Meet Penn State’s 10 Newly Appointed Distinguished Professors for 2025: Innovations and Expertise Unveiled!

Penn State’s Office of Faculty Affairs has announced the University’s distinguished professors for 2025. This title honors faculty members with outstanding contributions in teaching, research, and service.

Here are the distinguished professors for 2025:

Shihui Shen, Professor of Rail Transportation Engineering

Shihui Shen joined Penn State Altoona in 2013. Her work focuses on civil materials in railroad systems and highway engineering. Recently, she received a three-year, $6.8 million grant to improve safety and sustainability in regional railroads. As a recognized scholar, she has earned the prestigious Fellow status from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Elizabeth “Cassie” Mansfield, Professor of Art History

Joining Penn State in 2018, Mansfield is noted for her work in 18th- and 19th-century art. She blends technology with art, influencing fields like literature and information technology. Her research on AI and art has won two grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Charles Youmans, Professor of Music

Youmans is an expert on Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. His book, “Mahler and Strauss: In Dialogue,” has garnered attention from various academic fields. He is a dedicated mentor, helping many students secure faculty positions at prestigious universities.

Pierre-Emmanuel Jabin, Professor of Mathematics

Jabin is well-known in areas like fluid dynamics and mathematical biology. His research has shown how groups of point vortices act like fluids. He has received awards and significant funding, along with recognition as a speaker at renowned mathematics events.

Marcos Rigol, Professor of Physics

Rigol specializes in quantum thermalization, reshaping ideas about quantum dynamics. He introduced the concept of the Generalized Gibbs Ensemble and is a fellow of professional societies like the American Physical Society.

Karl Zimmerer, Professor of Geography

Zimmerer has conducted extensive research on biodiversity and sustainability. He received fellowships for his contributions and plays a significant role in developing courses that engage students in important global initiatives.

Zoubeida Ounaies, Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Ounaies is focused on creating sustainable materials with unique properties. Her latest work explores living engineered materials, and she directs the Convergence Center for Living Multifunctional Material Systems.

Suzanna Linn, Professor of Political Science

Linn is a leading expert in political analysis, especially in time-series analysis. She has published extensively and is recognized for her teaching and leadership roles in the political science community.

Jeffery Ulmer, Professor of Sociology and Criminology

Ulmer researches the sociology of crime and punishment. His studies address how race influences sentencing decisions. He also directs Penn State’s Criminal Justice Research Center, contributing to important discussions in the field.

Adrian Wanner, Professor of Slavic Languages and Comparative Literature

Wanner is a prominent scholar in the study of literary relations between Russia and Western Europe. He explores self-translation and is frequently invited to speak at leading institutions worldwide.