Message from the Department Head – May 2025
Dear alumni and friends,
I hope you are well and enjoying springtime wherever you are. I’m pleased to share a summary of our department’s news.
Sierra and Shadman Retire
Two of CHEE’s beloved faculty are retiring this summer – Reyes Sierra and Farhang Shadman. Both have been superstars in fulfilling our research, teaching and service missions, with a combined 73 years as professors in the department. While we are saying farewell, we are not saying goodbye. They will continue as professors emeriti, mentoring faculty and supporting research projects.
Please join me in wishing the best to Reyes and Farhang and thanking them for their dedication and academic excellence. We hope you have time to relax and smell the flowers, and we’re delighted you will continue to be active members of the CHEE family!
Five Faculty Promoted
I’m thrilled to announce the following faculty promotions:
(Left to right in photo)
Byron Hempel - Associate Professor of Practice
Suchol Savagatrup - Associate Professor with Tenure
Adam Printz - Associate Professor with Tenure
Adrianna Brush - Associate Professor of Practice
Vicky Karanikola - Associate Professor with Tenure
Research Fund for Undergraduates – Donations Welcome!
Every year, four to six undergraduates are awarded $2,500 to conduct research under the guidance of a faculty member over the course of a semester, thanks to a fund started by alum Scott Roberts in 2019. The benefits to students are transformative, and we aim to double the number of awards over the next two years.
Please make a gift today to the CHEE Alumni Research Fund to help us reach our goal.
Faculty Accomplishments Keep on Coming
Sylvia Sullivan, assistant professor, is the science principal investigator on a $4.5 million NASA grant to develop a tool called CHIRP, designed to improve the accuracy of global temperature projections.
Professor Armin Sorooshian was elected to fellowship by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was selected for this prestigious honor for his contributions to atmospheric chemistry and environmental engineering.
Join CHEE on LinkedIn
Please join CHEE’s LinkedIn group to stay connected with your classmates and share updates and professional opportunities.
All you need to do is go to the CHEE page and request to become a member:
UArizona Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Thank you for your continued involvement with CHEE!
Warm regards,
Kimberly Ogden
Professor and Department Chair
Chemical & Environmental Engineering