ChEMS News

After a national search, John Papapolymerou has been recommended as dean of the College of Engineering at Michigan State University, effective June 1, 2026. He will serve as dean designee prior to the June 12 meeting of the MSU Board of Trustees. Papapolymerou has served as interim dean since Oct. 1, 2024.

Eighteen Michigan State University College of Engineering students received first-place awards at the 2026 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) at the Breslin Center in April. Students from 14 colleges participated in MSU's premier showcase for undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity.

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.

Michigan State University College of Engineering celebrated Spring 2026 Design Day on April 24, recognizing student teams whose projects demonstrated creativity, technical skill and real-world problem-solving.

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.