Graduate Fellowships

Give to the Neal Amundson Fellowship in Chemical Engineering & Materials Science

Dr. Andreas Acrivos (MS ChE '51, PhD '54), distinguished alumnus and recipient of an honorary doctorate from the Institute of Technology in 2000, completed his doctorate in chemical engineering under the direction of the legendary Professor Neal Amundson. Now a chemical engineering legend in his own right, Dr. Acrivos and his wife, Dr. Juana Vivo Acrivos, established this fund in Professor Amundson's honor in 2000. The purpose of the fund is to provide fellowships to graduate students in CEMS.

Give to the Neal R. and Shirley D. Amundson Fellowship

Established in 2003 by Neal and Shirley Amundson, the Amundson Fellowship provides support for incoming female graduate students.

Give to the James Andrews Fellowship Fund

James graduated from the department in 1984 with a BS in chemical engineering.

Give to the Rutherford Aris Endowment Fund

The late Regents Professor Rutherford Aris was a luminary in CEMS. This fund was established in his name to support a lecture series that focuses on the common bond between science and the arts. The fund also provides fellowships.

Give to the Rutherford Aris Memorial Fellowship Fund

Hundreds of alumni and friends honored the late Regents Professor Rutherford Aris with memorials. Claire Aris has donated these memorials to the department to create the Rutherford Aris Memorial Fellowship Fund. This fellowship fund is being matched 1:1 by the University and will support top incoming students in the department.

Give to the Bill and Marcia Ball Fellowship Fund

Bill (ChE '70) and Marcia Ball established the Bill and Marcia Ball Fellowship in 2005 to provide funding for graduate students in CEMS. The Ball's intention in establishing this fund is to support Campaign FIRST, an initiative aimed to help the department retain a superior international reputation and top ranking. 

Give to the Frank & Janis Bates Research Fellowship Fund

In November 2007, Frank and Janis Bates endowed the Frank and Janis Bates Research Fellowship Fund. The Fellowship will provide the payment of tuition and or a stipend for a full time graduate student in CEMS with exceptional potential in their field. Other gifts may be contributed to the fund by the donors or others at any time.

Give to the Laurence W. Booher Fellowship

Laurence W. Booher received a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering in 1979 from CEMS. Booher was a long-time employee of United Defense Limited Partnerhsip. Laurence loved the game of golf and was an active member of the Thursday night golf league. His life was cut short in July 2000, and he is survived by his wife and three sons. Booher's friends and colleagues endowed this fellowship fund to honor his memory by advancing the art and science of materials and nanotechnology. The Booher Fellowship supports a student studying and doing research in materials science or nanotechnology.

Give to the Phyllis B. Branin Fellowship

Phyllis B. Branin (BS '47) established the Phyllis B. Branin Fellowship in 2004 to provide funding for graduate students in the department and help the department remain #1 in reputation and rankings.

Give to the Dr. Dragomir and Mrs. Maria Bukur Graduate Fellowship

Dr. Dragomir and Mrs. Maria Bukur established this endowed fellowship to help CEMS maintain its preeminent position in the field of chemical engineering. Dragomir received his PhD from the department in 1974, and this education provided a strong foundation for his successful academic career. Maria worked as a Montessori teacher in Minnesota and Texas, and then stayed home to raise their children. It is their desire that this gift will help CEMS maintain its preeminent position in the field of chemical engineering. The fund provides fellowship awards to graduate students in chemical engineering. 

Give to the CEMS Fellowship in Honor of Raul & Diana Caretta

Professor Raul Caretta (PhD ChE '79) and his wife, Diana, established this fund to support graduate education in CEMS.

Give to the Lap & Jody Chan Fellowship

The Lap and Jody Chan Fellowship was established in 2004 by Lap (PhD '85) and his wife Jody Chan to provide funding for graduate students. Lap was advised by Greg Griffin and resides in Singapore.

Give to the Howard W. & Mary S. Cox Fellowship

Howard W. Cox and his wife Mary established the Howard W. and Mary S. Cox Fellowship to provide fellowships for graduate students. Howard received his MS in 1970 and his PhD in 1973 under the direction of Chris Macosko.

