Professor Matt Libera looks at a computer monitor.

Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Research

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science provides a technology-centric research environment in several key and emerging areas to address significant problems of our time.

Our faculty engage students to conduct cutting-edge and impactful research in chemical engineering and materials science with applications in important areas like sustainability and healthcare.

Our award-winning researchers have been awarded numerous grants from prominent agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DOD), The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), American Chemical Society (ACS), Janssen, Samsung, LG and many others.

The department is home to various centers and laboratories, including the Highly Filled Materials Institute, the Soft Materials Laboratory, the Laboratory for Multi-Scale Imaging, the New Jersey Center for Microchemical Systems, the Nano-Micro-Bio Laboratory and the Micro-Nano Solutions for Alternative Energy Laboratory.

Graduate Studies: Flexible, Supported, Connected

Stevens’ graduate programs in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science empower you to build a sustainable, globally relevant career. You’ll collaborate with experts on research that spans areas like nanomaterials, alternative energy and sustainable systems, and develop problem-solving skills that evolve with the field. Located right across the river from New York City, Stevens also connects you with industry leaders and a thriving alumni network to support your next step—whether in academia, research, or the private sector.

Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Graduate Studies
A student injecting liquid into a series of test tubes.

Leading What's Next

Explore three standout stories showcasing innovative research in chemical engineering and materials science at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Student Panteha Behboodi stands speaking behind a podium with the Johnson & Johnson logo in the background.

Materials Science Ph.D. Student Wins Second Place at Johnson & Johnson Engineering Showcase

Panteha Behboodi's journey — spanning biomedical research, materials science and the translation of scientific innovations to real-world applications — led her to a second-place showing at the annual Johnson & Johnson Engineering Showcase.

A photo of a syringe with a droplet coming out of the tip of the needle. The background is blue.

Introducing DeepViscosity, a Powerful AI Tool to Improve Antibody Drug Development

In a groundbreaking study, Stevens professor Pin-Kuang Lai and Ph.D. candidate Lateefat Kalejaye ’27 are partnering with global pharmaceutical leader AstraZeneca to help overcome one of the toughest challenges in therapeutic drug development.

 Alexandra Garzon.

Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship Awarded to Stevens Chemical Engineering Undergraduate

Drawn to chemical engineering at Stevens, Alexandra Garzon first considered careers in industrial formulation or pharma. But a summer research project and internship with a major water supplier shifted her path—leading to a 2025 Goldwater Scholarship.


Research Areas

Students in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Stevens get hands-on with research that tackles real-world challenges in healthcare, energy, sustainability, and advanced materials. From AI-powered pharmaceutical design to nanophotonics and polymer science, you’ll work with faculty experts on projects that push the boundaries of what's possible—and prepare you for what’s next.

Click the names of faculty below to learn more about their research experience and expertise.

abstract image of ai and pharmaceuticalsData Science and Machine-Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI)

This area focuses on accelerated discovery of functional molecules and materials via data science and ML/AI approach for biomanufacturing and biotherapeutics.


Solar panels on house roofInorganic Material Synthesis/Crystal Engineering

This work centers on understanding fundamental aspects governing nucleation, crystallization and phase transformations and engineering crystallization outcomes in functional materials for sustainable energy applications.


illustration of nanoparticlesMulti-scale Modeling and Simulation

This cluster is working on bridging the scale gap from the atomic level to nanoparticles and macromolecules, to complex materials, physical processes and chemical reactions.


blue light bent by optical fibersNanophotonics and Fiber Optics

This research area focuses on size/shape-controlled synthesis and molecular functionalization of plasmonic nanostructures, fabrication of nanostructured fiber-optic sensors, and advanced quantum detection for biomedical sensing and imaging applications.


Pinar Akcora's labPolymer Synthesis/Characterization/Processing

This area investigates new soft materials to understand structural-property relationships and advance materials’ performance through various processing methods for engineering applications in medicine, sustainable energy and systems for extreme conditions.


A ground, front-wheel view of a car that is charging at a charging station.Reaction Engineering

Bringing together concepts from transport phenomena, thermodynamics, catalysis, and kinetics, this research advances the design of efficient chemical reactions and reactor systems—particularly those with applications in renewable and sustainable technologies.



a gloved hand holding a petri dish with bacteria cultureHealthcare Applications

This research cluster investigates new materials to understand cell-material interactions (tissue engineering), bacteria-material interactions (infection-resisting implants), and ML/AI-driven antibody design (pharmaceutical development) to advance healthcare and human well-being.


Renewable energy, clean technology concept. Light Bulb and ecosystem icons on wind turbine and nature background.Sustainable Energy Applications

This interdisciplinary research cluster is dedicated to addressing issues in green technology by developing novel materials, designing reaction processes, and fabricating practical devices for energy conversion and storage.

Research Video Library

Learn more about research in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. Visit our YouTube channel playlist.

Matt Libera stands alongside imaging equipment in the Laboratory for Multiscale Imaging.

Research at the Leading Edge

Take your research further in the Laboratory for Multiscale Imaging (LMSI) — a collaborative, state-of-the-art facility at the heart of the Stevens chemical engineering and materials science community. Led by Professor Matthew Libera, LMSI provides advanced instrumentation, expert training, and open-access lab space to support high-impact research in morphological characterization and materials analysis.