Notes from the chair

James B. Rawlings (21K JPG)

One of the most stimulating events this spring was the evaluation of the department by our external visiting committee on April 30 and May 1. I would like to quote from the committee's draft report:

"The visiting committee notes that one of the strengths of the department is the interdisciplinary collaboration within the ChE department, the College of Engineering, and elsewhere in the university. This is not common among universities, and is appreciated by graduate students and junior faculty as well as by the committee.

"The committee heard summaries of a spectrum of research programs, demonstrating broad and innovative new directions in chemical engineering research. These included topics such as modeling and systems, materials processing, polymers and surface modifications, and biotechnology. These subjects reflect changes in industry, and clearly are on the forefront of future industry needs. Chemical Engineering is a profession in transition, with past emphasis on the chemical and related industries broadening to include the pharmaceutical, consumer products and computer industries.

"This department has a long and distinguished tradition, and it is clear that the legacy of being one of the top Chemical Engineering departments in the world has been maintained as the department has transformed itself to reflect changes in the profession, while maintaining long-established excellence. We commend the extent and creativity in these new directions.

"This excellence is understood by both graduate and undergraduate students, the latter commenting that they were prepared very well for industry, and that their BS-ChE degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison was a 'Badge of Honor.'"

We appreciate this committee's help in evaluating all aspects of our teaching and research programs. The visiting committee membership is listed below.

Finally, I would like to add a few words on the culture of the department. This department has continually found ways to do the two important things: maintain high standards and treat people well. We enjoy tremendous alumni support as a result. But these are not onetime things. These are the things that we strive to do everyday. These are the things that define our culture.

James B. Rawlings
rawlings@engr.wisc.edu

Visiting Committee 2001

Kathleen Barton (PhD '87)
Searle/Pharmacia

Gordon F. Brunner (BS '61)
Procter & Gamble (retired)

Jeffrey H. Curler (BS '73)
Bemis Company, Inc.

Babatunde Ogunnaike (PhD '81)
E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co.

Roger W. Rolke (BS '63)
Equilon Enterprises LLC

John J. Schmid (BS '73)
Kimberly-Clark Corp.

Lanny D. Schmidt
University of Minnesota

Jeffrey J. Siirola (PhD '70)
Eastman Chemical Co.

Harry L. Spiegelberg (BS '59)
Kimberly-Clark Corp. (retired)

Arthur W. Westerberg
Carnegie Mellon University

David Yarusso (PhD '83)
3M Commercial Graphics Division