Give to the Ed & Betsy Cussler Fellowship

Established in 2011, the Ed & Betsy Cussler Fellowship provides funding for graduate fellowships in the department. Alumni and friends are invited to make gifts to the Cussler Fellowship at any time.

Give to the Erling A. Dalaker Fellowship in Chemical Engineering and Material Science

A bequest from the estate of Erling A. Dalaker (ChE '34) established the Erling A Dalaker Fellowship Fund, an endowment that will provide funding for graduate fellowships in CEMS. Early in his career, Erling worked for Oak Ridge Laboratory in Tennessee on the atomic bomb.

Give to the H. Ted Davis Fellowship

CEMS lost a giant when Regents Professor H. Ted Davis (Phd ChE '76) died of cardiac arrest on May 17, 2009. The University of Minnesota lost, too, as he had for many years performed outstanding faithful service as Dean of the Institute of Technology; and, at the time of his death, was Director of the Biotechnology Institute. The H. Ted Davis Fellowship Fund will pay tribute to Ted in the form of a prestigious award given out annually by the H. Ted Davis Fellowship Fund which will recruit an outstanding graduate student to CEMS. Franklin M. Orr, Jr., along with his wife Susan, originally established the H. Ted Davis Fellowship in 2005 in honor of H. Ted Davis to establish a legacy in his name commemorating his lifetime of service to the University of Minnesota as Professor and Department Head of CEMS and as Dean of the Institute of Technology. The Davis Fellowship supports incoming graduate students.

Give to the Gary & Helen Dowling Fellowship

The Gary & Helen Dowling Fellowship was established in 2005 by Gary & Helen Dowling because Gary, a 1971 PhD graduate of the department, is grateful for the education he received. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Gary had a successful career with ExxonMobil, and feels that this gift is giving back to a department which provided a strong technical foundation for his career. Additionally, Gary and Helen would like to help the department remain first in reputation and ranking by making a lead gift to Campaign FIRST which will allow CEMS to be competitive for years to come.

Give to the Mark and Jodi Ellis Sustainability Fellowship

Mark Ellis (ChE, Math ’82, PhD ChE ’90) and his wife, Jodi, a retired neonatal intensive care and pediatric nurse, established this fund to support future chemical engineers and materials scientists who share their passion and commitment to environmental and climate change causes.

Give to the First-Year Graduate Student Fellowship Fund

This fund was established in 2001 with a historic $1 million dollar contribution from Robert W. Gore. Gore is best known for his discovery of Gore-Tex and is one of the department's most celebrated PhD graduates. Gore graduated in 1961 with an MS under the advisement of L. E. Scriven and in 1963 with a PhD under the advisement of Bill Ranz. This fund provides incoming graduate student fellowships and serves as the general fund for donations for graduate student support. Since inception the fund has grown exponentially and is the main departmental recruiting mechanism for attaining the world's best graduate students. Alumni wishing to support graduate students are encouraged and invited to contribute to this fund.

Give to the Arnie Fredrickson Fellowship Fund

The Arnie Fredrickson Fellowship was established in honor of long-time CEMS faculty member Arnie Fredrickson by former students and friends of Arnie.

Give to the Lynn Frostman and Mike Zum Mallen Fellowship

Lynn and Michael met at the University of Minnesota while both obtaining PhD's in CEMS. Lynn was advised by Professor Mike Ward and Michael by Regents Professor Lanny Schmidt. Both graduated in 1995 with PhD's in chemical engineering. Today, Lynn works for Baker-Hughes and Michael for Dow Chemical. They are active in scouting, alumni events and travel. Recipients of this fellowship will be full-time graduate students enrolled in CEMS working toward a graduate degree in good academic standing with exceptional potential in their field.

Give to the William Warren Gerberich Fellowship 

The Gerberich Fellowship provides funds to graduate students who are committed to study in the field of the solid mechanics of plasticity and fracture. The gift was made by Dr. Gerberich and his wife Dr. Susan Goodwin Gerberich in memory of Elizabeth Sarah Pratt Goodwin and Arthur George Goodwin, the parents of Susan and Clarissa Ross Gerberich and Harold Robert Gerberich, and the parents of Dr. William Gerberich. Alumni and friends are invited to make gifts to the Gerberich Fellowship at any time.

