engaging day at the Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering (CBEE) today, where they toured cutting-edge labs and learned about innovative research and CBEE’s academic excellence from leading faculty members. They were accompanied by Jason Ader, Mt. St. Joe’s Director of Sustainability, STEM, and Innovation, and Dr. Rebecca Obniski, a STEM coordinator.

The visit kicked off with a tour of the laboratories of Drs. Josephson, Blaney, and Marten, where students got a firsthand look at ongoing projects in the field. Each lab showcased unique research efforts, sparking curiosity and inspiring future engineers.

Following the lab tour, the students enjoyed a pizza lunch, where they had the opportunity to discuss their interests and ask questions about the engineering field. Dr. Marten, Chair of CBEE, shared insights into the department's research efforts and academic program.

Additionally, COEIT advisor Krista Wallace provided valuable information on the application process for the CBEE program, highlighting opportunities for prospective students to engage in research and hands-on learning.

The visit was a fantastic opportunity for high school students to connect with university faculty and explore potential career paths in engineering, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering on society.