Competitions

Awards will be presented to the winners during an awards ceremony at the close of the conference. Further logistical details will be communicated via email upon registration. The deadline for registration is May 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.



ChemE Jeopardy Competition

Competition Details

Overview:
ChemE Jeopardy is a trivia competition utilizing questions derived from Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Coursework. This competition is held at the Regional Conference level in the Spring. Championship teams from each of the 14 Student Regional Conferences advance to compete at the Annual Student Conference in the Fall, determining the Champion school for the year.

General Rules:
  • Only 6 Teams will be admitted for this RSC.
  • A maximum of three teams can participate in each game, resulting in two rounds.
  • Each team consists of a maximum of four players.
  • Points are deducted for incorrect responses.
  • Responses must be given in the form of a question to avoid point deductions.
  • Participants cannot buzz in until the host finishes reading the clue.

 

Playing Jeopardy and Double Jeopardy:
  • Teams are randomly selected to start each round and choose a category and point value.
  • Correct responses earn the point value of the clue and grant the right to choose the next clue.
  • Incorrect responses or failures to answer result in point deductions.
  • Teams must discuss responses before buzzing in, with the buzzer responder required to provide the answer within five seconds of recognition by the Host.

 

Playing Final Jeopardy:
  • Teams with negative scores are disqualified from participating in Final Jeopardy.
  • Teams have 30 seconds to write down their wager after the Final Jeopardy category is revealed.
  • After all teams have placed their wagers, the Final Jeopardy clue is read, and teams have 30 seconds to write down their responses.
  • The Host reveals teams' responses and wagers, starting with the team with the lowest score. 
 
Tiebreaker:
  • In case of a tie, a tiebreaker round will be played with chemical engineering-related categories.
  • Teams buzz in to answer a clue, with the first correct response determining the winner.
  • Incorrect buzz-ins allow other teams to attempt an answer until a correct response is provided.

Judging:
  • Disputes will be resolved by the ChemE Jeopardy chair, Dr. Feghali, whose decision is final.

Prizes:

Sponsored by Al Diyar International and Omega Chi Epsilon

  • 1st Place: USD 200 (to be divided between team members)
  • 2nd Place: USD 100 (to be divided between team members)

Student Technical Presentation Competition

Competition Details

Overview:
The Student Technical Presentation Competition provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to present on subjects of their choice within the field of chemical engineering. Presentations typically cover recent advancements, original research, or plant design, offering valuable real-world experience for participants. AIChE's Student Chapters Committee supports the competition with prize money, with regional awards potentially augmented by other sources at the discretion of each regional host school.

General Rules:
  • Each entry must be an undergraduate student and a member of one of the participating student chapters. Non-members may present but are ineligible for the top prize.
  • AIChE does not limit the number of papers submitted by a participating student chapter, but any restrictions imposed by the host school must be clearly communicated.
  • Co-authorship of papers is allowed, but only one presenter is permitted at the Regional Student Paper Competition, and they must have been substantially involved in the project or subject matter.
  • A panel of three judges, comprising chemical engineers from academia, industry, or AIChE local sections, will evaluate presentations, and their decision is final.
  • Time limits for presentations and Q&A sessions should align with national competition standards, typically 10 minutes for presentation and 3-5 minutes for Q&A.

Judges
  • Carla Saba, Deputy General Manager for Operations and Sites, Berytech
  • Dr. Rachid Klaimi, Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at NDU
  • Dr. Hasan Younes, Communication and Sustainability Specialist

Prizes:

Sponsored by Al Diyar International and AIChE ChESS Sponsors

  • 1st Place: USD 200
  • 2nd Place: USD 100
  • 3rd Place: USD 50

Research Poster Competition

Competition Details

Overview:
The Research Poster Competition provides students with a platform to showcase their undergraduate research and receive recognition for their contributions. Participants will engage with 3-4 judges who will assess poster design, presentation quality, research content, and responses to questions. Judges, drawn from academia and industry, bring diverse expertise to the evaluation process. Presenters are advised to allocate approximately 5 minutes for their presentation to allow for questions and discussions. It is mandatory for participants to be present at their poster throughout the session to engage with judges effectively.

General Rules:
  • Topics can encompass a wide range of areas within chemical engineering, including sustainability, catalysis, reaction engineering, computing and process control, environmental aspects, food, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, fuels, petrochemicals, energy, materials, separations, among others.
  • Poster board dimensions are set at 3.75 feet wide x 3.75 feet tall (110 cm x 110 cm). Presenters are encouraged to ensure their posters fit within this space.
  • Participants are responsible for printing and bringing their posters to the conference. Printing services are not provided by AIChE, and presenters are advised to check venue websites for available printing services.
  • Poster setup will be assigned approximately one hour before the session starts. It is essential not to set up posters earlier to avoid confusion with other presenters.
  • Lightweight materials, such as paper, cardboard, or foam core, are recommended for posters. Push pins will be provided at the session for attaching posters to the display boards.

Judges
  • Serena Ibrahim, Senior Consultant at Deloitte
  • Dr. Rachid Klaimi, Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at NDU
  • Joy Aghjayan, Analytical Chemist at Algorithm Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
  • Ronnie Hammad, Senior Consultant
  • Dr. Charbel Bou Mosleh, Chairperson of the Mechanical Engineering Department at NDU
  • Dr. Elias Feghali, Coordinator of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at NDU 
  • Dr. Ghazi Asmar, Assistant Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at NDU
  • Dr. Jacques Harb, Dean, Faculty of Engineering at NDU
  • Dr. Rita Maalouf, Associate Professor of Chemistry at NDU
  • Dr. Layla Badr, Associate Professor of Chemistry at NDU
  • Dr. Simona Sawan, Senior Lab Instructor at NDU

Prizes:

Sponsored by Al Diyar International and Omega Chi Epsilon

  • 1st Place: USD 200
  • 2nd Place: USD 100
  • 3rd Place: USD 50