Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Pembroke
By choosing to study Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Pembroke College, you will acquire the scientific and technical skills essential to address some of the major challenges facing humanity, including the transition to green energy sources, the need for sustainable food and water supplies amidst climate change, and the provision of improved healthcare solutions and therapeutics on a global scale.
This highly interdisciplinary course replaces the traditional Chemical Engineering programme from 2023, and will provide you with a deep understanding of the mathematical, chemical, physical, biological and computational underpinnings of modern chemical engineering and biotechnology, as well as the technical proficiency and transferable skills needed to meet the demands of industry. Alongside solid theoretical foundations, you will develop practical skills on process and product design, thanks to an array of hands-on projects and exercises.
The course is strengthened by direct links with industry, thanks to a consortium of seven leading companies that offer valuable input on content and assist with teaching. These connections create opportunities for students to pursue internships with some of the world's top companies in the field.
Pembroke College has an outstanding tradition in Engineering disciplines, and by studying Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology you will be part of a motivated and diverse cohort of national and international students, amongst the best performing across the University. The College supports Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology students with a dedicated Director of Studies, who will organise your supervisions, meet with you regularly to assess progress, and provide academic and career advice.
Pembroke Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Teaching Staff
Dr Lorenzo Di Michele - Director of Studies
As the Director of Studies in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, I am responsible for organising supervisions and advising students on academic matters through the duration of their studies, ensuring that they have the best possible study experience at Pembroke.
In my Departmental role as Assistant Professor in Biotechnology, I lead a research group that builds soft microrobots mimicking the behaviours of biological cells. These “synthetic cells” will revolutionise biotechnology, helping to design new therapeutic, sensing, and bioprocessing platforms. Among other materials, to build synthetic cells we use artificial DNA molecules, which behaves like smart Lego bricks capable of spontaneously assembling into structures with precise shape and functionality. This research is highly interdisciplinary and is only possible thanks to the contribution of researchers with the most diverse backgrounds, from engineering to physics, chemistry, and biology. This interdisciplinarity reflects the spirit and mission of the Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Department (CEB)!
Before joining CEB in 2023, I worked as Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London. Prior to moving to London in 2019, I held various research fellowships at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where I also completed my PhD.