The David Ford McFarland Award for Achievement in Materials was established in 1948 by the Penn State Chapter of the American Society for Metals (now ASM International) to honor graduates of Penn State who have honorably distinguished themselves in some field of materials. The award was named in honor of Dr. David Ford McFarland—former professor and department head. Read more
2025 McFarland Award
3:05 to 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in 101 Ag Science Building
“From Earth to Space: Advancing Materials Technologies and Embracing Life's Mission”
Rose Hernandez, Ph.D.
Science Program Director, International Space Station National Laboratory
Abstract
Advancements in materials science and engineering are undeniably the catalyst for most technology trends. At the core of many technological advancements lies the development of new materials that offer superior properties, including developments in sustainable materials, responsive and smart materials, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, material informatics, advanced composites, 2-D materials, and more.
In this talk, Hernandez will discuss examples from her career on the commercialization of new material technologies and their profound economic impact across various industries. In the chemical industry, advanced materials enhance process efficiency and sustainability. The medical and pharmaceutical sectors benefit from innovative drug delivery systems and biocompatible materials, driving growth, and improving patient outcomes. In the beauty industry, novel materials and sustainable practices boost product efficacy and consumer appeal. Consumer products see enhanced performance and durability through advanced materials, leading to increased market competitiveness.
Furthermore, the nation’s list of critical technologies and industries of the future is heavily dependent on materials science and engineering. Researchers are looking 261 miles up at the International Space Station National Laboratory to create new and unique materials. For example, advancements in microelectronics are being investigated in the absence of Earth's gravitational forces, allowing for improved crystallization, leading to higher-quality semiconductor crystals with fewer defects. Similarly, advancements in biomaterials are pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine, allowing scientists to study cell mechanisms that are otherwise undetectable under normal gravity conditions. They are also developing 3D bioprinting methods where bio-inks made from a patient's own cells can be used to print tissues that organize more naturally into three-dimensional structures without collapsing under their own weight.
Materials science is vital to all industries, driving innovation, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth and enhancing life on Earth. Reflecting on this personal journey, humility, integrity, and continuous learning are essential for advancing technology, making positive contributions to society and the environment, and embracing life's greater purpose.
Biography
Rose Hernandez, Ph.D., is a science program director for In-Space Production Applications at the International Space Station National Laboratory. She is responsible for championing research and development programs for a diverse research portfolio of applied science for advanced materials and the manufacture of products in space to benefit life on Earth.
Hernandez began her career as a research scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 1997. She worked in a variety of laboratory divisions and projects including analytical chemistry, biotechnology, and surface and microanalysis science. In 2005, Hernandez pivoted to the private sector in research and development, where she developed and advanced the commercialization of new technologies and products for chemical, over-the-counter pharmaceutical, consumer products and cosmetic industries.
Hernandez credits her personal and professional growth and success to STEM initiatives and its supporters. She will forever be an advocate for STEM. As a dedicated mother of two daughters, she is passionately committed to fighting for equity and inclusion. Recognizing the unique challenges women face in today's world, her goal is to create a future workplace where her daughters can thrive based on their contributions, free from any biases.
Hernandez has bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Puerto Rico and a Ph.D. in materials sciences and engineering from Penn State.
2022: Ruth Ann Wood, M.S.
2020: William Woodford
2019: John Creek '07
2018: Jeffrey M. Breznak
2017: Lucille A. Giannuzzi '92
2016: John MacChesney
2015: Yeshwanth Narendar
2014: Vladimir Ban
2013: Russ Reber
2012: Theresa Kotanchek '84, '87, '91
2011: Mike Petrucci '82, '85
2010: Sid Nelson '80
2009: Warren Wolf '63
2008: Harvey P. Hack ’87
2007: Mahlon Dennis ’69, ’71
2006: Jack Coppola ’69, ’71
2005: Gary Weber ’65, ’75
2004: Hong Shih ’86
2003: Jo-Won Lee ’83, ’86
2002: Peter B. Lake ’64
2001: James D. Beckman ’75, ’77
2000: John A. Halchak ’62
1999: Charles G. Carson ’66, ’70
1998: Richard L. Shultz ’70
1997: Karl Kimmerling ’79
1996: Gregory K. Yurek ’69, ’70
1995: Richard M. Wardrop, Jr. ’68
1994: Sang-Joo Kim ’68
1993: Ralph M. Smailer ’62
1992: Frank W. Luerssen ’50
1991: George Simkovich ’59
1990: Norris McFarlane ’34
1989: Rolf Weil ’51
1988: Howard R. Peiffer ’56
1987: John E. Werner ’54, ’60
1986: Ronald M. Latanision ’64
1985: John O. Brittain ’43, ’51
1984: Edward J. Ripling ’42
1983: Hal L. Harman ’56
1982: John W. Murray, Jr. ’40
1981: Thomas M. Krebs ’49
1980: Franklin H. Beck ’43
1979: Theodore B. Winkler ’39
1978: Frank Marold ’45
1977: Sam J. MacMullan ’37
1976: Guy F. McCracken ’49
1975: Robert L. Sproat ’42, ’48
1974: Howard B. Bomberger ’42
1973: Frederick C. Langenberg ’55
1972: Howard O. Beaver, Jr. ’48
1971: Adolph J. Lena ’48
1970: Joseph R. Carter ’40
1969: Jack H. Wernick ’54
1968: C. Thompson Stott ’34
1967: Fletcher L. Byrom ’40
1966: Dennis J. Carney ’42
1965: Norman B. Lane ’27
1964: F. Gordon Benford* (’33)
1963: Archibald Miller, Jr. ‘31
1962: James H. Keeler ’42, ’51
1961: George H. Todd ’28
1960: Manley E. Brooks ’28
1959: Robert D. Stout ’35
1958: Carl F. Hoffman ’21
1957: Elwood D. Mairs ’26
1956: Van E. Leichliter ’30
1955: John A. Succop ’17, ’20
1954: Mowry E. Goetz ’17
1953: R. Burns George ’22
1952: William W. Sieg ’23, ’25
1951: J. L. Mauthe ’13
1950: Max W. Lightner ’25
1949: George V. Luerssen ’15