Ryan Duong

Chemical Engineering Outstanding Graduate Ryan Duong will graduate from Arizona State University this spring with many accolades.

He discovered his love for chemistry and was inspired to pursue chemical engineering by his high school chemistry teacher. But it wasn’t until he joined Associate Professor Heather Emady’s lab in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools for Engineering, that he really understood what chemical engineers do. 

“It turns out, chemical engineers don’t deal with a whole lot of chemistry,” he says. “When I first met my research mentor, Heather Emady, and learned more about her work in particulate process and product design, I realized that I had made the right choice. It was simply fascinating.”

In Emady’s lab, Duong developed a simulation methodology to predict how particles move through hair-like structures, work that could inform the development of more efficient air filtration systems.

He also expanded his research beyond the lab through SCALE, a government-sponsored microelectronics workforce development program. Supported by Dhruv Bhate, an associate professor in The Polytechnic School, part of the Fulton Schools, Duong helped develop a filtration system for semiconductor manufacturing cleanroom environments, bridging his academic work and real-world industry needs. He eventually had an opportunity to share his research findings with investors and industry professionals at the SCALE-Con convention in Washington, D.C.

Duong also applied his technical skills through ChemE Car, a student-led organization focused on developing technical skills through hands-on design. As president, he led the team to a second-place finish at the 2024 Western Regional American Institute of Chemical Engineers Conference.

“It was such a unique experience and opportunity to apply the skills I learned in the classroom toward a creative project of my own choosing in a free-flowing environment,” says Duong.

He also dedicated a significant portion of his time to service and mentorship. As the president of Omega Chi Epsilon, a chemical engineering honor society, he organized tutoring services and volunteer efforts at local food banks. Through this work, Duong helped build a community for students who shared a commitment to giving back.

After graduation, Duong plans to deepen his education through ASU’s Accelerated Master’s degree program in chemical engineering. His long-term goal is to make everyday products affordable by optimizing materials and process design.

“Through my work in the food processing industry,” he says, “I hope to contribute to helping people maintain an equitable standard of living.”

Favorites

Hobby: Climbing
Performer: Regina Song
Movie: Casablanca
Sport: Swimming
Book: American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day by Robert Coram

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2026 class.

Written by Roger Ndayisaba