How can chemical engineering principles be applied to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes, considering factors like reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena? Additionally, how do advancements in materials science contribute to designing novel catalysts, membranes, and separation techniques for improving process performance and minimizing environmental impact? Furthermore, how can computational modeling and simulation techniques aid in optimizing process designs, predicting product properties, and minimizing energy consumption? Lastly, how do safety protocols and risk assessment methodologies ensure the reliable operation of chemical plants, mitigating potential hazards and protecting both the environment and human health?