The seventh edition of Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering is co-authored by three Michigan Chemical Engineering faculty members: Bryan Goldsmith, Eranda Nikolla and Nirala Singh.
A cornerstone of chemical engineering education for nearly four decades, “Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering” has guided generations of students in mastering fundamental principles and practical applications. First published in 1986 by the late H. Scott Fogler, this widely adopted textbook remains a go-to resource in chemical engineering programs worldwide.
Now, with its seventh edition, the book continues its legacy with updates that reflect the latest advancements in the field, including expanded coverage of electrochemical reactors.
Published in March, the seventh edition retains its hallmark emphasis on active learning while incorporating new content on molecular simulation methods, catalytic reactions, and surface reaction mechanisms. It also introduces a new chapter dedicated to electrochemical reactors—an increasingly vital area in renewable energy and industrial chemical processes.
The latest edition is co-authored by three Michigan Chemical Engineering faculty members: Bryan Goldsmith, Eranda Nikolla and Nirala Singh. As both former students and current educators in the field of reaction engineering each brings a deep connection to the text.
Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan
Bryan R. Goldsmith, an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan, focuses on using computational modeling and data science to advance catalysis and materials science. He has been recognized with awards such as the AIChE 35 Under 35 Award and the NSF CAREER Award.
“I studied undergraduate and graduate reaction engineering using this book, both during my BS and PhD,” said Goldsmith. “My research lab works extensively with reaction kinetics and reactor modeling, which align closely with the book’s themes. I also collaborated with Scott Fogler on developing Python-based interactive modules for this textbook.”
Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan
Eranda Nikolla, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan, specializes in catalysis and electrocatalysis for sustainable energy applications. A widely recognized leader in the field, she has received numerous awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and the ACS Catalysis Lectureship for the Advancement of Catalytic Science.
“I learned about reaction engineering using this book and have been teaching with it every year since 2011,” said Nikolla. “I have taught both undergraduate and graduate reactor engineering courses using this book, and my research in catalysis and reactor design directly connects with its content.”
Nirala Singh, an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan, specializes in catalysis and electrocatalysis for energy storage and sustainable chemical production. Singh has been a key figure in reactor engineering education at U-M and is actively involved in catalysis research.
Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan
“I took the undergraduate reaction engineering course (ChE 344) at Michigan in 2009, testing a draft version of this book. That course and reading Professor Fogler’s book led me want to work in catalysis and reactor engineering research,” said Singh. “I later used this book for graduate coursework at UC Santa Barbara and served as a teaching assistant for the undergraduate course there. At Michigan, I have taught both undergraduate and graduate reactor engineering courses, including trialing the sixth edition and contributing feedback for its development.”
The seventh edition of “Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering” not only updates and expands the field’s foundational knowledge but also honors the legacy of H. Scott Fogler, who dedicated his career to education and advancing reaction engineering. The textbook remains an indispensable resource for future generations of chemical engineers, bridging classic principles with modern innovations in reactor design and catalysis.