Nine N.C . State students in chemical and biomolecular engineering received awards and recognition for their accomplishments at the national meeting for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

In addition, the University’s chapter won an Outstanding Student Chapter Award for the 14th time in 16 years. 

Seniors in chemical engineering, Evan Piephoff , Dayne Plemmons , Megan Smithmyer , Shu Zhu, Andrew Tibbits and graduate student Jen Lewis were awarded first, second, and third place awards for their research posters.

Jordan Keith, president of the University chapter and senior in chemical engineering, was recognized for his academic excellence and involvement when he received the Othmer National Scholarship Award.

“The more awards and success that our chapter has, the more exposure we get on a national level,” Keith said. “The judges will see that N.C . State undergraduates are doing a lot of good research; in addition, students interested in graduate school for engineering will put N.C . State higher on their list.”

Members of the University’s chapter of the American Institute for Chemical Engineers were also recognized for their academic successes and commitment to becoming involved in their field.

Chemical engineering senior Brian Schuster won the Othmer Sophomore Academic Excellence Award based on maintaining the highest GPA in the chapter during both his freshman and sophomore years.

Currently the chapter’s vice president of industry relations, Schuster says he is looking forward to upcoming plans.

“We’re excited to have companies speak next semester about how our engineering discipline is actually applied in the workplace. [My] position is very rewarding because I get to plan the backbone of events for chemical engineering students, namely our corporate dinners, where we invite different companies to speak to the students,” Schuster said.

Treasurer and junior in chemical engineering, Julie Boyles , won a Freshman Recognition Award, honoring her commitment and activity to N.C . State’s chapter during her freshman year.

“Last year I attended company dinners and the annual student conference where I presented a poster on some undergraduate research that I had done, and then at the end of last year I ran for an officer position and was voted into the position of VP of finance,” Boyles said.

Overall, the chapter succeeded in gaining recognition though the real hope, according to Keith, is to help students.

“We’re looking to connect with other students, whether that be getting new graduate students, or helping our own students develop contacts that can help further their future careers,” Keith said.