Give to the Herbert S. Isbin Fellowship

The Isbin Fellowship was established in 2003 by Hans K. Fauske (MS ChE '59) and his wife Judy in honor of Professor Herbert S. Isbin, Han's advisor and life long friend. The Isbin Fellowship provides support for incoming graduate students in honor of Professor Isbin. Alumni and friends are invited to make gifts to the Isbin Fellowship at any time.

Give to the Kaler Family Fellowship

University of Minnesota President Eric W. Kaler (PhD ChE '82) and Karen F. Kaler established the Kaler Family Fellowship in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science in 2015. Strong in their belief in the transformative power of education and the University of Minnesota's vital role as a public research university, the Kalers created this fund to provide support to outstanding graduate students to enable them to benefit from and contribute to the University's world-class Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Give to the Kenneth H. Keller and Bonita Sindelir Graduate Fellowship

The Kenneth H. Keller and Bonita Sindelir Graduate Fellowship was created in 2004 by Kenneth H. Keller and his wife, Bonita F. Sindelir. The Fellowship supports incoming chemical engineering graduate students. Professor Keller has devoted over 35 years of his professional career to the University serving as Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Associate and then Acting Dean of the Graduate School, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and President. Bonita has been associated with the University for 24 years as an undergraduate, a law student, and in staff assignments including that of Associate University Attorney. Ken and Bonita want to help ensure that CEMS retains its international top-ranking in future years. Alumni and friends are invited to make gifts to the Fellowship at any time.

Give to the Lester C. and Joan M. Krogh Endowed Fellowship

This fellowship was established in 2021 as part of an estate commitment to support graduate education in CEMS.

K.S.P. "Pat" Kumar established this Fellowship in honor of his wife Usha Kumar. The fund provides fellowships to deserving graduate students in the CEMS department.

Give to the Chris & Kathleen Macosko Fellowship

Chris and Kathleen Macosko have a deep connection to the University of Minnesota. High school sweethearts from Ohio, the Macosko's married in 1967 and after Chris' PhD work at Princeton, ended up at the University of Minnesota where Chris has served as a Professor since 1970. Kathleen in the early years taught at all levels of public school, then stayed home with the Macosko's four children and later became an ordained pastor. During his academic career, Professor Macosko advised over 100 graduate students in the areas of rheology, polymer processing, polymer blends, interfaces and nanoparticles.

Give to the Materials Science Fellowship Fund

Established in 2005 by metallurgical engineering alumni, Robert Sundahl (BS '58, MS '64, PhD '66), the Materials Science Fellowship Fund provides support specifically for incoming top-notch materials science graduate students. Metallurgical and materials science alumni are encouraged to support this fund to perpetuate greatness within the field.

Give to the Robert V. Mattern Fellowship

Bob (BS '44, Phd '52) decided to create this fellowship in 2005 to assist the department with Campaign FIRST, an initiative aimed at keeping the department first in reputation and ranking for generations to come. Additionally, Bob enjoys supporting students and currently supports several undergraduates in the CEMS department through the Joan Mattern Scholarship which he created in 2001 in honor of his late wife Joan Mattern.

Give to the Dr. H. Warner Merritt Fellowship in Chemical Engineering

H. Warner Merritt, Jr. (MS ChE '63) established this fund to support graduate education in CEMS. He was born and raised in Texas and attended Yale University where he received a BS in industrial administration in 1956. He then worked for DuPont in Orange, Texas as a cost engineer, examining process cost control in a chemical plant. He returned to study chemical engineering at the University of Texas and received a second bachelor’s degree. He arrived at the University of Minnesota in 1961, and later received his MS in chemical engineering  in 1963, studying with Professors Arnold Fredrickson, and Henry Tsuchiya. He later received his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1966.

Give to the Jan J. & Sofia Milner Laskowski Fellowship

Established by Sofia (PhD ChE '68) & Jan (PhD ChE '68) Laskowski in 2002 to support promising female graduate students in the department. Sofia was the first female PhD graduate of the department and was advised by Herbert S. Isbin. Jan was advised by Bill Ranz. Both Sofia and Jan have enjoyed wonderful careers with IBM.

