Taking an Innovative Approach

In 2010 a major renovation of Olin Hall's undergraduate Laboratory Space was performed with the intention that it would remain a “traditional” unit operations lab space used for chemical engineering lab course instruction. Renovation to the facility was completed as this space with the intention of the lab to remain a “traditional” unit operations lab space used for chemical engineering lab course instruction. The previous two-story high bay area laboratory was consolidated into a single-floor 2600 square feet, high-ceiling laboratory.

In 2012, a significant shift began in how this Laboratory Space would be used. In addition to the development of both new and updated lab modules, the internals of the facility have been redesigned to function as a multi-purpose facility to cover not only chemical engineering junior and senior laboratory courses, but also to be used effectively for teaching design and for providing a space for other diverse educational activities. As such, this Laboratory Space has been designated the Chemical Engineering Chemical Innovation Lab (ChIL).

The Vanderbilt Chemical Engineering Department has implemented a number of innovative education approaches that immerse the students in lab, design and safety concepts using our Chemical Engineering Chemical Innovation Lab as a core component of our approach. The responses from our chemical engineering students and peers to the implementation of these ideas in our curriculum have been overwhelmingly positive.

We hope you’ll enjoy exploring this site, that provides an overview of the ChIL and highlights the use of this facility in innovative chemical engineering education.