Todd Przybycien, Ph.D., professor of chemical and biological engineering at RPI, has been named head of RPI’s Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE). Under Przybycien’s leadership, the department will continue to drive innovation in sustainable biopharmaceutical manufacturing, metabolic and enzyme engineering, advanced materials development, transport processes, and process systems engineering.  

An internationally recognized researcher in biomanufacturing and applied biophysics, Przybycien focuses on developing processes to manufacture recombinant proteins, mRNA, and viral vectors. He began his academic career at RPI and returned in 2018 after holding positions at other institutions. His expertise strengthens RPI’s position at the forefront of research in biologics and next-generation manufacturing.  

“Chemical and Biological Engineering plays a central role in addressing grand challenges at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and engineering, from energy to human health,” said Shekhar Garde, Ph.D., the Thomas R. Farino Jr. ’67 and Patricia E. Farino Dean of the School of Engineering at RPI. “Todd brings fresh ideas, energy, and a collaborative spirit that will both elevate and inspire the department. His deep expertise in translating fundamental discoveries into practical industrial applications will also strengthen RPI’s broader commitment to translation.”  

“We have an outstanding legacy of and a potent future for education and research leadership in chemical and biological engineering and their application to societal grand challenges,” Przybycien said. “I am privileged to work with Prof. Patrick Underhill, our new associate department head, and with the students, faculty and staff of CBE - a wonderfully talented and collegial community. Oh the places we’ll go!”  

Przybycien’s work has earned him numerous prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award and the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award. He is also a fellow of the American Chemical Society, AIChE, and AIMBE.  

With Przybycien leading the department, and leveraging the experience and ideas of the current CBE faculty — which includes three members of the US National Academy of Engineering — CBE will deepen its leadership in research and education in health, sustainability, and manufacturing. The appointment reflects RPI’s commitment to shaping the future of engineering through interdisciplinary research and education.