MINUTES OF THE
CHEMICAL & BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
2126 SWEENEY HALL
April 15-16, 2010
PRESENT: Mary Jane Hagenson, Peter Hemken (day 2), Jim Katzer, Terry King, Bob Lane,
Surya Mallapragada, Leigh Thompson, and Dennis Vaughn
ABSENCE ANTICIPATED: Gary Griswold, Gayle Roberts, and Darsh Wasan
PRESIDING: Jim Katzer (Chair of Council) and Surya Mallapragada (Chair of Department)
ITEMS MAILED, POSTED ON THE ADVISORY COUNCIL WEBSITE, OR AVAILABLE IN
FOLDERS BEFORE THE MEETING:
 Agenda (including Engineering College
 Undergraduate Student Handbook
Industrial Advisory Council agenda)
 F09 and S10 Senior Survey (combined)
 Minutes of the CBE Advisory Council
 2010 Graduate Student Survey
meeting of April 2009
 CBE Strategic Plan (2009)
 Fall Alumni Newsletter
 COE Strategic Plan
 2009 CBE Annual Report
 University Strategic Plan (2005-2010)
 2010 Council Biographical Booklet
 2010 Alumni Survey
 CBE KPI Data
 Graduate Student Handbook
Thursday, April 15, 2010
WELCOME AND OVERVIEW (Katzer and Mallapragada). The meeting began at 10:00 a.m.
Mallapragada thanked everyone for coming and explained that this was Jim Katzer’s last meeting as chair; he
is continuing on the council for another three-year term. Mary Jane Hagenson agreed to serve as chair for the
next three years. Mallapragada gave a quick overview of the agenda for the meeting and then introduced
Denny Vaughn, our newest member. Gayle Roberts has joined the council but was unable to attend this
meeting. Others unable to attend included Darsh Wasan and Gary Griswold.
Mallapragada began with a brief overview of the department:
Faculty
Undergrad Enrollment 09-10
Diversity
US News and World Report rank
Graduate Enrollment 09-10
Research Expenditures/Faculty
Average time to degree
BS grad with coop, internship, or summer work
experience
BS graduates with international education or
international work experience
17.25 FTE
433
37% Women; 10% Minorities
22% among public institutions; 31st overall (just released
USNWR 2010 rankings put us at 30th overall)
64 and 12 postdocs
$389,500
MS 2.1 yrs; PhD 4.9 years
70%
30%
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LK Doraiswamy, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, elected to the NAE.
Eric Cochran is the 5th CBE faculty member to receive an NSF CAREER Award.
Jennifer O’Donnell received a DOE Early Career Award (one of the 69 scientists across the country to
receive this honor).
Rodney Fox was just named Anson Marston Distinguished Professor of Engineering.
Andrew Hillier was promoted to full professor; Monica Lamm to Associate Professor with Tenure.
Research expenditures for the department are at an all time high of $7.2 million.
New offering a master of engineering in chemical engineering degree.
Recent alumni awards:
o G. Paul Willhite (BS ChE 59) – Anson Marson Medal
o Gayle Roberts (BS ChE 81) – Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering
o Russell Gorga (PhD ChE 02) – Professional Progress in Engineering
o Kirk Thompson (PhD ChE 99) – Professional Progress in Engineering
Alumni gift to upgrade Unit Ops Lab from “State of the Art” to “World Class!”
REVIEW OF CBE UNDERGRADUATE SURVEY RESULTS (Andy Hillier). Hillier, who serves as the
Curriculum Committee chair and the ABET Coordinator, explained that conducting the senior survey is done
to meet some of the obligations of the accreditation process. He showed some plotted results of the Fall 2009
and Spring 2010 surveys. In summary, he reported the following:
 Increasing Enrollment and Retention (since 2003)
 Large Numbers of Coop, Research and International Experiences
 Feedback from Surveys to Departmental Practices
o Possible Changes to Processes
 Advising – Expectations and Processes
 Activities to Increase Enrollment/Improve Retention
o Possible Changes to Curriculum
 Address Weak ABET Outcomes
 Address Trends in Abilities
 Improve Computational Experience (Engr 160, ChE 310)
 Other Changes (Ethics, Safety, Thermodynamics, Electives)
MEETING WITH THE CHE 430 SENIORS, 1150 Sweeney (with break-out rooms). Discussion after the
council members’ meeting with the seniors focused on the following:
 Students seem happy with their education here. They were positive for the most part.
