Imagine, March 2026 
Dear MatSE friends and alumni,
I hope you are all doing well as the early signs of spring are bringing renewed energy after an especially cold winter season. Here at Penn State, our students, faculty, and staff have just returned from spring break refreshed and ready to take on the remainder of the semester. The final stretch of the academic year is always an exciting and productive time in the department as research continues to advance, students prepare for graduation, and we gather as a community to celebrate achievements in materials science and engineering.
One highlight of the coming weeks will be our annual Distinguished Lecture Series in Materials Science and Engineering. This series includes two Richard E. Tressler Award Lectures in Materials and the David Ford McFarland Award Lecture for Achievement in Materials. These awards honor researchers who have distinguished themselves through exceptional contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. It is always a privilege to welcome these accomplished professionals to campus to receive their awards and share their insights with our students, faculty, and the broader materials community. Their stories illustrate the remarkable impact of materials science and engineering, providing inspiration for the next generation of materials scientists and engineers.
We also have exciting news to share from our faculty. Venkat Gopalan has been appointed distinguished professor of Materials Science and Engineering, one of the highest honors bestowed by the University. This title recognizes faculty members whose research, teaching, and service have achieved exceptional national and international distinction. Venkat’s pioneering contributions to ferroic materials, domain topology, and functional materials have shaped our understanding of complex materials systems and have had a profound impact on the broader materials community.
In addition, Allison Beese has been named senior associate director of Penn State’s newly established National Security Institute. Allison’s work in advanced manufacturing, particularly in understanding and improving the mechanical performance of additively manufactured metals, has positioned her as a national leader in this rapidly evolving field. Her new leadership role will help strengthen Penn State’s contributions to research and innovation in areas critical to national security.
As always, thank you for staying connected with Penn State MatSE. Your continued engagement as alumni, collaborators, mentors, and supporters plays an essential role in the vitality of our department and in the success of our students. We look forward to sharing more updates and celebrating the accomplishments of our community in the months ahead.
We Are!
John C. Mauro
Department Head and Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering