Current Lab Members
Stephanie Stockar, PhD is the Principal Investigator of the Energy Systems Optimization and Control Lab. She joined the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University as an assistant professor in August 2016. Dr. Stockar conducts research is in the areas of modeling and optimization of nonlinear dynamical systems, with focus on automotive applications (internal combustion engines, advanced powertrains) and building energy systems. Her research approach hinges upon the multidisciplinary integration of thermo-fluid sciences with dynamic systems, modeling, optimization and control. Dr. Stockar’s work has been funded by Ford Motor Company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the National Science Foundation and the US Department of Energy. Before joining Penn State University, she was a Research Associate at The Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research (OSU-CAR). She earned her BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich in 2007 and 2010, respectively, and obtained her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 2013.
Stephen Boyle
is pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, and specializes in automotive powertrain development. He got his bachelor’s from Rowan University in NJ, where his interest in automotive engineering was jump started by his participation SAE Supermileage. Since attending Penn State, he has participated in EcoCAR3, and is now working on improving his vehicle modeling skills to contribute to the ARPA-E NEXTCAR project. He’s also involved in a few side projects including the CNG bi-fuel conversion of a Subaru WRX and the modeling and development of a practical hydrogen ICE.
Brian Huynh is pursuing a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, and he focuses on thermal system dynamics and control optimization. He obtained his BS in Mechanical Engineering from NC State University, where he was a member of the University Honors Program and Tau Beta Pi. Currently, he is working on the ARPA-E NEXTCAR project.
Dylan Stecklair is a senior studying Mechanical Engineering at Penn State. He graduated from B. Reed Henderson High School, West Chester PA, in 2015. He is working in the area of modeling of energy distribution systems, with focus on District Heating Networks and has been supporting the building of the lab since he joined the E-SOC group in 2016.
Brian Block is a senior in the Schreyer Honors College studying mechanical engineering. He is currently working on the APRA-E NEXTCAR project. When not doing school work, Brian enjoys playing the saxophone and marching in The Pennsylvania State Marching Blue Band.
Former Lab Members
Melissa Krieger (M.S., Summer 2018). Joined Volvo Group Trucks Technology in July 2018.
Eric Hodge, (B.Sc. with Honors, Spring 2018).
Raveen Fernando (M.S., Summer 2017). Joined Ford Motor Company in September 2017.