 There appears to be a discrepancy in advising received from faculty and Advisor Kutz. Consistency
was the key issue, with some giving good advice and some not. It was stated that faculty aren’t
always around and when they are, they don’t know how to answer some questions.
 Advisor Kutz has always received good comments in senior surveys, but this year it was said that she
isn’t always in her office. Katzer indicated this negative feeling was prevalent in the senior survey
results also. It was recognized that there are more students here than in previous years.
 Students complained about advisors not responding to e-mails. Katzer indicated the students don’t
seem to understand seeing Kutz for run of the mill stuff and seeing the faculty for higher
level/strategic advice.
 It was thought that providing some sort of roadmap would be advantageous – something online that
students can easily access (not necessarily a pdf of the Undergraduate Handbook). Make it an exciting
and easily navigated website; seek specialized help in developing the undergrad site. Students would
like clearer information about who to go to for what.
 Students indicated they would like more information on options they have in the field of chemical
engineering; which classes to take, etc. Some feel they get this information too late.
 Some students indicated they felt ChE 302 should be offered in the sophomore year, not later.
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Some students said English 314 was worthless but followed up by saying it depended on the
instructor. Lane emphasized the importance of educating our graduates in communication: our grads
need to be able to convey subject matter in clear-cut terms for supervisors and others.
Students expressed a lack of consistency in courses – a disparity in what is being presented.
Some hate the requirements for biochemistry and asked if the course could be taught by ChE.
Students indicated it is sometimes difficult to get their electives.
Students discussed several computer software issues. They want to learn Excel modeling. Only a
handful seems to know and understand HYSIS and they didn’t feel Matlab was useful. They said they
focused on developing the equations but there was no opportunity to use this in other courses or labs.
They want continuity; they want to use programs they have learned in other ChE classes down the
road. Council members suggested that the department develop a computer software strategy for a
student’s entire four years to facilitate their education process.
Students expressed disappointment in the senior projects; saying they aren’t practical. They would
like more of a selection to choose from, perhaps one from a team doing food industry, one for
pharmaceutical use, etc. Leigh Hagenson indicated she knows an ISU alum working for Dow who
would be happy to help with design projects.
The students don’t feel that Engr 160 is meeting its goal.
Regarding ECS, the students had good things to say about the Career Fair. They felt the faculty
weren’t necessarily helpful in job searches.
Students expressed interest in getting some undergrad research experience. Could the department
provide a list of ongoing research projects so students can pick one they are interested in and approach
the faculty member to discuss the work? Many didn’t realize this opportunity existed.
King emphasized the importance of social networking and how this can make a huge difference in a
student’s success.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND DISTANCE EDUCATION (Mallapragada). After lunch,
the council listened to a presentation by Mallapragada about the department’s strategic plan and key
performance indicators. She thanked the council again for their input into the vision and mission statements
for the department.
Mallapragada discussed the challenges the department is facing including state and federal economic
conditions, the demographics of Iowa and the Midwest in general, faculty recruitment and retention, and
student recruitment and retention. Next she named many opportunities we have:
 The momentum generated by the ERC (NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable
Chemicals directed by Dr. Brent Shanks)
 Our strong alumni base
 Globalization
 Community college partnerships
 The alignment with the COE and the University’s 2050 Challenge
http://www.provost.iastate.edu/sp/draft/docs/strategic-plan-draft.pdf
Mallapragada showed the department’s key performance indicators and compared them with peer
institutions as selected by Dean Wickert for ISU’s engineering departments (see p. 4). The council encouraged
her to pick out ten CBE programs rather than only concentrate on the ones selected by the COE (MN,
Berkeley, Wisconsin, Delaware and others, and follow these watching for trends). King asked what
characteristics of those schools Mallapragada would want to track and compare ISU CBE to. He went on to
say Berkeley has a plan in place that when a new faculty member is hired, they are on a track; say six years for
promotion, then nomination for an award, then six years for another promotion, then a nomination to NAE, etc.
This could be a good plan to put in place in CBE. King also indicated that it might be a good idea to track
other chemical engineering departments’ facilities compared to our own.
CBE Advisory Council Minutes of April 2010 - 3
CBE Department Key Performance Indicators
CBE Department Key Performance Indicators – Peer Comparisons
Discussion ensued on the department’s distance education initiative (ChE 210). Mallapragada asked the
council members for advice on promoting the activities. The council members suggested analysis,
bioseparations, and statistics in chemical engineering problems. They also encouraged her to speak with HR
directors at prime companies where our graduates are hired such as 3M, Dow, and Cargill.
