How ChemE-SportsTM is Revolutionizing Chemical Engineering Education
How ChemE-SportsTM is Revolutionizing Chemical Engineering Education
In the ever-evolving field of chemical engineering, preparing students for real-world challenges is critical. ChemE-SportsTM, a competitive and interactive learning platform, is transforming chemical engineering education by bridging the gap between theory and practical application. (1-13) This innovative approach is not only enhancing students' understanding of core engineering principles but also equipping them with hands-on experience in safety, operations, and productivity — all essential elements for successful careers in the field. (8-13)
(ChemE-SportsTM Competitors attend the competition in San Diego at the AIChE Annual Student Conference Sun 27 Oct 2024)
What is ChemE-SportsTM?
ChemE-SportsTM is designed to simulate real-world engineering challenges, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings. (1-13) Through competitive challenges, participants engage in scenarios that require them to identify risks, implement safety protocols, optimize processes, and maximize productivity — skills that are invaluable in the chemical engineering industry. (1-13)
(Competitor shows labtop image to competition steward at the ChemE-SportsTM competition in San Diego at the AIChE Annual Student Conference Sun 27 Oct 2024)
Promoting Safety-First Mindsets
Safety is a cornerstone of chemical engineering, and ChemE-SportsTM effectively emphasizes this principle. (8-13) Participants are placed in simulated hazardous environments where they must identify risks and apply industry-standard safety protocols. (8-13) This hands-on training helps cultivate a safety-first mindset, ensuring that students are well-prepared to prioritize safety in their future careers.
Key Takeaways:
- Risk Identification: Students learn to spot potential hazards in engineering scenarios.
- Safety Protocols: Emphasis on implementing appropriate safety measures.
(Competitor operates a simulation of a gas treating system that includes a virtual component during the competition at the ChemE-SportsTM competition in San Diego at the AIChE Annual Student Conference Sun 27 Oct 2024)
Enhancing Operational Excellence
Optimizing processes is a crucial part of chemical engineering, and ChemE-SportsTM challenges students to improve process control, maximize efficiency, and manage resources effectively. By navigating simulated challenges, participants develop innovative problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of operational constraints. (1-13)
This real-world simulation ensures that students enter the workforce with practical experience in:
- Process Optimization: Streamlining engineering processes for maximum efficiency.
- Resource Management: Learning to effectively manage time, materials, and energy.
(Competitors discuss the current situation during operation of the gas treating system that at the ChemE-SportsTM competition in San Diego at the AIChE Annual Student Conference Sun 27 Oct 2024)
Boosting Productivity Through Competitive Learning
Productivity is essential in any industrial setting, and ChemE-SportsTM fosters an environment where students learn how to balance quality and efficiency. The competitive nature of these simulations pushes participants to improve their approach to productivity, ensuring they are prepared for high-performance engineering roles. (8-13)
Students gain hands-on experience in:
- Quality Balance: Maintaining high-quality output while maximizing efficiency.
- Process Improvement: Continuously optimizing processes to reduce waste and improve productivity.
(Competitors checks in with a team at the ChemE-SportsTM competition in San Diego at the AIChE Annual Student Conference Sun 27 Oct 2024)
Connecting Students with Industry
One of the most significant benefits of ChemE-SportsTM is the opportunity for students to collaborate with industry professionals. Through mentorship, feedback, and real-world scenarios, participants gain insight into industry expectations and best practices. This connection enhances their career readiness and opens doors to future opportunities. (8-13)
(Competitor points to a flow controller in the simulation of a gas treating system during the competition at the ChemE-SportsTM competition in San Diego at the AIChE Annual Student Conference Sun 27 Oct 2024)
The Future of ChemE-SportsTM
As ChemE-SportsTM continues to evolve, it is expected to incorporate even more advanced technologies and complex simulations. This evolution will further bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry application, ensuring that future chemical engineers are fully equipped to meet modern-day challenges. (2-13)
(University or Louisiana Lafayette show their school spirit at the ChemE-SportsTM competition in San Diego at the AIChE Annual Student Conference Sun 27 Oct 2024)
Conclusion
ChemE-SportsTM is transforming the way chemical engineering is taught, making learning dynamic, engaging, and practical. By focusing on safety, operations, and productivity, this platform is preparing the next generation of engineers to succeed in high-stakes industrial environments. As a proud sponsor of ChemE-SportsTM, we are excited to witness the positive impact this initiative has on students and the broader chemical engineering industry. (2-13)
(A competition team takes a moment showing how happy they are to be at the ChemE-SportsTM competition in San Diego at the AIChE Annual Student Conference Sun 27 Oct 2024)
View all 2024 ASC ChemE-Sports Competition Photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chenected/albums/72177720321916697/
Works Cited:
- Andrew I. Biaglow, Russell P. Lachance, Robert G. Bozic, and Donald D. Glaser, “Using Simulators to Teach Process Safety,” published manuscript in AIChE Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings, Nashville, TN, United States, Nov. 8-13, 2009. Session: Teaching Design Outside the Capstone Course https://www.aiche.org/conferences/aiche-annual-meeting/2009/proceeding/paper/329e-using-simulators-teach-process-safety
- https://www.aiche.org/community/awards/cheme-sports-competition/winners/2019-0
- https://www.aiche.org/conferences/annual-aiche-student-conference/2020/events/2020-cheme-sports-competition
- https://www.aiche.org/conferences/annual-aiche-student-conference/2021/events/2021-cheme-sports-competition#:~:text=This%20year's%20program%20will%20feature,provided%20by%20PetroSkills%20%2D%20Simulation%20Solutions.
