Having a PhD does not mean you have to spend your whole career working in research. Experienced attendees discussed how they overcame the stereotype that PhDs are research workers and moved into leadership roles in industry. A Q&A session addressed career planning issues that new PhDs should consider when starting out in industry.

I captured some highlights of this session in the following videos:

Dr. Chaitan Khosla of Stanford University is the winner of the 2011 Bailey Award. A professor of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Biochemistry in Standford University's School of Engineering, Dr. Khosla had a chance to sit down with the Society of Biological Engineering's Derek Lapiska for a chat ahead of his talk.

One effort to increase cellulosic ethanol production efficiencies using corn stover as feedstock involves a separation of and separate processing of the solid and liquid fractions of pretreated feedstock.

In addition to facilitating an increase in the productivity of ethanol fermentation and recovery, a spit stream process opens up the possibility of diverting the C5 stream to some potentially more lucrative bioproducts.

Algae and plant oils have shown great promise towards answering the energy density question, but I am reminded of a 3-step business plan that I encountered in school: Step 1 – Collect algae, Step 3 – Profit. The presenters in this session are concerned with that mysterious Step 2.

Aquaporin is a protein found in cell membranes has unique properties of water transport. Efforts are underway at the National University of Singapore to better understand these proteins, and how to incorporate them into engineered structures.

Work is underway at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to accomplish an extensive evaluation of both solid and liquid phase CO2 adsorption materials and systems.

The Young Professionals have a unique opportunity within AIChE to serve as an interface between the student groups and Professionals, Fellows and Professors. One of the objectives for the YPAB is to engage the Young Professionals within AIChE. YPAB does this through a variety of initiatives including both student and young professional programming at conferences. The Annual conference this year was no different with a number of YPAB sponsored student sessions as well as a Young Professional Social on Monday night.

The Society for Biological Engineering (SBE) Symposium on “20 Years of Metabolic Engineering: Foundation of a Bio-Based Economy” celebrated the rapidly growing field of metabolic engineering in an exciting forum consisting of esteemed speakers from industry, government, and academia, followed by an open group discussion.

Looking to get to know Minneapolis a little better while dodging between events? Take a walk through the Skyway, or grab a quick ride on one of the city's many public bikes.

AIChE 2011 President Maria Burka and 2012 President Elect Phillip Westmoreland talk about the history of the Chem-E-Car Competition, the importance of safety, and then announce the 2011 winner, The University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. Watch this year's video in the panel to the right.

ChEnected blogger Elizabeth Horahan caught up with the Chem-E-Car team from the University Utah before the competition to ask about the science behind their car and more. Check it out what they had to say in the video panel at right.