There are many forms of energy around us: light, heat, vibrations, wind, electromagnetic fields, fluid flow, waves, organic waste, etc. At large scale, many of these energy sources already play a significant role in powering our society and are projected to become dominant contributors by 2040. On the smaller scale, exciting scientific and engineering challenges must be overcome to harness these energy sources.
As we begin the New Year we’ll take a moment to celebrate some recent accomplishments and look towards the future: winners of the 2017 Rustum and Della Roy Awards will be announced, new faculty will be highlighted, and I’ll provide an update on some MRI strategic initiatives.
By Jamie Oberdick
Herbert A. McKinstry, a pioneering materials scientist, educator, community activist and founding faculty member of Penn State’s Materials Research Laboratory, passed away at the age of 101.
(e) cqd2@psu.edu
Robinson, director of the Penn State Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance and director of strategic research initiatives for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, will step into the role effective July 1
126 Land and Water Building
University Park, PA 16802
(e) kat18@psu.edu
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Five Penn State professors have been named Evan Pugh University Professors, an elite and prestigious distinction conferred by the University on only 84 faculty members since the establishment of the designation in 1960.
Nitin Samarth, Verne M. Willaman Professor of Physics and professor of materials science and engineering, has been elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for distinguished contributions to the physical sciences. He is one of 252 leaders in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research and science elected in 2026. The induction ceremony for new members will take place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in October.
