UPenn Engineering Professor Wins National Teaching Award
Lorena Grundy earns industry recognition for her energy and sustainability curriculum design.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Chemistry
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In October 2026, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) awarded Lorena Grundy, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, a 35 Under 35 award. The recognition, given in the Education and Outreach category, honors members who have contributed to the chemical engineering field.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the shift toward integrating real-world energy and sustainability applications directly into undergraduate and graduate engineering curricula. By connecting technical theory to tangible industry problems, this teaching methodology aims to better prepare students for the evolving needs of the energy sector.
The AIChE 35 Under 35 award is restricted to members under the age of 35, measuring their specific contributions across seven distinct categories. This benchmark of early-career achievement is designed to identify researchers and educators who have demonstrably impacted the field.
The players
Lorena Grundy
An assistant professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania who directs the energy and sustainability minor.
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
A professional society for chemical engineers that maintains standards and professional recognition programs for practitioners in the field.
University of Pennsylvania
A research university hosting specialized degree programs in energy and sustainability within its engineering school.
The details
Lorena Grundy develops engineering curricula by aligning coursework with student interests and connecting core concepts to practical industry applications. At the University of Pennsylvania, she currently directs the undergraduate energy and sustainability minor. She also founded the institution's Master of Science in Engineering in Energy and Sustainability program, which emphasizes the intersection of technical engineering knowledge and environmental stewardship.
Timeline
October 2026: Lorena Grundy received the 35 Under 35 award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
The Tech Race
This award highlights the growing emphasis on pedagogical innovation within engineering departments at top-tier research institutions. It marks a departure from traditional academic recognition by focusing specifically on the structural design of energy-focused curricula.
Students at the University of Pennsylvania now have access to specialized sustainability programs designed to bridge the gap between theoretical engineering and practical energy applications. These courses are intended to provide technical training that aligns directly with current industry requirements for engineers.
The takeaway
The recognition of Grundy's work highlights how modern engineering schools are prioritizing the integration of sustainability into core coursework. Prospective students and faculty should monitor the expansion of energy-focused minors and master's programs at major universities for similar curricular updates.
Further reading
Explore more developments in the field at Chemistry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Former Penn President Liz Magill earned $4.46 million the year following her resignation - The Daily Pennsylvanian.
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