Engineering has always been a cornerstone of innovation and progress, shaping the world we live in today. Engineers Week (Feb 16鈥�22, 2025) is a time to celebrate the impact of engineering on society, and few individuals have championed this cause more than Skip Rochefort, Chair of AIChE鈥檚 K-12 Community. In this interview, he shares his passion for outreach and the importance of inspiring the next generation of chemical engineers.
Engineers Week celebrates the impact of engineers on society. Why do you believe outreach is crucial for the future of chemical engineering, and how does it help inspire the next generation of engineers?
Outreach is all about building the pipeline for the future of engineering鈥攅nsuring that we recruit a diverse workforce and communicate that 鈥渃ollege is a plan.鈥� Students are regularly exposed to careers such as police officers, firefighters, doctors, and dentists in school, but how often do they hear about engineers, let alone chemical engineers? The reality is, not nearly enough. That is why we must introduce engineering as early as possible鈥攊deally in elementary or middle school鈥攕o students can envision themselves in these roles.
The best way to achieve this is through hands-on STEM outreach programs, which allow students to experience the excitement of problem-solving and discovery. Engineers Week provides the perfect platform to engage young minds and showcase how chemical engineers play a pivotal role in solving real-world challenges, from sustainable energy solutions to medical advancements. AIChE has taken a proactive approach in making this happen through its K-12 initiatives, connecting professionals with local schools and providing resources to make STEM education accessible and inspiring.
What was most rewarding about creating and running the K-12 programs you鈥檝e been involved with in Oregon?
The most rewarding aspect is undoubtedly seeing the smiles and excitement on the faces of students and their families. Since 2001, we have been running Family Science and Engineering Nights (FSEN), a hands-on outreach program where we visit elementary schools about 18鈥�20 times per year. Each event brings together 15鈥�20 dedicated Oregon State University (OSU) student volunteers to engage in interactive science and engineering activities. These events are not just about education鈥攖hey are about community engagement, inspiring curiosity, and breaking down barriers to STEM learning.
One of my favorite moments is watching a young child鈥檚 face light up when they successfully launch a paper rocket using Alka-Seltzer and water. That moment of wonder鈥攖hat spark鈥攊s what we need to cultivate in as many students as possible. Programs like Bee a ChemE and AIChE鈥檚 K-12 STEM modules extend this kind of engagement beyond Oregon, offering hands-on chemical engineering experiences to students nationwide.
For chemical engineers who want to get involved in outreach, what advice would you offer? How can organizations like AIChE help professionals connect with K-12 programs and other initiatives?
AIChE members can join their Local Sections or Student Chapters and get involved with their local schools and local programs. Getting sponsorship from their employer is also a great way to do it. Every state has groups doing outreach so they can search K-12 Outreach to find programs. They can also contact and/or join the AIChE K-12 Community. They can help put professionals in touch with local groups, especially if they are in the vicinity of a university or community college.
Find your local section or student chapter.
Every state has organizations dedicated to K-12 STEM outreach, and a quick search can help identify local programs. However, for those looking for direct connections, AIChE鈥檚 K-12 Community is an excellent resource. Our committee helps match interested professionals with outreach initiatives, particularly in collaboration with universities and community colleges. By leveraging these connections, AIChE members can make a significant impact on young students, introducing them to the exciting possibilities of chemical engineering.
As Chair of AIChE鈥檚 K-12 Community, you鈥檝e helped lead efforts to engage young people in chemical engineering. What resources or programs does AIChE offer for professionals interested in outreach, and how can they get involved?
AIChE has made a strong commitment to K-12 outreach through several key initiatives. One of the best opportunities for engagement is the K-12 Outreach Competition at the AIChE Annual Meeting, where professionals can volunteer to mentor and inspire young students through interactive activities and presentations.
Learn more about the 2025 AIChE Annual Meeting.
Additionally, AIChE provides a growing collection of K-12 STEM modules that are designed for hands-on learning and can be easily implemented by volunteers in classroom settings or outreach events. These resources help make engineering concepts accessible and engaging for students at all levels. AIChE鈥檚 K-12 Community actively supports professionals in finding outreach opportunities, whether through partnerships with local schools, STEM fairs, or community engagement programs.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to see in terms of outreach and engagement from the chemical engineering community? How can individuals and organizations contribute to making chemical engineering more accessible and exciting for young people?
The chemical engineering community must take an active role in outreach, particularly young professionals and recent graduates. Representation matters鈥攚hen students see diverse engineers who look like them having fun with science and engineering, they begin to see themselves in those roles.
We also need to challenge the misconceptions around chemical engineering. When people hear 鈥渃hemistry,鈥� they often think of the slogan 鈥渂etter living through chemistry.鈥� But when they hear 鈥渃hemical,鈥� they may associate it with toxicity or pollution. We need to shift this narrative and emphasize that chemical engineers are at the forefront of solving global challenges鈥攃lean energy, clean water, sustainable materials, and medical advancements. By engaging with students early, we can change perceptions and inspire a new generation of problem-solvers.
Get involved
Through AIChE and volunteers like Skip Rochefort, the future of chemical engineering is being shaped one student at a time. Engineers Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of outreach and its ability to inspire the next generation. Whether through AIChE Local Sections, K-12 Community, Student Chapters, university partnerships, or national initiatives like Bee a ChemE, there are countless ways to make a difference.