CISP was founded and brought to prominence in the early 1990s by Professor Randall German, who three years ago became head of the Center for Advanced Vehicle Systems at Mississippi State University. In the interim, some drift became apparent that the new director will be expected to correct.

Dr Heaney’s immediate goals are to engage a Board of Directors; develop strategic initiatives that will lead to increased industrial memberships; new sponsored research projects, collaborations and student support across the University; and create a long-term vision for CISP’s future.

Dr Heaney is an associate professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM), has been a member of Penn State’s graduate faculty since 2000 and a member of the ESM faculty since 2006. His group conducts research in the areas of micro component fabrication, titanium powder metallurgy, metal/ceramic brazing, and organic selection for the net shape fabrication of powdered materials. While associate director of CISP, he was responsible for powder processing equipment acquisitions and member contract research.

Don Heaney has published more than 50 refereed technical publications in the area of powder processing and is an expert in the area of metal injection moulding. He received his Professional Engineer License in Metallurgy in 2005. He teaches a senior level course on PM Processing and numerous continuing education classes in powder processing.

Dr Heaney received his bachelors, masters (engineering science) and doctoral (materials science and engineering) degrees from Penn State. Before joining Penn State, Dr. Heaney was a Senior Process Development Engineer with 3M Electronic Products Division (Austin, TX) and a Principal Engineer with Bristol Myers Squibb Orthopaedic Implant Division (Warsaw, IN).

He can be reached via e-mail at dfh100@psu.edu