Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Chemical Engineering (ChE) is an optimal combination of the molecular sciences (chemistry and biology), the physical sciences (physical chemistry and physics), the analytical sciences (math and computer programming) and engineering. The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and focuses on the description and design of processes that combine engineering principles of heat and fluid flow with chemical reactions and molecular separations to produce high-value products useful to humankind from multiple raw material sources. Chemical Engineers do this while always insuring that the processes they design, build and manage are safe, environmentally benign and economical.

Examples of such processes include:

  • Artificial organs and biomedicine
  • Bioenergy production
  • Microprocessor manufacturing
  • Biological fermentation
  • Biopharmaceuticals
  • Mineral and ore refining
  • Ceramic manufacturing
  • Energetic materials production
  • Oil and natural gas refining
  • Paper manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical design and manufacturing
  • Polymer production
  • Polymer composites production
  • Nanomaterials manufacturing     
  

 

Designing and modeling such processes requires a strong fundamental understanding of the chemical and biological phenomena at work. ChE students develop a wide range of problem solving skills grounded in mathematics and computer analysis techniques. ChE graduates are recruited for their technical engineering knowledge as well as their problem solving, systems analysis, and communication skills.  

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About Karen M. Swindler

Karen M. Swindler (ChemE ’88) had more than 25 years of experience in the chemical industry and was one of the only women in charge of manufacturing for an S&P Fortune 500 company, LyondellBasell.

She credited South Dakota Mines for giving her a practical education, enabling her success in life. She gave back to the university through volunteering: recruiting students; presenting to university classes and organizations, including as keynote speaker at the regional AIChE conference; serving on the Chemical Engineering Advisory Board; and serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, including a term as president from September 2017 until she passed away in July 2018.

A generous gift made by Lee Swindler and his family honors Karen’s memory as well as her contributions to the field of chemical engineering and South Dakota Mines.