Education


Training the next generation of scientists and engineers is a key part of the CEBC's mission.  Education initiatives provide a unique asset to the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis. This goes well beyond the technical discipline-specific training associated with typical undergraduate or graduate degree programs.

Unique Training Aspects

From the start, we have created programs that convey our science to groups of all ages and training levels. throughout Kansas and from around the world.

CEBC trainees must learn to work in cross-disciplinary teams. Most projects at CEBC have both engineering and chemistry components, and sometimes interact with other disciplines as well. Effective communication of dense technical information to other scientists is a skill that must be developed with training and practice. CEBC students have the opportunity to present (talks or posters) at semi-annual advisory board meetings.   

Communicating complex scientific concepts to the general public is an even greater challenge, but equally important. Like peeling back the layers of an onion, communication workshops help students peel back layers of complexity of their research, so that they are prepared to inform and inspire others.

Our grants and programs also give CEBC researchers the chance to engage with kids of all ages. Providing K-12 children in our state and region with hands-on science demonstrations and an art competition, and empowering undergrads and high school teachers with real-world research experiences.

You belong here.

We take education a step further with initiatives for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging within our staff, our faculty, our postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, and the undergraduates who participate in research within our Center.

The business of chemistry impacts everyone--from all backgrounds and regions of our planet.  Developing cleaner and safer chemical technologies for the future must involve everyone as well.

Individualized mentoring plans help students explore potential career paths, identify specific skills or experiences they will need, and create actionable plans to achieve their goals.  Mentoring teams can be tailored to the student's plan, and may involve faculty from multiple disciplines, industry scientists, or other practicing professionals.

CEBC's collaborations with industry give students unique insights on how technologies make the leap from the bench into practice.  A long running Industry Colloquia Series brings prominent scientists, engineers, and business leaders to speak on wide-ranging topics.  An introduction to intellectual property prepares students to identify patentable ideas, review prior art, and understand the patenting process.  CEBC students have also learned about entrepreneurship through NSF-style iCorps training and working with startup companies.

Safety training is not a checklist, it is a culture. It is of course a requirement to keeping yourself safe in a laboratory, but it is much more than that. It is a way of looking at the world around you. It is taking action to protect those around you.

CEBC's Safety Program aspires to the highest standards.

NSF-NRT: Internet of Catalysis

This unique graduate training program is designed to foster collaboration between computer scientists, chemists, and chemical engineers. By learning how to harness data, we will be able to ask and answer new questions in catalysis.
Depiction of NRT CataLST research strategy: Catalog, Learn, Search, Text