ChEMS News

Retirees often find creative ways to balance relaxation with a sense of purpose. Spartan Engineer Don Morelli likes to put the social into science. Morelli is a retired professor and former chairperson of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University. He retired in 2023.

The Michigan State University College of Engineering recognized outstanding graduate students during its Graduate Awards Ceremony on April 30, celebrating doctoral research, academic achievement and the ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. The annual awards highlight graduate students whose work reflects the breadth of Spartan Engineering, from artificial intelligence, advanced materials and biomedical innovation to sustainable infrastructure, environmental systems, computational modeling and mechanical design.

Eight distinguished alumni of the Michigan State University College of Engineering were honored with 2026 Alumni Awards on Saturday, April 25, at MSU’s Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. MSU Engineering also recognized a high school educator whose noteworthy efforts to teach technical education and computer science reflect positively on MSU and the college.

Nine of the 21 Michigan State University students and alumni selected for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program are from the College of Engineering.

Three hundred and fifteen Michigan State University graduates accomplished something many students dream of — a perfect college GPA. Among the honorees, 34 are from the College of Engineering.

Michigan State University will host advanced degree and undergraduate commencement ceremonies for College of Engineering graduates during the weekend of May 1-3, 2026. All Engineering ceremonies will take place at the Breslin Student Events Center, 534 Birch Road, East Lansing, MI 48824. 

Years of research. One slide. Three minutes.

That was the challenge on April 10 as doctoral student finalists took the stage at Michigan State University’s College of Engineering Three Minute Thesis competition, transforming complex engineering research into clear, compelling presentations for a broad audience.

For newly admitted Spartans, joining a registered student organization (RSO) is one of the fastest ways to find a community, explore majors and careers, and start building experience early in college. Michigan State University has more than 1,000 registered student organizations, including about 40 with an engineering or computer science focus. All RSOs are open to all students.

Research can take years to complete. Explaining it clearly to a broad audience in just three minutes is another challenge altogether. That challenge will take center stage Friday, April 10, when Michigan State University’s College of Engineering hosts its third annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 115 of the International Center. The event is open to the public.

Four College of Engineering faculty members are among 37 Spartans who will receive All-University Awards at Michigan State University on Tuesday, April 7, at 4:30 p.m. at the Breslin Center Hall of History.