What's New at ESM?

John R. Longenecker has been named the 2006 College of Engineering Outstanding Alumnus.

Mr. Longenecker is currently president of Longenecker & Associates. He received a B.S. in Engineering Science in 1971 and an M.S. in Engineering Science in1973.

John Longenecker, president of Longenecker & Associates, Inc., has over 30 years experience in the energy industry in the areas of project management, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, independent assessment, and quality assurance in various programs including environmental remediation, national defense, nuclear reactor development and operations, waste management, and advanced technology development and deployment. Unique strengths and experience include independent assessment, strategic planning, acquisition support and regulatory compliance.

Governor Edward G. Rendell announced Friday (9/22/05) more than $6.5 million in investments by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) to support his technology-focused economic development strategy and the creation of advanced technology and high-tech jobs. "Today we are funding ground-breaking initiatives and programs to support our strong commitment to the advancement of technology across the commonwealth." Governor Rendell said. "Not only will these programs support the commonwealth's emerging small businesses, but also our univesities and communities where new ideas and new technologies are emerging."

Dr. Rand German, Director of the Center for Innovative Sintered Products at the Pennsylvania State University has accepted a new position as Director for the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems and Chaired Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University, effective 1 October 2005. Dr. German will be replacing Professor Donald Trotter, who retired as the CAVS director on 1 July. This is an outstanding opportunity for Professor German, allowing a marriage of his prior emphasis on materials processing with the CAVS strength in computational and systems engineering. Although he will assume the position at CAVS, he will continue to advise his graduate students at PSU through degree completion while finishing out his current research projects.

The Engineering Science and Mechanics Department has developed a formal collaboration with the University of Salerno, Italy. The linkage was developed to promote the development of academic, scientific, technical and cultural relations as well as implement procedures for long-term graduate student enrollment at Penn State.

Prospective students and their parents can learn about engineering programs available at Penn State by attending the engineering open house from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, in the Hintz Family Alumni Center, University Park. Participants will have the opportunity to explore majors in the College of Engineering, the School of Information Sciences and Technology, and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. In addition, representatives will be on hand to answer questions about admissions, financial aid, housing, advising, cooperative education, career development, student organizations, and special programs and opportunities for engineering students. Open house activities also include tours, demonstrations and student displays. For more information or to register, check the Web at http://www.engr.psu.edu/openhouse

Source: PSU Newswire

In December, the College of Engineering's Electronic and Computer Services (ECS) unit completed the installation of secure wireless networking systems in 15 buildings on the University Park campus: Hammond, EE East, EE West, Engineering Units A and B, Reber, Fenske, Hallowell, Leonhard, Earth and Engineering Sciences, Research East, Research West and Cato Park. The Transportation Institute and Sackett buildings currently only have selected cover areas pending the completion of network wiring and infrastructure equipment upgrades; work in these buildings is expected to be completed in the spring.

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Engineering Science and Mechanics is pleased to introduce two new Integrated Undergraduate Graduate (IUG) Programs. An IUG program permits students to take on the rigors and research challenges of graduate study at Penn State by coordinating and combing them with their baccalaureate studies.

E Sc 541 will provide graduate students and practicing engineers with an understanding of the physical processes accompanying laser interactions with matter under conditions typical for laser-materials processing.

EMch 597D is a foundational course in the experimental analysis of nonlinear dynamical systems. Students will learn about the mathematical concepts and algorithmic tools needed to characterize, analyze, model, and predict the dynamics of nonlinear systems that arise in a wide variety of contexts.

Summer 2004 marked the conclusion of the ninth year of the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department's Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates.

The (non-credit) program provides undergraduate Engineering Science students with the opportunity to be paid to work on current research projects under the supervision of Engineering Science and Mechanics faculty.