Penn State has awarded Patrick M. Lenahan the title of Distinguished Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM). Professor Lenahan is recognized for his pioneering research in the materials physics of semiconductor devices, experimental studies of atomic scale defects, magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, reliability in Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) devices, Hafnia-based and SiC-based Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (HfO2-based MOSFETs and SiC-based MOSFETs), and bipolar junction transistors.

Please take the opportunity to congratulate Professor Lenahan on his outstanding success.

Sandra Watson (ESM budget assistant) and Kelly Owens (ESM editorial assistant) have both completed Module 3 of the ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES). Jean Brooks (ESM administrative assistant) has completed Module 1 of the program.

The two year, 80 classroom hour learning experience is a combination of workshops, online education, mentoring, and competency assessment that lead to certification.

Congratulations to all on a job well done.

Stephen J. Fonash, Bayard D. Kunkle Professor, has been issued a patent for his invention of "Electronic and Opto-Electronic Devices Fabricated from Nanostructured High Surface to Volume Ratio Thin Films".

Dr. Judith A. Todd, P. B. Breneman Department Head Chair, has received a 2006 Materials Research Institute (MRI) Inspiration Award. The award is given annually to a university member who inspires and motivates others while fostering excellence in achievements and performance, encourages the growth of others, promotes diversity, provides superior customer serevice and is viewed as an outstanding university employee.

The award will be presented at the annual MRI Award luncheon on Friday, December 15, 2006.

Sabih Hayek, Professor Emeritus of Engineering Science and Mechanics, presented a paper entitled "Acoustic Backscattering from Fluid-filled Submerged Spheroidal Shells", at the 4th Joint meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and Acoustical Society of Japan, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, November 28-December 2, 2006. The paper was co-authored with Jeff Boisvert (National Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport, Newport, RI). Dr. Hayek also chaired the session on Structural Acoustics and Vibration.