Dr. Reid Berdanier is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. He earned a Ph.D. from Purdue University in the area of experimental compressor aerodynamics with a focus on advanced measurements. His current research areas include development and demonstration of novel experimental techniques supporting ongoing sponsored programs for turbine aerodynamics and heat transfer. Dr. Berdanier is a Fellow of ASME and a recipient of the ASME Dilip R. Ballal Early Career Engineer Award.

Dr. Berdanier’s Personal Website

Dr. Berdanier’s CV

Dr. Stephen Lynch is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. He has expertise in applications of convective heat transfer and aerodynamics for aerospace, particularly gas turbine engines. His work has utilized state-of-the-art experimental diagnostics, supported by computations. His research interests include high speed aerodynamics and heat transfer in turbines, interaction of main gas path and secondary flows, advanced airfoil cooling schemes (film and internal channel cooling), three-dimensional boundary layers, and development of advanced fluid and heat transfer diagnostic tools.

Dr. Lynch’s CV

Dr. Barringer oversees daily operation of the PSU START laboratory and research programs. Holding a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, his expertise is in gas turbine heat transfer and aerodynamics. He is currently designing and commissioning the world-class, rotating turbine rig at the heart of the START laboratory.

Matt Meier earned a PhD from Purdue University in 2022.

Mr. Houck is responsible for managing financial aspects of research projects in the START lab. He comes from a background of business management, financial accounting, and research administration. He holds a BS in Marketing and a Master of Finance from Penn State.

Mr. Bunch is responsible for the assembly and disassembly of the complex mechanical test rig components and assisting with rig operation, including installing and troubleshooting instrumentation. He was a jet engine test cell operator in the Marine Corps and an instructor at the Center of Naval Aviation Technical Training. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Affairs.

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Dr. Karen A. Thole is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University where she also previously served as the Department Head.  Dr. Thole’s expertise is heat transfer, additive manufacturing, and instrumentation development.  She directs the Steady Thermal Aero Research (START) Lab where experimental and computational studies are conducted to advance aviation sustainability and power generation through highly efficient turbines.  She is a Fellow of ASME and AIAA and has been recognized by ASME’s R. Tom Sawyer, George Westinghouse Gold, Edwin F. Church and Heat Transfer Memorial Awards.  From AIAA, she has been awarded AIAA’s Air Breathing Propulsion and Thermophysics Awards.

Dr. Thole’s CV

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