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UCL Department of Chemical Engineering

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Prof Eva Sorensen

Prof Eva Sorensen

Professor of Chemical Engineering

Dept of Chemical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering Science

Joined UCL
1st Mar 1996

Research summary

My research activities are primarily in the area of fluid separations, a key area within chemical engineering where the application of advanced modelling and optimisation techniques for optimal design and operation can lead to very substantial benefits, especially within the increasingly important sectors of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The overall objective of our work is to consider optimal design, operation and control using detailed mathematical models coupled with advanced optimisation methods. By considering all possible degrees of freedom and design combinations, new plants, or retrofits of existing plants, may be found which can significantly improve productivity and at the same time reduce environmental impact. Wherever possible, our models are verified experimentally either at UCL or through collaborations with other workers or with industry.

Teaching summary

I am particularly interested in problem-based learning whereby students work together in teams to solve a real world problem. This is not only a more realistic learning situation for soon-to-be engineers, but also significantly increases students’ critical thinking and their problem solving abilities. Combined with this, I am passionate about the interactions between experimental and computational aspects of engineering, and  for students to see how these go hand-in-hand with fundamental theory in solving engineering problems. With the increasing focus on the use of digital resources within industry, training the next generation of engineers in their use is a key priority.

Modules currently taught:

Education

Other Postgraduate qualification (including professional), ATQ03 - Recognised by the HEA as a Fellow |
University College London
Other higher degree, Master of Arts | 2011
Universitetet i Trondheim
Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 1994
Universitetet i Trondheim
Other higher degree, Master of Science | 1989

Biography

Prof Sorensen joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at UCL in 1996 and is currently Professor in Chemical Engineering and Head of Department. Prior to joining UCL, she spent one year at the Centre for Process Systems Engineering at Imperial College London as a postdoctoral researcher. Prof Sorensen is a member of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE) Working Party on Fluid Separations (Chair 2007-2013) and she was previously a member of the EFCE's Executive Board (2011-2017). Prof Sorensen is an Editor of Chemical Engineering Research and Design, previously the Editor-in-Chief (2010-2021), and a member of the IChemE's Education & Accreditation Forum and the IChemE Fluid Separations Special Interest Group Committee. She is a past member of the UK Engineering Council's Engineering Accreditation Board (2014-2021).
Publications