Give to the George Philippidis Fellowship

George graduated from CEMS in 1989 under the PhD advisement of Wei-Shou Hu. Since then, he has also earned an MBA and has been pursuing a career in biofuels and renewable energy in the public and private sector developing and commercializing technologies. He currently lives in Tampa, FL. George's motivation for establishing this fellowship is to help CEMS remain a top-ranked program and continue to attract excellent students. The fellowship shall be dedicated to supporting full-time CEMS graduate students who will be pursuing doctoral studies in chemical engineering or materials science with a focus on biochemical and biotechnology research, are in good academic standing, and show exceptional potential in their field.

Give to the Peter and Gene Pierce Family Fellowship

Peter Pierce (MSE '54) and family have created this gift in recognition and in honor of CEMS Professor Lanny Schmidt and his outstanding teaching and research efforts in the Institute of Technology. With this gift, they wish to leverage the graduate school's 21st Century Graduate Fellowship Endowment's matching dollars program to create this new fellowship fund.

Give to the Dr. Doraiswami and Mrs. Geetha Ramkrishna Fellowship

Dr. Doraiswami (PhD ChE '65) and Mrs. Geetha Ramkrishna created this fund in 2016. They believe in the transformative power of education, and established this fellowship in recognition of Professor Ramkrishna’s education at the University of Minnesota under the advisement of Professors Arnie Fredrickson and Henry Tsuchiya. Owing greatly to Professors Rutherford Aris and Neal Amundson for their mentorships, the Ramkrishnas have made this investment to ensure the preservation of mathematical modeling’s critical role in advancing the field of Chemical Engineering. His connections to Minnesota remained strong; in 1988 he served as the second George T. Piercy Distinguished Professor, and in 2004 was nominated by Professor Rutherford Aris for an honorary doctorate of science, becoming one of only six chemical engineers to receive this prestigious recognition from the University of Minnesota. In 2009, Professor Ramkrishna was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering. This fund is intended to provide support for full-time graduate students in the College of Science and Engineering who are pursuing doctoral studies in chemical engineering, particularly those who are pursuing research utilizing mathematical modeling applications.

Give to the William E. Ranz Fellowship Fund

Shivram and Gale Murty's gift establishes a fellowship endowment in the name of William E. Ranz. Shiv came to the University in 1969 from IIT Bombay. He worked under the advisement of William E. Ranz in CEMS. Shiv received his MS in 1972 and PhD in 1974 in chemical engineering and then worked in many roles for Pillsbury and General Mills for 31 years. During his time at the University of Minnesota Shiv met Gale Todd. They were married in 1974. Gale was born in St. Paul and grew up in Brainerd, Alexandria and Rochester in Minnesota. She obtained her BA in 1977 from the College of Liberal Arts and her MD from the University's Medical School in 1983. She completed a residency in Family Practice at the Ramsey Clinic in St. Paul in 1986 and began her practice in family medicine in Spring Valley, Wisconsin at a Ramsey Clinic satellite. She sub-specialized in geriatrics and currently practices in Elmwood, Wisconsin with Red Cedar Medical Center: Mayo Health System.

Give to the Sebastian C. Reyes Fellowship

The Sebastian C. Reyes Fellowship was created by friends and colleagues from ExxonMobil to honor the life and achievements of Sebastian C. Reyes Morga, a native of Linares, Chile. Dr. Reyes received his BS and MS degrees from University of Concepción (Chile), and PhD from the University of Minnesota, all in chemical engineering. He held the position of Distinguished Engineering Associate at ExxonMobil's Corporate Strategic Research Laboratories in Annandale, NJ at the time of his death at age 52. Dr. Reyes, a well respected and recognized leader in his chosen field, was a prolific contributor to the scientific and patent literature. He made many pivotal contributions to the science and technology of hydrocarbon processing. He was a devoted friend, one who took in his journey a part of each one he touched, taught, and charmed. His family, friends, and colleagues will remember him as a remarkable individual, in his humanity, generosity, and in his intellect.

Give to the Stephen J. Salter Fellowship

A bequest from the estate of Stephen J. Salter (PhD ChE '75) has been used to establish the Stephen J. Salter Fellowship in CEMS. Other gifts may be contributed to the fund by others at any time. 