- https://www.aiche.org/conferences/annual-aiche-student-conference/2022/events/2022-cheme-sports-competition
- https://www.aiche.org/conferences/annual-aiche-student-conference/2023/events/2023-cheme-sports-competition
- https://www.aiche.org/conferences/annual-aiche-student-conference/2024/events/2024-cheme-sports-competition
- Robert G. Bozic, Matthew B. Garvey, and Donald D. Glaser, "Integrating Simulation of Chemical Engineering Operations into Process Safety Education” AIChE Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings, Salt Lake, UT, United States, Nov. 8-13 2015. ISBN: 978-0-8169-1094-6, https://www.aiche.org/conferences/aiche-annual-meeting/2015/proceeding/paper/97f-integrating-simulation-chemical-engineering-operations-process-safety-education
- Robert G. Bozic, Matthew B. Garvey, Donald C. Glaser, “Taking ChemE-Sports from on-Site to a Live Virtual Competition”, AIChE Annual Meeting 2021 (Boston, MA), https://aiche.confex.com/aiche/2021/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/620015, Monday 8 November 2021 Presentation Time: 2:40 PM ET - 3:00 PM ET, Location: Sheraton Back Bay, Liberty B/C: Group: Education Division, Session: Free Forum on Engineering Education: Junior and Senior Years Conference Dates: 7-11 Nov 2021 (In-Person) 15-19 Nov 2021(Virtual)
- Robert G. Bozic, Matthew B. Garvey, Donald C. Glaser, “Bringing ChemE-Sports, a Safety and Optimization Competition, to the Chemical Engineering Profession” AIChE Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings 2020. (Online) https://plan.core-apps.com/aiche2020/event/283ce3bcb18028bc8c82272abb88f6db, Tuesday 17 Nov 2020 at 8:00 AM, group: PreRecorded+, Education Division, Session: New Approaches to Active Learning and Student Engagement, Conference Dates: 16-20 Nov 2020.
- Robert G. Bozic, Matthew B. Garvey, Donald C. Glaser, “Using Simulators for a Competitive Process Safety Exercise”, 329b, Group: Process Development Division. Session: Experiences in Teaching Process Safety I, AIChE Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings. Orlando, Florida, 10-15 Nov 2019 https://www.aiche.org/conferences/aiche-annual-meeting/2019/proceeding/paper/329b-using-simulators-competitive-process-safety-exercise
- Robert G. Bozic, Matthew B. Garvey, Donald C. Glaser, “Process Safety Education Using Simulators in a Chemical Engineering Operations Center Experience” Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Oct. 30 – 3 Nov 2017, ISBN: 978-0-8169-1102-8, https://www.aiche.org/conferences/aiche-annual-meeting/2017/proceeding/paper/219c-process-safety-education-using-simulators-chemical-engineering-operations-center-experience
- Robert G. Bozic, Matthew B. Garvey, and Donald C. Glaser, “Evaluating Performance in Chemical Engineering Process Safety Education Using Simulators”, Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings, San Francisco, CA, United States, Nov. 13--18, 2016, ISBN: 978-0-8169-1097-7 http://www3.aiche.org/proceedings/Abstract.aspx?PaperID=451691
