The Richard E. Tressler Lectures in Materials honors the very important work of Professor Richard E. Tressler who was head of Penn State's Department of Materials Science and Engineering from 1991-2001. Read more
2026 Richard E. Tressler Lectures in Materials
3:05 to 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 in 111 Forum Building
“What’s Fueling Your Future? Embracing the Genius of the AND"
Tabbetha Dobbins, Ph.D.
Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Professor in the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Rowan University
Abstract
Dobbins' lecture traces a personal and professional journey that began at Penn State and has evolved through a career in clean energy research to leadership in graduate education.
Drawing on years as a hydrogen storage and alternative energy researcher, her talk explores how scientific curiosity, persistence, and passion can serve as powerful sources of fuel for one’s future. That same drive later enabled her to pivot into academic leadership, culminating in a current role as dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Rowan University, where supporting graduate students and programs now fuels a new kind of fire.
Interwoven throughout this journey is a central life lesson: embracing the "genius of the AND" rather than succumbing to the "tyranny of the OR." Too often, students and early-career scholars are led to believe they must choose between research and leadership, technical depth and broader impact, or passion and practicality. This talk challenges that false dichotomy, encouraging the audience to explore boundaries, intersections, and combinations—where innovation, fulfillment, and opportunity often reside.
By blending scientific examples, career pivots, and reflective insights, Dobbin's lecture invites students and scholars to think expansively about what fuels their future—and how choosing the AND can open paths they may not yet see.
Biographical Information
Tabbetha Dobbins is the dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Rowan University. She is also a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rowan University. Her degrees are: bachelor of science in physics from Lincoln University; master of science in materials science and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania; and doctorate in materials science and engineering from Penn State.
Dobbins then became a National Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory. Her first faculty position was a joint appointment between Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University. Dobbins' research focused on the study of hydrogen storage materials using synchrotron X-ray and neutron characterization techniques. During her time in academia, she served on the executive steering committees for the African Light Source Foundation and the Light Sources for Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia and the Middle East Project. Dobbins also served on the Institute of Physics' Task Force for Underrepresentation of African Americans in Physics. Dobbins is passionate about research, inclusion, and mentoring.
3:05 to 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 in 111 Forum Building
“Advances in Mechanical Characterization of Structural Ceramics”
Jeffrey J. Swab , Ph.D.
Founder, Swab Consulting, LLC
Abstract
Structural ceramics such as silicon nitride, silicon carbide, boron carbide, and zirconia offer a unique combination of properties—including exceptional corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, hardness, and, in selected systems, biocompatibility—that exceed those of most metals and polymers. These attributes have enabled their adoption, and growing consideration, for demanding applications in engines, armor systems, biomedical implants, energy technologies, and hypersonic vehicles. However, the inherently brittle nature of ceramics has historically limited their widespread structural use, placing a premium on accurate and reliable mechanical characterization.
Over the past four decades, substantial advances in mechanical characterization methodologies have significantly improved the understanding, quality, consistency, and reliability of advanced ceramic materials. This presentation reviews key developments in mechanical testing and fracture analysis that have shaped modern ceramic design and qualification practices.
Biographical Information
Jeffrey J. Swab is an internationally recognized expert in the mechanical characterization and fracture analysis of ceramics and glasses. He earned his bachelor of science degree in ceramic science and engineering from Penn State in 1983, followed by an master of science degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a doctorate degree from SUNY–Stony Brook, both in materials science and engineering.
Swab retired from the U.S. Army after 41 years of service as a ceramic research scientist, where he advanced the development of ceramics for engines, gun barrels, projectiles, vehicle and body armor, as well as glasses and glass-ceramics for transparent armor systems. He is the founder of Swab Consulting LLC, an independent firm specializing in mechanical property testing and fracture analysis of advanced ceramics and glasses.
He is an American Ceramic Society Fellow and serves as an associate editor for the International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology. His academic contributions include two years of teaching at the United States Military Academy at West Point and serving as a co-instructor for a short course on the fractography of ceramics and glasses at Alfred University.
Swab’s honors include the Commandant’s Award for Personal Service to the United States Military Academy, two Army Research Laboratory Excellence in Engineering Awards, and numerous Army commendations. He is the author or co-author of more than 175 technical publications, holds two patents, and has contributed to the development of two technical standards.
He is also the proud father of two sons, both graduates of Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
Past Tressler Awardees
2025: Arthur Martin, Ph.D.
2025: Faisal Al-Faqeer, Ph.D.
2024: Jennifer Lalli, Ph.D.
2024: Robert J. Kumpf, Ph.D.
2023: Walt Moorhead
2023: Titilayo “Titi” Shodiya, Ph.D.
2022: Patrick Yoder, M.S.
2022: Robert Petcavich, Ph.D.
2020: Melissa Hockstad, M.S.
2020: Lawrence Hancock, Ph.D.
2019: Maureen L. Mulvihill, Ph.D.
2019: Amit Das, Ph.D.
2017: Dawne Moffatt-Fairbanks, Ph.D.
2016: Tim Hsu
2016: S. Jill Glass
2015: Curtis Johnson
2015: Joseph Monkowski
2015: Darryl Butt, Ph.D.
2013: Delbert E. Day, Ph.D.
2013: David R. Clarke, Ph.D.
2012: Nancy J. McGinnis
2012: Yet-Ming Chiang
2011: Mildred S. Dresselhaus, Ph.D.
2011: L. Eric Cross, Ph.D.
2011: Donald W. Hamer
2010: Ed Kramer, Ph.D.
2010: Naomi J. Halas, Ph.D.
2010: Gerbrand Ceder, Ph.D.
2010: Joseph A. Miller