Penn State research in energy and defense was highlighted in "Innovation in Action," an exhibition and reception for Congressional legislators and staff, Feb. 1 in the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
As co-hosts of the event, Penn State joined Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh as the Pennsylvania members of the American Association of Universities.
Penn State sponsored displays from the Energy Institute and the Applied Research Laboratory and its Electo-Optics Center. For the institute, researchers Alan Scaroni, Steven Kibry and Jonathan Matthews were discussing computer simulations of various energy processes, such as carbon dioxide sequestration, CAT scans and coal modeling.
The Applied Research Laboratory and the Electo-Optics Center displayed technology-related hardware that was developed to support its numerous U.S. Department of Defense missions. This included undersea vehicles and electro-optic devices. ARL also addressed defense-related technology spin-offs and partnering efforts with Pennsylvania-based industry, as well as Pennsylvania defense depots and naval shipyards. Participants included ARL director Ed Liszka and assistants Greg Johnson and Tom Goodall.
Penn State's research expenditures reached $638 million in fiscal year 2005, up 5 percent over fiscal year 2004.
"As a land-grant institution, Penn State places great emphasis on 'translational' research: the work that turns basic discoveries into real-world applications," said Eva J. Pell, vice president for research and dean of The Graduate School.
For photos from the event, check Penn State Live at http://live.psu.edu/still_life/2006_02_03_innovations/index.html