UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Herschel Pangborn, Shuman Family Early Career Professor of mechanical engineering, has been awarded the Penn State Intern Pipeline Links to Navy Engineering (PIPELINE) Outstanding Adviser Award at the annual PIPELINE showcase on July 28.
“It’s an honor,” Pangborn said. “I’m fortunate to collaborate with excellent graduate students, who are passionate about research and think deeply about the impact they want to contribute, which makes my job as an adviser very fulfilling. I’m sincerely appreciative of this recognition for my role in helping students along their career paths.”
Pangborn was nominated by Casey Hess, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, who describes Pangborn as “the most thoughtful and purpose-driven adviser and professor” Hess has ever had. He said Pangborn’s advising techniques motivate him to produce his best work while thinking like a researcher.
“Dr. Pangborn makes clear his commitment to the researcher and not just the research,” Hess said, “evidenced by a constant pursuit of growth, accomplishment and availability in all capacities in which students might need support.”
Pangborn said he credits his advising approach to his own doctoral adviser, adding that his process involves developing a shared understanding of each of his advisees’ motivations and goals.
“If you first develop that shared understanding of goals, you can work backward to create a plan for each student’s graduate studies,” Pangborn said. “The research they conduct, the network they build and the development opportunities they pursue can all be tailored to a student’s intended career path.”
Julia Cole, affiliate faculty with engineering science and mechanics, was also awarded a PIPELINE Outstanding Adviser Award at the 2026 showcase.
PIPELINE is an Office of Naval Research support program that connects Penn State students with opportunities to work directly with Penn State researchers and gain exposure to civilian careers in the Navy. Pangborn credited the program as being “representative of Penn State at its best.”
“PIPELINE is a truly effective engine for workforce development and innovative research,” Pangborn said. “Casey and the other PIPELINE students have spent the summer traveling to various Navy laboratories, presenting their work and engaging with technical leaders. They are well positioned for impactful careers supporting national security.”