Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
Engineering collage

Established in 1910 as the first petroleum engineering program in the world, the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering has spent more than a century at the forefront of the field. Today, 40-plus faculty, 20-plus laboratories and learning centers, and a dedicated staff support education and research that span energy, materials, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, sustainability, and beyond.

Our students build a strong foundation in the science of how matter and energy transform - then put it to work. Through hands-on research, co-op experiences, and coursework designed around real-world problems, they graduate ready to lead in industries ranging from chemicals and polymers to electronics, food science, and health care. With growing global demand for solutions in energy, the environment, and advanced manufacturing, chemical engineers from Pitt are prepared to meet the moment.

News

Swanson School’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Welcomes Three New Faculty Members

Swanson School’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Welcomes Three New Faculty Members

The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering has hired...

Susan Fullerton Shirey Named Interim Chair of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Pitt

Susan Fullerton Shirey Named Interim Chair of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Pitt

PITTSBURGH (August 24, 2026) ... Susan Fullerton Shirey has been named interim chair of the Department of Chemical and...

Chemical Processing Innovation Developed by Pitt and Lubrizol Recognized in 2025 Manufacturing USA Report to Congress

Chemical Processing Innovation Developed by Pitt and Lubrizol Recognized in 2025 Manufacturing USA Report to Congress

A University of Pittsburgh collaboration with Lubrizol, a global specialty chemical leader, was featured in the newly...

For Every Reaction, There’s an Action

For Every Reaction, There’s an Action

At first glance, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Chem-E Car Competition may not seem that daunting:...

From Cleaner “Cracking” to Black Gold

From Cleaner “Cracking” to Black Gold

In Götz Veser’s lab at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, then-PhD candidate Aime Laurent...

Events

Sep 22

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Tuesday Morning Blend

Start your morning with a warm cup and even warmer company. A relaxed coffee break to connect with fellow postdocs....

Sep 22

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Tuesday Home Away From Home: Housing, Transition, & Community Support for Postdocs

Moving to a new city for a postdoc is exciting — and overwhelming. Join us for a webinar with SabbaticalHomes exploring...

Sep 22

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Tuesday Snack O'Clock

Science is hard. Snacks help. Drop by for a midday break, refuel, and catch up with fellow postdocs who are also...

Sep 22

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Tuesday Reel Connections Movie & Popcorn

The Intouchables (2011) presented by our Networking Chair, Marie-Charlotte Allichon As part of our movie night series,...

Sep 23

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Wednesday Brew & Connect

Every great connection starts somewhere. Pull up a chair, pour a cup, and spend a few minutes with the postdoc...

Sep 23

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Navigating the Postdoc Experience: Support, Strategies, and the Ombuds as a Resource

This virtual session is designed to help postdocs learn about confidential support, communication strategies, and...