Dinesh Agrawal, professor of materials and director of the Microwave Processing and Engineering Center at the Materials Research Laboratory, recently gave invited talks at EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Defense Science Organization (Singapore), National University of Singapore, Tokai University (Japan), National Industrial Research Institute (Nagoya, Japan) and the National Institute of Research in Inorganic Materials (Japan). The latest developments in the microwave processing of ceramics, composites and metals were the focus of his talks.
John Almquist, professor emeritus of dairy physiology, received the 1999 Pioneer Award from the National Dairy Shrine, the "Hall of Fame" of the dairy industry. Almquist is known internationally for his work in artificial insemination and reproductive physiology of cattle.
Joy Dunbar, manager of programs for The Pennsylvania Rural Leadership Program, has been reappointed to the Public Utility Commission's Consumer Advisory Council. Dunbar represents rural constituents and her term extends until 2001.
Karen L Fingerman, professor of human development and family studies in the College of Health and Human Development, was recently honored by the Gerontological Society of America for her contributions in the fields of behavioral and social gerontology. She is the first recipient of the GSA's Margret M. Baltes Early Career Award. Fingerman has been invited to deliver a distinguished lecture at next year's GSA annual meeting.
Les Gallay, research associate in agricultural and extension education, received a 1999-2000 Fulbright Senior Scholar Award to lecture and conduct research in Hungary. Gallay will lecture on health planning in Hungary, economic analysis in health policy and ecological aspects of health promotion at the New School of Public Health at Debrecen University.
David Geiser, assistant professor of plant pathology and director of the Fusarium Research Center, received the 1999 Martin-Baker Award from the Mycological Society of America.
Randall M. German, Brush Chair professor in materials and professor of engineering science and mechanics, was awarded the Jubilee Tesla Medal by the Nikola Tesla Foundation and the Nikola Tesla Society for the Promotion of Scientific Knowledge.
Three Penn State faculty members participated in the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Middle East Studies Association, held in Washington, D.C. Timothy J. Gianotti, assistant professor of religious studies and history, delivered an invited paper titled "Rambam and Abu Nasr: Deciphering the Ezekiel Discourse (Guide III, 1-7) in the Light of Al-Farabi's Cosmology;" Nina Safran, assistant professor of history, gave an invited talk on "Charges of Blasphemy in Ninth Century Cordoba: The Qadi's Court as a Political Arena." Arthur Goldschmidt, professor of Middle East history, served as chair and commentator for a panel on "Social Change and Reform in Egypt."
William Henning, associate professor of animal science, recently received the Distinguished Extension/Industry Service award from the American Meat Science Association.
Akhlesh Lakhtakia, professor of engineering science and mechanics, was named a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Paul Robillard, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering, recently presented the lecture "Advances in Watershed Science" at the International Water Engineering Center at the University of Ottawa, Canada.