UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Michael Hickner, associate professor of materials science and engineering, and chemical engineering, has been named the Corning Faculty Fellow in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, effective July 1.
“I am honored and excited to be given this opportunity,” said Hickner. “Fellowships are very important for faculty because they enable us to expand the opportunities for our graduate students and take new risks with our research."
Hickner’s research focuses on the connection between the molecular chemistry, the nanophase structure, and the resulting physical and transport properties of polymeric materials. He and his group are interested in biodegradable and biorenewable materials, membranes, energy technology, including novel batteries, and 3D printing.
“Our plan for the Corning Faculty Fellowship is to do more work at the interface of organic materials and glass, such as surface coatings and 3D printing of polymer-glass composites,” said Hickner. “This fellowship will also allow my graduate students to attend conferences in areas like humanitarian engineering and sustainability, which will help us reach out into new areas in science and society.”
“This fellowship will be very beneficial for Mike as he works with his research team to make valuable contributions to materials science and engineering,” said Susan Sinnott, head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Hickner received a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Michigan Technological University, and a master of science and doctorate in chemical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He served as a postdoc and staff member at Sandia National Laboratories before joining Penn State’s faculty in 2007.
The Corning Faculty Fellowship in Materials Science and Engineering provides supplementary funds to an outstanding faculty member in materials science and engineering to support the member’s contributions in teaching, research and public service. The fellowship is endowed by the Corning Incorporated Foundation, the primary philanthropic source of Corning Incorporated that serves to promote educational and social progress to have a meaningful impact.