(598a) Leveraging Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) for Enhanced Cross-Disciplinary Learning in Chemical Engineering: The Cheme-Car Experience

This VIP-based elective is designed to extend beyond conventional chemical engineering coursework by emphasizing experiential learning, team-based project management, and cross-disciplinary cooperation. Chemical engineering students not only deepen their technical knowledge but also actively engage in communication, mentoring, and leadership, preparing them effectively for professional practice. Each academic year, students collectively tackle complex design and implementation challenges, such as selecting and optimizing chemical reactions for powering and stopping the ChemE-Car, integrating mechanical and electronic systems, and conducting rigorous safety assessments.

The teaching methodology uniquely blends structured lectures, intensive lab sessions, peer-to-peer mentorship, and guided experiential learning, facilitated closely by chemical engineering faculty who offer targeted mentorship and support that would be challenging to provide in standard curricular offerings. Evaluations show students benefit significantly from the professional skills acquired, particularly leadership, interdisciplinary teamwork, and project management, making them highly competitive for subsequent industry or research positions.

This elective exemplifies the broader applicability and attractiveness of chemical engineering through practical, engaging, and interdisciplinary approaches, underscoring the discipline's vitality and adaptability to modern challenges.

The attached image shows the students with then-NYU President Andrew Hamilton in April 2024, during the NYU Tandon Research Exhibition Expo.