Resources, Guidance and Motivation

New Chair Chris Kitchens shares his vision for the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department

In the fall, Chris Kitchens, PhD, joined the College of Engineering from Clemson University, where he was a full professor and director of the Institute for Sustainability Education. Dr. Kitchens was also principal investigator and director of SPECTRA, or Student Pathways in Engineering and Computing for Transfers— an NSF S-STEM program supporting transfer students from South Carolina technical colleges. Learn more about his research interests and his plans as chair of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.

Q: What brought you to Villanova?

A: It’s very hard to pass on an opportunity to truly make a difference. I had been a faculty member in Chemical Engineering at Clemson since 2006. Amid the pandemic, my family and I took a two-year hiatus in Texas, where I worked with a company on building a first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and developing products inspired by my research at Clemson. When my time in Texas ended, I was looking to begin a new chapter. This led me to Villanova. The opportunity to lead the department and contribute to the mission of the University and the College as an emerging research institution was incredibly exciting and a big draw.

Q: What are your research interests, and why do these areas resonate with you?

A: My research is at the intersection of green engineering and nanotechnology. We look at understanding and manipulating materials at the nanoscale for a wide range of applications, including a focus on principles of green chemistry and engineering. Some of these examples have included nanoparticle synthesis, microdevices, catalysis, drug delivery, bio-based composites and sustainable construction materials. Sustainability, resilience and circularity are also core aspects of my research. Much of my work is collaborative and multidisciplinary. I thrive on constantly learning and working with other researchers outside of my field.

Q: Which of your career accomplishments are you most proud of?

A: The two greatest accomplishments of my career are easy to identify. First, I am especially proud of the graduate and undergraduate students I have motivated and empowered to where they are today by providing them with understanding, knowledge, mentorship and advocacy; and second, becoming the chair of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Villanova University. This being said, I can’t help but believe that my greatest accomplishments are yet to come.

Q: What is your vision for the department?

A: My vision for CBE is to grow our reputation as a highly rated graduate research program, while maintaining our core values and dedication to our undergraduate programs and alumni. My goal is to lead our transition as an emerging research institution, providing our faculty, staff and students with the resources, guidance and motivation to achieve success and advance our goals.