About the Department
This page speaks about the department, its alumni, and its current
events and projects.
You might want to check out the
view from one
of the LionCam's
on campus.
Our long-range plans are on-line
here also.
We also have started putting some videos of seminars on-line.
|
The Pennsylvania State University Department of Aerospace Engineering has celebrated over sixty years of success since its inception in 1943. Over these years, eight department heads have served admirably, ensuring growth and stability and helping to endure the prosperous and tumultuous times that lay ahead. The Aeronautical Engineering Degree was first designed as a subsidary for the Mechanical Engineering program. In 1945, the degree was given a home in its own department. It was one of the first aerospace engineering departments established in the country. At that time, the office was located in Engineering Unit D, and there were only two full-time faculty members, one of which, Dr. David Peery, was the first head of the department. A subsonic wind tunnel and a Link trainer were the tools of research. Since then, numerous facilities have been created. After the office was moved to the newly constructed Hammond Building in the early 60s, the department received a transonic and supersonic tunnel. The George Wislicenus Water Tunnel was introduced in 1962. Today, a computing lab also serves the department, efficiently simulating wind tunnel tests. Dr. Barnes McCormick was Head of the department from 1969 to 1985. Dr. Dennis McLaughlin then served as Head until July 2004. Dr. George Lesieutre is presently Head of the department. The department is recognized as one of the top eleven aerospace departments in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report, and it is the only aerospace department in Pennsylvania. Three astronauts and other high-level executives in the engineering industries are graduates from this program. The faculty and staff continually work to ensure quality education for our students. |
 A Student participates in a departmental sailplane project, additionally offered as an undergraduate course by the department.
|
This Aerospace Department has implemented an alumni survey focusing on
differences between college education and career application.
Please visit the survey if you are an alumna/alumnus of this department.
| RETURN TO AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HOMEPAGE |
