Process systems engineering

As we advance the area of systems engineering, our goal is to develop new mathematical models and computational capabilities in:

large-scale nonlinear and dynamic optimization
mixed-integer linear and nonlinear optimization
optimization under uncertainty (stochastic, robust)
high-performance and scientific computing
machine learning and data science

Examples of current application areas include:

optimal process synthesis, design, operations, and control
supply chain, scheduling, planning, and enterprise-wide optimization
sustainable processes and circular economies
carbon capture and climate change
energy systems, renewables, and critical infrastructure
recovery of rare-earth elements and critical minerals
materials design and optimization

Sample research projects

Laurens Lueg; United States county map research diagram

Laurens R. Lueg

Laurens R. Lueg is using high-performance computing architectures to solve large-scale nonlinear programs. Lueg's methods include decomposition schemes for structured problems and data-driven modelling of dynamical systems.

Advisors: Carl Laird, Lorenz Biegler

Sakshi Naik

Sakshi Naik focuses on optimization under uncertainty and model predictive control of large scale energy systems. Naik works on algorithms for preprocessing non-linear programs to build reduced order models for faster optimization.

Advisor: Lorenz Biegler

Thomas Krumpolc

Thomas Krumpolc is researching applications of nonlinear optimization to formulate and solve problems in reaction engineering. He currently focuses on kinetic parameter estimation directly from spectroscopic data.

Advisor: Lorenz Biegler

Bashar Ammari

Bashar Ammari is integrating machine learning and optimization for advanced process decision-making. Ammari also develops software to assist engineers in process operations and design.

Advisor: Carl Laird

Process systems engineering faculty

Lorenz Biegler

Covestro University Professor
Chemical Engineering

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Chrysanthos Gounaris

Professor
Chemical Engineering

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Ignacio Grossmann

Rudolph R. and Florence Dean University Professor
Chemical Engineering

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Carl Laird

Professor
Chemical Engineering

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Ana Inés Torres

Assistant Professor
Chemical Engineering

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Center for Advanced Process Decision-making

The Center for Advanced Process Decision-making (CAPD) provides an umbrella organization to give students the opportunity to interact with industry in the area of process systems engineering.

Learn more about CAPD