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Mallapragada discussed the department’s priorities for 2009-2013:
Become One of the Top 20 ChE Departments in the Country
Enhancing Research
Productivity
Faculty Recruitment
and Retention
Increasing Visibility
Development
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Enhancing Research Productivity. Mallapragada discussed developing world-renowned research
programs in targeted areas: biorenewables, biomaterials, computational fluid dynamics, polymeric
and nanostructure materials.
o Focus on multi-investigator center-type proposals and interdepartmental activities to leverage
excellence in other areas of the university (new EFRI grant last year).
o Departmental support for training grants and other multi-investigator mechanisms (cost share
for ARPA-E, MRI, and Iowa Power Fund).
o Encouraging involvement of junior faculty in multi-investigator proposals (Iowa Power Fund,
ARPA-E, and NIH).
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Faculty Recruiting and Retention.
o Hire new faculty members, especially senior faculty, who leverage interdisciplinary and
cluster hiring efforts in strategic areas supported by ISU (new targeted catalysis hire being
pursued).
o Make it a priority to retain outstanding faculty (pursuing establishment of Seagrave Chair
and Faculty Incentive Salary Increment Program).
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Increasing Institutional Visibility.
o Through concerted efforts to nominate faculty and students for national and international
awards (NAE election, two young faculty awards).
o Work with Engineering Communications to publicize significant research accomplishments
(postcard to publicize the two young faculty awards, a reception planned for LK
Doraiswamy). Bob Lane suggested honoring Doraiswamy at a reception at the June 2010
International Symposia on Chemical Reaction Engineering (this will be done) and the
College of Engineering is also planning a reception for on-campus.
o Actively encourage and reward faculty who take on leadership roles in professional societies
and editorships of journals (Hill MPS for AIChE 2011 meeting, Mallapragada on AIChE
EBPC).
o Pursue distance education mechanisms and a more dynamic cyber presence (ChE 210 will be
offered online this fall).
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Development. Top fundraising priorities include endowed chairs and professorships, graduate
fellowships, laboratory renovation, and faculty startup funds.
o Develop a plan that builds on CBE’s unique combination of strengths with explicit case
histories.
o Develop ongoing relationships between faculty and alumni.
o Seek funding for specific projects from philanthropic organizations, foundations, and
government sources.
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Foster a Large and Diverse Student Body of High Quality That
Will Realize its Full Potential and Generate Future Leaders
Make ISU CBE the Destination of Choice
Foster an Energized Research
and Learning Environment
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Make ISU CBE the Destination of Choice.
o Place emphasis on the student and on the curriculum.
o Make transitions from community colleges seamless (new 2+2 program with community
colleges that involves distance education 210 class).
o Be proactive about increasing visibility of unique features of undergrad and grad education,
relative to regional and national competitors (several recruitment presentations, and get
student chapter of AIChE more involved).
o Promote a diverse student body (scholarships).
o Offer grad fellowships to attract quality grad students (ongoing and increasing).
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Foster an Energized Research and Learning Environment.
o Unique leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities (ERC provides new training
opportunities).
o Effective engagement with communities beyond academia.
o Use of active learning methods, undergraduate research opportunities, supporting coop/internship experiences, international experiences.
o Unique opportunities for grad students through centers, Ames Lab, training grants.
REVIEW OF CBE GRADUATE STUDENT SURVEY RESULTS (Monica Lamm). Lamm, who serves
as the Department Officer of Graduate Education and Graduate Committee chair, gave a presentation on the
recent Grad Student Survey.
 Specific Comments from last spring’s 2009 Graduate Student Survey:
o Promote student participation in the Preparing Future Faculty program.
o Address shortage of 600-level courses.
o Encourage industrial internships when possible.
o Grad students want to network with visitors to the department.
o Students wondered if there’s more help available to them to find jobs from ECS.
o Compile resumes from current graduate students to provide to council members/others.
 Spring 2010 Graduate Student Survey Summary:
o Students continue to feel that they receive very good mentoring, facilities, and training.
o Curriculum (600-level courses) has been addressed.
o Students appreciate the time to network with seminar speakers.
o Students still perceive that ECS could do more to help with graduate student placement.
MEETING WITH THE CBE GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1312 Hoover Hall.
 Students seemed quite happy!
 They desire an exit interview with the chair when they graduate.
 Students would like a written schedule of 600 level courses and when they will be available.
 Some dissatisfaction was expressed about assistance received from ECS. They would like the
Director, Larry Hanneman, to come visit with them more about services offered.
