Dr. Charles E. Bakis, professor of engineering science and mechanics, has received the University's highest distinction with the title of Distinguished Professor.

Professor Bakis has been a faculty member in the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics at The Pennsylvania State University for 19 years, conducting pioneering research in composite materials. Applications of these materials are found in communications satellites, military aircraft, rotorcraft, engines for high speed, high efficiency aircraft, flywheel energy storage systems, reinforced concrete, robotic actuators, artificial muscles, and autonomously tailored structures.

Dr. Bakis serves as the Director of Penn State’s Composites Manufacturing Technology Center, which supports faculty and their students during the academic year, and contains a comprehensive collection of equipment for the manufacturing and testing of composites. His research has had a major impact on the development of light weight, high temperature composite components for structural applications and in the development of new composite manufacturing technologies that have been transferred to industry.

The title of distinguished professor is for outstanding faculty in recognition of their outstanding teaching, research, and service at Penn State and in their profession.

We hope you join ESM in congratulating Dr. Bakis on this prestigious award. He can be e-mailed at: ceb5@psu.edu