Dr. Joseph Cusumano, Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics, went to the Center for Nonlinear Science at the University of Muenster, Germany. Dr. Cusumano was invited to participate in the workshop “Windows to Complexity 2011” and will be giving a talk on “Goal Equivalent Fluctuation Dynamics of Human Movement.”

ESM is delighted to recognize Scott Kralik, Research Technician in Engineering Science and Mechanics, for his 25 years of service.

Dr. Charles Bakis, Distinguished Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics, received a renewal on his Graduate Automotive Technology Education (GATE) initiative. The US Department of Energy GATE initiative will award funds over the course of five years (2011-16) to support seven Centers of Excellence at American colleges, universities, and university-affiliated research institutions, including Penn State. Professors Charles Bakis and Michael Lanagan of the ESM Department have been involved with Penn State's GATE Center since its founding in 1998. Their research interests encompass electrical energy storage using advanced composite flywheels and advanced capacitors. Other affiliates of the Penn State GATE Center are associated with the Larson Transportation Institute, the College of Engineering, and College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and the Applied Research Laboratory. The recently awarded funding will allow Penn State’s GATE program to continue to sponsor DOE graduate fellows investigating energy storage and advanced combustion in hybrid and electric vehicles. The DOE GATE program promotes the development of a skilled workforce of engineering professionals who will overcome technical barriers and help commercialize the next generation of advanced automotive technologies.

Engineering Science and Mechanics Assistant Professor, Samia A. Suliman, is to give a presentation at Indiana University of Pennsylvania entitled: "Silicon MOS transistors: from miniaturization to increased functions'. The presentation is scheduled on September 23 as part of the IU-physics department seminar.

Dr. Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Charles Godfrey Binder Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics is honored on a faculty trading card. Penn State Faculty Trading Cards, an idea that originated with Penn State Graham Spanier in 2007, are a unique way to recognize just a few of the many outstanding faculty whose research and creative accomplishments have brought special distinction to Penn State. To learn more about trading cards, please visit their web page.