Transporting the Real World into the Classroom: Utilizing Lessons Learned from Chemical Incidents as an Aid for Incorporating Risk-based Assessments in Student Design Projects

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-138437

Keywords:

Safety, Risk Assessment, Design, Project-Based Learning

Abstract

Discussion of the cause and aftermath of real-world chemical incidents are commonly used to improve student awareness of the importance of process safety. This approach is particularly relevant for courses on process/plant design which focus on abstract representations and are typically scheduled for the final year of study. Here, we discuss application of the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment as a case study for introducing risk assessment methodologies prior to extension for student design projects.

Accessibility Summary:

In accordance with Title II regulations this content meets all points of exemption as Archived web content and/or Preexisting conventional electronic documents.

Author Biographies

Obioma U. Uche, Rochester Institute of Technology, United States

Obioma U. Uche, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. Her research interests focus on investigating key environmental factors and structural properties that affect performance of heterogeneous catalysts. She has taught capstone design for the past five years at RIT and is passionate about helping students connect real-life scenarios to concepts covered in the classroom. She earned her terminal degree in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University. ORCID: 0000-0001-9872-7184 

Corresponding author: oxuche@rit.edu

Karuna S. Koppula, Rochester Institute of Technology, United States

Karuna S. Koppula, PhD, is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at RIT. She earned her PhD from Michigan State University, specializing in theoretical and computational fluid flow. She has taught a wide range of courses in Computational Techniques, Transport Processes, and Design for the past 15 years. Koppula is passionate about advancing chemical engineering education by integrating innovative teaching methods and computational tools to enhance student learning.

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Published

2026-04-03

Issue

Ahead of Print (Articles ASAP)

Section

Class and Home Problems