Dr. Randy Vander Wal

Professor

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Biography

Randy Vander Wal's research career began in physical chemistry, studying quantum-state resolved, molecular photodissociation dynamics. Following post-doctoral work, Vander Wal's research expanded into linear and non-linear laser-based optical diagnostic development, which broadened at NASA Glenn, including synthesis, characterization, and applications of carbon metal oxide semiconductor nanomaterials. Current research interests include CVD flame synthesis of carbon nanomaterials, the application of conducting thin films, fundamentals of graphene bonding, carbon graphitization kinetics, and characterization of carbon materials through high-resolution electron microscopy. His research also focuses on the impacts of combustion-produced soot on human health and climate. Vander Wal coined the term “nanostructure” to identify nano-scale structures formed by atomic layer planes comprising soot. His teaching philosophy emphasizes diversity of ideas and fostering critical thinking among students. Vander Wal's students have achieved notable accomplishments in various awards and recognitions.

Research Interests

Awards

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AIChE Atmospheric Chemistry Physics

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FAA Center of Excellence Student of the Year

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Joseph Hartman Award

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C. Wright Award

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Robert Leslie Griffin Award Fuel Science

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Charles B. Darrow Award

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Vastola Graduate Scholarship

Patents

Combustion-Assisted Substrate Deposition Method Producing Carbon Nanosubstances

U.S. Patent Application 12/019,352 2009-07-30

Involves production of carbon nanomaterials.

Processing Nanostructured Devices Using Microfabrication Techniques

U.S. Patent 8,877,636 2014-11-04

Focuses on processing techniques for nanostructures.

Courses

EGEE 120: Oil: International Evolution ENVSE 406: Sampling Monitoring Geo-Environment FSC 431: Chemistry Fuels EGEE 451: Energy Conversion Processes FSC 503: Analytical Methods Fuel Science EME 570: Catalytic Materials EME 581: Research Geostatistics Methods EGEE 597/MATSE 597: Nanotechnology FSC 504: Problems Fuels Engineering FSC 506: Carbon Reactions EME 511: Interfacial Physical-Chemical Systems, Processes, Measurements

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.