
Dear friends of EME,
I hope this message finds you well and thriving in your respective careers. As the department’s associate head for graduate education, I am honored to share updates on our department’s continuous growth and accomplishments. Our department has garnered global recognition for our commitment to excellence in graduate education and research, supporting students as they tackle critical issues in energy, sustainability, and mineral resources. This success reflects our dedication to fostering a community that addresses the ever-evolving demands of the energy and mineral industries.
The past year has been transformative for both our faculty and graduate students, marked by innovative curriculum updates and enhancements to our research capabilities. Our graduate programs continue to evolve to meet industry needs, with diverse options that include the base Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) program, and the Energy Systems Engineering (ESysE), Fuel Science (FSc), Mining and Mineral Process Engineering (MMPE), Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering (PNGE) options, and the online Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (RESS) program. These programs are tailored to equip students with both the specialized skills and interdisciplinary knowledge essential for addressing today’s complex energy challenges.
We deeply value our alumni network and the vital role you play in sustaining our mission. Your ongoing support—whether through mentorship, guest lectures, or partnerships with industry— creates invaluable opportunities for students to connect their academic learning with real-world applications. We encourage you to stay involved, share your expertise, and help us inspire the next generation of leaders in energy and mineral engineering.
Thank you for your dedication to EME and Penn State. Together, we can drive impactful change and build a more sustainable future in energy and environmental stewardship.
Sincerely,
Shimin Liu, Ph.D.
Associate Department Head of Graduate Education
Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering
George H., Jr. and Anne B. Deike Chair in Mining Engineering