Give to the Jacqueline & Richard Schmeal Fellowship

W. Richard "Dick" Schmeal obtained a PhD from CEMS in 1965 while advised by Neal Amundson, after having obtained a BS from the University of Illinois and an MS from Northwestern. Dick decided to attend the University of Minnesota to obtain his PhD because chemical engineering was a nationally top-ranked program. Dick spent his career at Shell Oil Company and after retirement from Shell, worked for the Electric Power Research Institute. He began Gas/Electric Ventures, specializing in workshops and software development for the energy industry. Jacqueline A. Schmeal obtained a BS from Iowa State University and a masters in journalism from Northwestern University. Jacqueline was a writer for the Minneapolis Tribune, Time Magazine, and the Christian Science Monitor. Dick is grateful for the opportunity to attend the University of Minnesota, and he and Jacqueline wish to give others the same opportunity to attend a top-ranked program. 

Give to the Lanny & Charlotte Schmidt and Duane Goetsch and Dr. Nancy M. Dickerson Fellowship

Regents Professor Lanny Schmidt and his wife, Charlotte, and Duane Goetsch and his wife, Dr. Nancy Dickerson, created this fellowship in 2003 to support students in the field of reaction engineering.

Give to the Ruth M. & Roger A. Schmitz Fellowship in Chemical Engineering Fellowship

Ruth and Roger (1934-2013) Schmitz established this fellowship in recognition of the transformative power of education and in appreciation for the education and training which Roger received during his graduate education in chemical engineering under the advisement of Professor Neal Amundson. Roger passed away on October 11, 2013 at the age of 78, while serving as Keating-Crawford Professor Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame.

Give to the Nancy Scott & Kevin Gromley Fellowship

Nancy Scott and Kevin Gromley both earned master's degrees in chemical engineering from CEMS. They met as graduate students in 1977 and were married in 1984. Nancy and Kevin established this fellowship in appreciation of the financial assistance they received as students and to acknowledge the guidance and support of their advisors Kenneth Keller and Matthew Tirrell.

Give to the L.E. & D.H. Scriven Research Fellowship Fund

Professor Scriven (Skip) received his BS in 1952 from the University of California, Berkeley, and his PhD in 1956 from the University of Delaware. He worked as a research engineer for Shell Development Co. before joining the chemical engineering department in 1959 as an Assistant Professor. Skip was named a Professor in 1966 and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1978. In 1988, he was selected as Regents Professor of CEMS. Professor Scriven passed away August 3, 2007.

Give to the Bill and Triana Silliman Fellowship

Bill and Triana Silliman decided to make their 2007 gift to Campaign First, because they wished to support the graduate program in chemical engineering, which was a very important part of their lives. Dr. William J. Silliman came to CEMS after completing an undergraduate degree from Princeton University. "Bill" received his PhD in chemical engineering under the advisement of the late L.E. Scriven in 1979. After leaving the University, Bill began working for Exxon Corporation, and today serves as the Development Planning Manager for the Far East. Triana and Bill met in 1969 and have been married for 32 years. In 1978, Triana completed a general education degree at the University of Minnesota and later, after staying home to raise the Silliman's four children, she obtained a Master of Education from the University of St. Thomas and currently teaches children with special needs.

Give to the Marvin S. & Norma V. Sivertsen Fellowship

Created in 1999 in honor of his parents by Metallurgical Engineering Professor John M. Sivertsen, the Sivertsen Fellowship supports promising graduate students in the department. Professor Sivertsen served as a faculty member in the department from 1957-1998.

Give to the Thomas R. & Yolanda Shirley Stein Fellowship

Dr. Thomas R. and Yolanda Shirley Stein established the Thomas R. & Yolanda Shirley Stein Fellowship in 2004 to express their gratitude for having been afforded the opportunity to attend the University of Minnesota. They also feel strongly about the breadth and diversity of their educational experience in the department and wish to give others the same opportunity they had to attend a top ranked program. Tom received a PhD in chemical engineering in 1968 advised by Professor Kenneth H. Keller. Yolanda Shirley Stein (BS ChE '65, MS ChE '68) was also advised by Professor Kenneth Keller. Yolanda, a native of Panama, was the second in her family to attend the University. Her father, the late Owen Barnett Shirley, also attended the University obtaining a BS in 1953 in Elementary Education.

