The University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering held its senior design presentations May 1-3.  Twelve teams of 2-4 students and one individual student presented their designs in compliance with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers national student design competition.

This year's design prompt was "Dimethyl Ether for Transportation." The students designed a grass-roots manufacturing facility that incorporated critical elements of safety and environmental benefits.

Design presentations were evaluated by a panel of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering faculty members and department industrial advisory board members.  The top designs will be forwarded for consideration in the national competitions, which include those for design and safety.  UI teams have been awarded at least one of the two safety awards for five straight years.