Mechanical Engineering Alumni News

Balaji Panchapakesan, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at University of Delaware and 2001 Maryland mechanical engineering Ph.D. has developed a unique nanobomb that can literally blow up breast cancer tumors. "Make no mistake, we are focused on eradicating cancer," Panchapakesan said, explaining that the nanobomb holds great promise as a therapeutic agent for killing cancer cells, with particular emphasis on breast cancer cells. Panchapakesan was the first Ph.D. student advised by ME Professor Don DeVoe.

Mary Lacey, the only woman in the University of Maryland's undergraduate class of 1978 who majored in mechanical engineering, is in the unenviable position of redesigning the way DOD civilian employees are hired, paid and promoted. Lacey started her DOD career by interning at the White Oak, Md., Naval Ordnance Laboratory while still in high school. She spent much of her career designing explosives and served as technical director of the Naval Surface Warfare Center before accepting her current position.

Steve Schrantz (B.S. '84 mechanical engineering) has been named a Principal Engineer in Structural and Life Methods for GE Aircraft Engines in Evendale, Ohio. Steve has worked at GE since graduation specializing in Finite Element Analysis Methods in the Rotating Parts Center of Excellence. Steve is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ohio and received a MS degree in 1987 from the University of Cincinnati. Steve and his wife, Danielle, have two children, Joe and Emma, and live in West Chester, Ohio.

Published October 15, 2005