ChEMS News

The William A. Demmer Engineering Center at Michigan State University reflects a commitment to providing students hands-on opportunities to turn ideas into real-world solutions.

The tradition continues. Michigan State University has again achieved a national prize at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Student Design Contest.

The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub, funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and working in partnership with the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, has awarded more than $2 million to support 13 promising mobility research projects across Michigan—including MSU faculty member, Dr. Chengcheng Fang's project, which received funding from both MTRAC and the EV Center, as well as fellow MSU faculty member, Dr. Josh Siegel's project, funded solely by MTRAC.

University Distinguished Professor Leo Kempel knows the ins and outs of getting a college education, whether it is from the viewpoint of a student, faculty member, or administrator.

Researchers at Michigan State University have figured out how to use a fast laser to wiggle atoms in a way that temporarily changes the behavior of their host material. Their novel approach could lead to smaller, faster and more efficient electronics — like smartphones — in the future.

Michigan State University’s College of Engineering welcomed 14 faculty members to its world-class academic team in Fall 2025. Interim Dean of Engineering John Papapolymerou said these additions will help the college successfully support a growing student body and expand research and innovation that matters to Michigan communities and beyond.

Michigan State University researcher Caroline Szczepanski was named an honoree for the 2025 Early Investigators Symposium of the Polymer Science, Materials, and Engineering (PMSE) Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Researchers at Michigan State University are transforming low-value waste plastic – often destined for landfills – into high-performance materials like those used in protective applications such as bulletproof vests. The process is an example of a concept known as the circular economy, which aims to keep materials and products in circulation for as long as possible.