LyoWave Inc., a high-tech startup, is commercializing innovative microwave heating technologies developed at Purdue University that improve upon traditional lyophilization — or the process of freeze-drying perishable products — by increasing speed, cost-effectiveness and product throughput. Alina Alexeenko, Professor of Chemical Engineering, is LyoWave's president and co-founder.

Vilas Pol, Professor of Chemical Engineering, was recently elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in the spring of 2024.

Enrique Iglesia, the Michel Boudart Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University, has been awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s 2023 Faraday Lectureship Prize.

Nien-Hwa “Linda” Wang, Dr. Norman and Dr. Jane Li Professor in Chemical Engineering, leads a team that developed innovative technologies to separate and purify rare earth and battery elements from a variety of sources including ores, postindustrial wastes and recycled magnets.

It is with great excitement and pride that we share the remarkable achievements and giant leaps taken by our school since the previous issue of our newsletter. The 2023-2024 academic year saw the School’s continued march of “excellence at scale” and was filled with groundbreaking research, prestigious awards, and exciting new initiatives. As we celebrate these achievements, we also look ahead with great anticipation for the future of Purdue Chemical Engineering. We extend my sincere gratitude for your ongoing commitment to Purdue. Your contributions, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or support, are integral to our shared success.