Nicholas P. Cernansky to Receive ASME’s Internal Combustion Engine Award

NEW YORK, September 12, 2012 —Nicholas P. Cernansky, P.E., Ph.D., a resident of Philadelphia, and Frederic O. Hess chair professor of combustion at Drexel University, will be honored by ASME. He is being recognized for contributions to the field of internal combustion engines that have provided significant insights into a range of topics including air quality and pollutant formation, hydrocarbon kinetics mechanisms at low and intermediate temperature, advanced combustion systems and next generation fuels. He will receive ASME’s Internal Combustion Engine Award.

The award, established in 1966, recognizes eminent achievement or distinguished service over a substantial period of time in the field of internal combustion engines. It will be presented to Dr. Cernansky during ASME’s Internal Combustion Engine Division Fall Technical Conference, which is being held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sept. 23 through 26.

Cernansky teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and conducts research in the areas of combustion, propulsion, thermodynamics, and energy conversion and utilization. He is the author of numerous reports and publications arising from this work, including more than 100 refereed publications. He has supervised more than 41 master’s and 31 doctoral students. He also coordinates the department’s Undergraduate Honors Research Program.

Cernansky’s work has contributed significantly to the fundamental understanding of internal combustion engine systems, pollution from stationary and vehicular sources, fuel and energy conservation, fuels technology and environmental sciences. His investigations have led to substantial improvements in the fundamental understanding of low and intermediate temperature kinetics for hydrocarbon fuels.

A member of the faculty of Drexel University since 1975, Cernansky’s has served as acting/interim department head and S. Herbert Raynes Jr. professor of mechanical engineering. His other professional activities have include: visiting scientist at the Combustion Research Facility at Sandia National Laboratories; member of the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act Advisory Committee; service on numerous professional society boards and committees; and consulting activities for EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Health Effects Institute, the National Research Council, and others. Prior to joining Drexel, he was a vehicle emissions control engineer with the National Air Pollution Control Administration (now EPA).

An ASME member, Cernansky has served as a member of various Philadelphia Section committees (1975-82); as faculty advisor of the Drexel Student Section (1976-78); and as a member of the Program and Arrangements Committee for the 1977 International Gas Turbine Conference and Exhibit. He has co-authored a number of ASME meeting and journal papers, and has served as a reviewer.

His honors include SAE International’s Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award (1976), Outstanding Younger Member Award (1981) and four Faculty Advisor awards (1990, 1993, 1996 and 2007); The Combustion Institute’s Central States Section Best Paper Award (1985); Drexel University’s Research Achievement Award (1989); and a listing in American Men and Women of Science. He is also an Order of the Engineer inductee.

Cernansky earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in 1968; and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1968. At the University of California, Berkeley, he earned a master’s degree in environmental health sciences in 1973 and his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 1974. He is a registered professional engineer in Pennsylvania.

The ASME Foundation is the proud supporter of the ASME Honors and Awards program through the management of award endowment funds set up by individuals, corporations or groups.

About ASME ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. For more information visit www.asme.org.