Applicants to Arizona State University's graduate programs in Chemical Engineering have expressed increasingly strong interest in environmental topics. A graduate training/research program is described in the focus area of Environmentally Friendly Technology, emphasizing Environmentally Benign Chemical Processing. Arizona State University's existing expertise, experience, and interest in environmental aspects of chemical engineering provide the necessary research and teaching base from which to pursue this new area of graduate training. A program in Environmentally Benign Chemical Processing will utilize both traditional chemical engineering training - process engineering, optimization and control - and newer, more specialized topics including air and water quality measurement, recycling technologies, hazardous materials handling, and risk assessment. Topics including point-of use abatement, sensor technology, shared load separations, process integration for pollution prevention, and biosynthesis will be the basis of the trainees' research experience. Local industry will support this effort: Motorola has agreed to provide seminar speakers, advise on coursework development, and begin planning for internships in appropriate areas within the company. Existing and new courses and activities will comprise the teaching component of the program. Minority recruiting activities through the Coalition to increase Minority Degrees will include faculty visits to schools and applicant visits to ASU. A structured program of peer and faculty mentoring will promote student retention.
