Department of Chemical
and Biological Engineering
From its inception at Colorado School of Mines in 1944, the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department has focused on education and basic and applied research aimed at problems of national interest. Our undergrads pursue degrees that are consistently shown to have some of the highest lifetime returns on investment for a public US university in an engineering department that is unique in that it delivers freshman biology in a state-of-the-art studio environment.
Want to know what makes a great department?
Our 75-year history was written and composed from student and faculty interviews, surveys of the Oredigger yearbook and commencement bulletins, department records, and registrar data, among other sources. The book can be found under our department history tab or by clicking here.
Mines@150
In 2024, the year of our 150th anniversary, we will celebrate Colorado School of Mines’ past, present and possibilities. By celebrating and supporting the Campaign for MINES@150 you will help elevate Mines to be an accessible, top-of-mind and first-choice for students, faculty, staff, recruiters and other external partners. When you give, you are ensuring Mines becomes even more distinctive and highly sought-after by future students, alumni, industry, and government partners over the next 150 years. We look forward to celebrating Mines’ sesquicentennial with you and recognizing the key role you play in making the MINES@150 vision a reality through your investments of time, talent and treasure.
Chemical & Biological Engineering Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the most recent news
Excellent teaching, cutting-edge research
Our curriculum offers increased flexibility in elective options and provides optional specialty tracks in Process Engineering and Biological Engineering for those who want to focus their degree.
In addition, we maintain a high-quality, well-funded research program ($7-8 million per year in research awards) with strong participation from students at both graduate and undergraduate levels. About 80 graduate and postdoctoral students study within a broad research menu, including major programs in conventional and renewable energy, soft materials and biotechnology, catalysis and separations, simulation and modeling and pedagogy with top-notch faculty, including one PECASE award winner and seven NSF CAREER Award winners.
These research and educational activities take place in one of the most scenic locations in the United States. With over 300 days per year of sunshine and the proximity to Denver and the Rocky Mountains, this area provides a combination of year-round cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities that are virtually unmatched anywhere.
News
- Two Mines students honored with Goldwater Scholarships
Caitlyn Castellion and Marco Salgado among 441 students nationwide chosen for the competitive scholarship program - Carolyn Ann Koh named AAAS Fellow
Koh was recognized for her “contributions to advancing the discipline of chemical engineering by pioneering the interfacial controls for gas hydrate crystallization in energy storage and pipeline plug … - Nanette Boyle named department head for Chemical and Biological Engineering
Boyle, who has been at Mines since 2013, is an associate professor and the Coors Developmental Chair - FIRST program gives first-year students direct research experience
At Mines, undergraduate students don't have to wait years to get experience in the lab. The First-Year Innovation and Research Scholar Training Program introduces new college students to academic …