Author: Madeline Mondebello | Major: Chemical Engineering | Semester: Spring 2025

My name is Madeline Mondebello, and I am currently in my last semester earning an Honors Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and minor in Mathematics. In early April, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Dallas, Texas to present research at the 2025 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Spring Meeting and 21st Global Congress on Process Safety- a prestigious event that unites leading experts and professionals in the field of process safety.

Madeline at her poster presentation at the AIChE 2025 Spring Meeting & 21st Global Congress on Process Safety

My research, titled Development and Implementation of Sustainability Focused Lesson Modules for Sophomore-Level Chemical Engineering Courses was completed with the help of Dr. Heather Walker, Dr. Edgar Clausen, Dr. Daesoo Kim, and Dr. Tammy Lutz-Rechtin. As sustainability continues to emerge as a significant topic in engineering, the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering recognizes the importance of integrating it into the curriculum before students are offered internships or cooperative education jobs (co-ops) to guarantee students feel prepared to engage in conversations regarding sustainability.

Seven lesson modules were created across the core sophomore-level chemical engineering courses: Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics. Each lesson plan includes a learning objective, an overview of the material, an interactive classroom activity, a homework problem with a solution, and the associated United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to support faculty as they prepare to lead the classroom through these plans. As the lesson modules are being implemented during the current semester, future work includes conducting pre- and post-assessment surveys to ensure educational goals and students’ needs are met. Looking ahead, the research could be extended to junior-level courses such as Heat and Mass Transfer and Reactor Design.

While presenting my research in the environmental division of the poster session, several attendees- including doctoral students, senior professionals, and experts in the field- offered thoughtful feedback. Several young professionals expressed that they wished they had been exposed to sustainability topics during their undergraduate education. These individuals also expressed strong support for the project’s goals and were excited to see the results of the future work. Others were passionate about the topic and offered to help continue developing and expanding the research. One particularly creative development idea was adapting the lesson modules for primary and secondary students to build an understanding of sustainability at an early age. Overall, the feedback affirmed that the research is relevant and has potential for broader application in engineering education across the nation.

As an undergraduate student presenting at a conference largely attended by professionals and doctoral candidates, I was filled with gratitude to have the opportunity to share my work. I was able to practice explaining research clearly and concisely to an audience with varying background knowledge on the topic. I would encourage other students in similar positions to prepare personal business cards or create a QR code that links to a personal LinkedIn account, resume, or portfolio; these small details make connecting with others in the field easier. Engaging with professionals during and after presenting opened the door to potential collaborations and career opportunities.

Beyond the poster presentation, I attended several technical presentations that gave me valuable insight into current challenges in the field of process safety. I left with new knowledge on process safety management and techniques for hazard analysis. I also acquired a new understanding of the relationship between safety and sustainability which presented a new perspective on my own research. I learned that the pillars of safety and sustainability are the same: people, profit, planet, because of this teaching safety inherently teaches sustainability.

Since returning to Fayetteville, I have been working hard to finish my college career as strong as I started. I will graduate in May with my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, I will have a couple months to relax and prepare for my full-time position at General Mills as a Manufacturing Engineering Associate in Joplin, Missouri. I am grateful for my time on the hill and am excited to apply the skills I have developed throughout my four years.

I would like to thank my faculty mentors for their never-ending support. Especially Dr. Heather Walker, my honors thesis advisor, whose encouragement inspires me to embrace every opportunity. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Honors College at the University of Arkansas for their generosity. Attending the AIChE 2025 Spring Meeting was a pivotal moment in my academic career, and it would not have been possible without their support.