Award recognizes 'outstanding research in computational molecular science and engineering, encompassing both methods and applications'

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) selected Christopher Wilmer, assistant professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, as its 2017 recipient of the Young Investigator Award for Modeling and Simulation. The AIChE Computational Molecular Science and Engineering Forum (CoMSEF) presents the award annually to one individual who received his/her highest degree within the past seven years.

"In the three years since Chris came to Pitt, I have watched him pursue research topics with the potential to have a profound impact on energy, the environment, and society as a whole," said Steven Little, the William Kepler Whiteford Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Pitt. "By reaching so high, he has been able to accomplish so much during the very early stages of what promises to be an extraordinary career. The CoMSEF Young Investigator Award is one of the most prestigious honors in Chemical Engineering simulation and modeling, and truly reflects the breadth and depth of Chris' career over such a short period."

The AIChE CoMSEF Young Investigator Award for Modeling and Simulation accepts applicants throughout academia, industry, or government laboratories. According to AIChE, the award recognizes "outstanding research in computational molecular science and engineering, encompassing both methods and applications."

In addition to the award, Dr. Wilmer will receive a plaque, honorarium, and invitation to give a talk within the CoMSEF Plenary session at the AIChE Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, Minn., this October. Dr. Wilmer is the fifth recipient of this award since its establishment in 2013.