Tom Richard / Institutes of Energy and the Environment & Clive Randall / Materials Research Institute

A new strategic partnership between Penn State and the University of Freiburg is focused on developing a new class of engineered living materials with potential applications in sustainable infrastructure, robotics technologies, and next-generation medical care. Strategic funding will be provided to enable three primary activities:  prestigious research exchange programs open to undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty; interconnected seed grants to encourage activities between research collaborators; shared access to specialized research equipment and facilities at each institution. This program will be jointly managed by MRI and IEE in partnership with the livMatS Centre of Excellence at the University of Freiburg.

Nickel-based superalloys are broadly used in the manufacture of single crystal turbine blades. These components are often considered the limiting components of gas turbine engines due to the harsh operating conditions. Traditionally, these components are manufactured using exotic investment casting, which limits design flexibility. The goal of this presentation is to summarize progress made so far and highlight the challenges on additive manufacturing (AM) of such components.

Troy Sutton | Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

An influenza pandemic occurs when a virus circulating in animals evolves the ability to infect and transmit via the airborne route between people. Using animal models, key changes in a virus that contribute to airborne transmission have been identified; however, while these changes are required, they are not sufficient to support transmission. Therefore, we are taking a multipronged approach to improve existing animal models and define the key barriers that a virus must overcome to transmit through the air. 

Chaopeng Shen | Tong Qiu / Civil & Environmental Engineering

The recent rise in deep learning (DL) is transforming the way many scientists, Geoscientists included, ask questions, formulate solutions and get answers. We are demonstrating promising hydrologic and geotechnical applications, e.g. soil moisture, streamflow, and landslide modeling (Google AI Impact Challenge), where we dedicate some mathematical effort including uncertainties and real-time model updates to the machine. We welcome a conversation regarding where this evolution will take us next.

Thousands of Penn State students graduate each year and seek jobs in academia, national labs, or large companies, but there is another path. Start-up companies create millions of jobs and bring innovative products or services to the world. I will discuss my experience founding a high-tech company that serves the electron microscopy market, discuss risks and rewards, and present “lessons learned” along the way.

John Damiano | PSU EE 93’ | Protochips

Control of pore size, morphology, microstructure and surface functionalization form the basis for numerous applications of carbon materials. In particular, they have a profound impact on the electrochemical properties of carbon. I will discuss past and ongoing efforts in the use of various types of carbon materials for improving the electrode/electrolyte interaction and their potential impact on design of high energy density electrochemical capacitors.