 They expressed interest in more industrial speakers coming for seminars as this provides them
opportunities for networking (but they did understand why this year’s were focused around the faculty
search underway). They like being able to visit with seminar speakers after the lecture.
 They said they’d like to see the CBE Reading Room converted into a computer lab.
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Students stated they select their research project on the professor more than on the actual research
project. King confirmed this was common.
Students expressed an interest in presenting more. King and Katzer indicated that at MIT a weekly
presentation by at least two graduate students is given. This provides an opportunity for the student to
lecture and gives faculty and other students an opportunity to hear about other research taking place in
the department.
Council members stated they would prefer break-out rooms be available for their meeting with the
grad students, and have seats in the front facing the students.
The council members attended a reception for Professional Progress in Engineering Awardees
R. Kirk Thompson (PhD ChE 99) and Russell Gorga (PhD ChE 02) in 2061 Sweeney.
DEVELOPMENT/CENTENNIAL PLANNING/SWEENEY RENOVATION (Mallapragada).
Mallapragada stated that the department’s top fundraising priorities are for endowed chairs and professorships.
Following that are graduate fellowships, laboratory renovation, and faculty startup funds. It is our plan to
begin to build those crucial ongoing relationships between faculty and alumni. Bob Lane encouraged her to
check out how CCE handles development. They are a model for other departments in the college.
 Shorter Term:
o NSF Lab Renovation proposal to help renovate ’64 Sweeney (we’re on short list and are
cautiously optimistic we’ll get the funding in the area of about $1.75 M). This would include
new fume hoods, smaller labs made into larger ones, and overall energy efficiency.
o Potential matching with NSF proposal – could be a potential match for development officers
to go to donors to create a teaching lab, computer lab, etc.
o Handouts for Foundation personnel with a menu of prioritized items (include a naming
opportunities booklet/brochure).
o Seagrave Professorship. Discussion ensued on the establishment of a Richard C. Seagrave
Professorship. Mary Jane Hagenson announced that she and her husband, Randy, had given
the seed gift for this professorship. She encouraged the other council members to consider
giving as well. This professorship will be a powerful tool for the department to attract and
retain rising stars in chemical and biological engineering.
o Recent successes - Unit Operations upgrade funds and lecturer matching support ($150K).
 Longer Term:
o Cultivate relationships
o Donor stewardship
o CBE Centennial Planning (2013). We need to finalize the date, prepare a history of the
department, discuss a Hall of Fame, Centennial Medals, how to re-engage people not
currently engaged with the department, and plan some mini-reunions.
Council members were very enthusiastic with the short and long term planning outlined, as well as the key
performance indicators that were discussed. Bob Lane agreed to send Mallapragada a copy of a “Growth
Staircase” that she may be interested in using in her planning. The council meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm.
At 5:30 pm they attended the annual Marston Club Dinner held in the Alumni Center.
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Friday, April 16, 2010
The council attended the joint meeting of the College and Departmental Advisory Councils in Howe Hall from
7:30 am to 12:50 pm.
MEETING WITH CBE FACULTY, 2126 Sweeney. Faculty attending included: Aaron Clapp, Eric
Cochran, Chuck Glatz, Kurt Hebert, Jim Hill, Andy Hillier, Laura Jarboe, Ken Jolls, Surya Mallapragada,
Jen O’Donnell, and Brent Shanks. The council gave a summary about their time on campus. While most
discussion was general, some highlights included:
 The council shared comments from their meetings with the undergrad students and the graduate
students.
 Concern exists about ECS support of our graduate students looking for employment. This should be
examined fully.
 It was good to meet with the COE advisory council earlier today.
 King emphasized ISU’s branding. He encouraged consistent use of research poster templates, etc.
to tell people consistently that we are Iowa State University.
CLOSING DISCUSSION (Council and Surya Mallapragada). Discussion ensued on the key performance
indicators and on development. Mallapragada had received the “Growth Staircase” from Lane, as promised,
and had prepared a draft version for the CBE Department for the council to comment on. Bob Lane indicated
we may need to have two staircases – one for people and the other for a building project. Mallapragada
updated it based on council discussion and sent it out to them Friday evening, April 16.
Hagenson recommended that we continue reviewing the staircase plan, and in three months have a
teleconference call to continue discussions. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 pm.
NEXT MEETING(S).
The council will have a conference call on or around Friday, July 16, 2010.
The next meeting on campus is tentatively set for Wednesday and Thursday, April 14-15, 2011.
Minutes taken by Jody Danielson
CBE Advisory Council Minutes of April 2010 - 8