Give to the Curtis M. and Joyce P. Stendahl Graduate Fellowship

Mr. Curtis M. Stendahl earned his bachelor's and master's degree in chemical engineering in 1954 and 1956 respectively. Mr. Stendahl remembers well the modest tuition he paid to attend the University of Minnesota and is grateful for his university education. By establishing this fellowship in 2005, he and his wife Joyce P. Stendahl hope to provide similar educational opportunities for academically deserving but financially needy students.

Give to the Robert and Beverly Sundahl Fellowship

Robert received his BS, MS, and PhD (1966) in materials science under the advisement of Jack Sivertsen. "Bob" and his wife Beverly's intent in establishing this fellowship is to provide support to deserving PhD candidates for up to three years of research.

Give to the Teletzke Family Fellowship Fund

Gary and Mary Ellen Teletzke established the Teletzke Family Fellowship to provide fellowships to graduate students in the department and to assist the department with Campaign FIRST, an initiative aimed at keeping the nationally recognized program #1. Gary received his PhD in 1983 under the advisement of H. Ted Davis, for whom Gary has great respect and admiration. Since graduation, Gary and Ted have remained friends. Gary hopes to "give back" to his alma mater by establishing this fellowship to continue a tradition of excellence for generations to come.

Give to the Matthew Tirrell Fellowship Fund

The Matthew Tirrell Fellowship was established in 2008 with a generous gift from former faculty member and department head, Matthew V. Tirrell. Tirrell began his appointment as a faculty member in the department in 1977. After leaving CEMS in 1999, he served as Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara from 1999-2009. Dr. Tirrell is the founding director of the Institute for Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. He has also held a previous appointment at the University of California, Berkeley and was affiliated with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Give to the Arvind Varma (Ph.D. 1972) Graduate Travel Endowment

Conducting his thesis research under the direction of Professor Neal R. Amundson, Arvind Varma received his PhD degree in chemical engineering in 1972. Following a two-year appointment in industrial research, he pursued an academic career, first at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana) during 1975-2003, where he served as department chair during 1982-88, and then as an endowed chair professor during 1988-2003. He joined Purdue University (Indiana) as Distinguished Professor and Head of Chemical Engineering in January 2004 and continued in this role when this agreement was signed (2015). Based on his experience, Professor Varma is aware that for their professional development, it is critical for graduate students to present their research at conferences. Funds for this activity are frequently limited in the department's or research advisor's budget; this endowment will help provide for this type of professional development. 

Give to the Arvind and Karen Varma Chemical Engineering Graduate Fellowship

The fellowship was established by Arvind Varma (PhD '72) and his wife, Karen Varma (BS '72), in recognition of the University's role in preparing Arvind for what turned out to be a highly rewarding and successful academic career.

Give to the Wanat Family Fellowship

Dr. Edward C. Wanat earned his BS in chemical engineering from Iowa State University in 2000 and his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2005. Dr. Wanat and his wife, Theresa Wanat, believe in the power of education to positively impact both students and the larger society through advances in science and engineering. They are proud to establish this fellowship in recognition of Dr. Wanat's education at the University of Minnesota, under the advisement of Professor Lanny Schmidt, to ensure the preservation of catalysis research in advancing the field of chemical engineering. 

Give to the Pat Whitcomb & Patty Napier Fellowship

Pat Whitcomb (Che '73, MS '77) worked under the advisement of CEMS Professor Chris Macosko. Upon graduation, Pat worked for General Mills Chemicals and Henkel Corporation before founding Stat-Ease in 1985. Historically, Stat-Ease has supported CEMS each year through the donation of software and gratis lectures. Patty Napier attended Sibley High School and then the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Spanish in 1972 from the College of Liberal Arts. Upon graduation, Patty began working at the University of Minnesota as a civil service employee, working in various offices including the Senior Vice President and Provost's Office. Pat and Patty's loyalty to the University of Minnesota runs deep, including holding Gopher season hockey tickets since 1974.