The Process Systems Engineering Consortium (PSEC) is collaboration between the Process Design and Control Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and process systems engineering faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The mission of PSEC is to create systematic methods for the rapid invention, development, and operation of industrial processes to manufacture high-value products including specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals (including excipients), home and personal health care products, processed foods, etc. Our research efforts encompass complex systems modeling and dynamics, integrated process and product design, and advanced process control. We pursue experimental, theoretical, and computational studies to ensure the process technology has a sound fundamental basis and industrial applicability.

PSEC is comprised of three principal investigators who supervise the efforts of numerous graduate and postdoctoral students and collaborate with a broad range of other faculty who offer specific domain expertise. PSEC offers a unique combination of research, technology transfer, and education and training opportunities.

Research

• Integrated approach to process systems engineering from product design to process operations
• Focus on applied research on industrially relevant problems
• Emphasis on manufacturing of high-value products
• Development of general methodologies and software tools

Technology transfer

• Close interactions with industrial sponsors through collaborative projects, research reviews, and student internships
• Provide early access to research results, software prototypes, and graduate/post-doctoral students

Education and training

• Prepare students for industrial placement through work on applied research projects
• Offer continuing education opportunities to our industrial sponsors

We welcome inquiries from potential collaborators in industry and government that are interested in the development and technology transfer of process engineering technology.

For further information about PSEC please contact:

Prof. Michael A. Henson
Department of Chemical Engineering
259A Goessmann Laboratory
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
Phone: 413-545-3481
Fax: 413-545-1647
Email: henson@ecs.umass.edu