The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is bringing the world closer together through complementary research and education initiatives. For the past 18 months, department head David Dandy, and professor Kenneth Reardon have led the development of a collaboration with the College of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, located about an hour from Shanghai.

Undergraduate and graduate students at both universities will have the opportunity to explore their research interests through a new lens while gaining international exposure. The exchange program will highlight specific areas of research, including biotechnology, and polymer science and engineering.

“We as a department have been thinking about what makes sense for our students and professors,” said Reardon. “This will hopefully lead to university-level relationships so other CSU departments can benefit from this partnership, too.”

A former chemical and biological engineering Ph.D. student, now on the faculty at Zhejiang University, helped Reardon become aware of the possibilities of a research collaboration. After several meetings with Zhejiang counterparts, the program specifics are nearing completion and exchanges will begin in 2018.

“We look forward to how this relationship will enhance the educational experience of all students involved, and benefit the quality of research taking place at both universities,” said Dr. Reardon.