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Chemical & Biological Engineering Blog

February 11, 2026

Janna Postma unearths new opportunities in Madison and abroad

As a senior in high school, Janna Postma was at a crossroads. Torn between two fields—business and engineering—she wanted a school that had both. Analytical by nature, Postma did her…

UW Crest with engineering background
February 10, 2026

Alumnus Abraham Lenhoff elected to the National Academy of Engineers

Abraham Lenhoff (PhDChE ’84), an alumnus of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Lenhoff is…

Marcel Schreier
February 10, 2026

Marcel Schreier wins Vilas Associates Competition award

Marcel Schreier, the Richard H. Soit Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a winner of the 2026-27 Vilas Associates Competition. Schreier is one…

Students participate in a Wisconsin FIRST LEGO League (FLL) regional tournament
December 8, 2025

In a FIRST, college hosts regional tournament for young robotics challengers

Most of the time, Huibregste Commons—a spacious, airy gathering place inside UW-Madison’s Engineering Hall—is bustling with engineering faculty, staff, students and visitors who use the space to study, relax, collaborate…

Sobota family with Prof. Reid Van Lehn
December 3, 2025

Advancing a Legacy: Sobota Professorship Conferred on Associate Professor Reid Van Lehn

On August 15, the department recognized Associate Professor Reid Van Lehn with the John T. and Magdalen L. Sobota Professorship. A highlight of the event was welcoming members of the…

Morris Yen and Jacob Damro with their 2025 AIChE awards in front of the department sign.
November 25, 2025

Two students win awards at the 2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

This fall, two chemical and biological engineering seniors were honored at the 2025 AIChE Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. The whole department is incredibly proud of them and look forward…

A young professor Bob Byron Bird in front of a chalk board.
November 13, 2025

Reflections on the department from the late Bob Bird

Nestled in the vibrant city of Madison, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) Department has always been a special place. Five years after his passing in…

Austin MacIntyre performing as part of the UW Marching Band at Badger Bash.
November 6, 2025

Senior Austin MacIntyre blends chemistry, math and music

When senior Austin MacIntyre first visited the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he didn’t expect to find a place that would shape nearly every part of who he’s become—a researcher, a leader,…

grad students with experiment
November 6, 2025

How to Apply to the Chemical and Biological Engineering PhD Program

If you are a student with a strong background in chemical engineering or a related discipline, and a serious interest in research, apply to our graduate program.

Kevin Nelson
November 3, 2025

Kevin Nelson: 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award recipient

BSChE ’79Senior Fellow, Amcor Global Core R&D A chemical engineer who is a technical leader in creating high-barrier flexible packaging structures. From end-to-end refrigeration to automated preparation and packaging systems,…