Bilodeau’s research combines molecular simulation with machine learning to develop computational tools that predict the behavior of molecules, proteins and other materials. Rather than screening many molecular configurations experimentally, her laboratory uses models to estimate how materials behave and to analyze the molecular interactions responsible for those predictions. The approach can help identify candidates with the greatest potential for further investigation, supporting work ranging from targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering to biopharmaceutical manufacturing and water purification. Bilodeau also received a 2025 National Science Foundation CAREER Award.

“Combined with advances in artificial intelligence, these tools are opening up new possibilities for designing and discovering molecules and materials,” Bilodeau said. “It’s an exciting time to be in the field.” Her computational methods are intended to examine candidate systems before experimental testing, allowing researchers to explore a broader design space and focus laboratory effort on promising configurations. The award announcement described the 2026 winners as revealing a strong focus on chemicals and materials, a direction reflected in Bilodeau’s use of computational modeling for molecular and material design.

Bilodeau joined UVA’s Department of Chemical Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science in 2023. She earned her B.S. and M.S. from Northwestern University and her Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she studied in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering with professors Steven Cramer and Shekhar Garde. During her doctoral studies, she spent four years as an Advanced Simulations and Computing Graduate Fellow at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. She subsequently completed a postdoctoral appointment focused on machine learning for molecular design under the mentorship of Klavs Jensen in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s chemical engineering department.

The 35 Under 35 Award is presented every three years to 35 eligible AIChE members who have made significant early-career contributions to chemical engineering. The award recognizes work across seven categories as well as contributions to the AIChE community. Bilodeau’s selection recognizes her development of computational methods that join molecular-scale simulation and artificial intelligence, two approaches she uses to investigate material behavior and potential molecular designs. The announcement does not establish that the tools have produced specific clinical or commercial outcomes; instead, it identifies them as research methods with potential applications in medicine, manufacturing and environmental engineering.

“I’m excited and grateful for this recognition, and especially thankful to the mentors and collaborators who have supported me,” Bilodeau said. “Most importantly, I’m grateful to my students, whose hard work, creativity and enthusiasm make our research possible.” AIChE plans to announce the award winners officially at its 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled for Nov. 8–12 in Minneapolis. The honorees will also be featured in the January 2027 issue of CEP Magazine.

Subject of Research: AIChE recognition of chemical engineering research combining molecular simulation and machine learning for molecular and materials design

Article Title: UVA chemical engineering’s Camille Bilodeau named to AIChE’s 2026 ‘35 Under 35’ list

Article References: UVA chemical engineering’s Camille Bilodeau named to AIChE’s 2026 ‘35 Under 35’ list. Original publication (Bibliographic details unavailable.)

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: Not provided

Keywords: Camille Bilodeau, University of Virginia, AIChE, 35 Under 35, molecular simulation, machine learning, materials design, chemical engineering, computational modeling, artificial intelligence, chemical, engineering