Remembering Carlo Pantano, former director of the Materials Research Institute

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State community mourns the loss of Carlo G. Pantano, a globally respected glass scientist, dedicated educator and former director of Penn State’s Materials Research Institute (MRI), who died on May 31. He was 74. 

“Carlo was truly a cornerstone of the Materials Research Institute,” said Clive Randall, director of MRI and Evan Pugh University Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. “His vision and dedication shaped so much of what we have built here, from groundbreaking research initiatives to fostering a collaborative environment that helped to create the interdisciplinary research world we have at Penn State now. Working with Carlo was not just professionally inspiring but personally rewarding; he had a rare combination of brilliance, humility and warmth that made every challenge feel surmountable. His legacy will continue to guide us for years to come.”  

A distinguished professor emeritus of materials science and engineering, Pantano’s influence spanned over four decades at Penn State. His work transformed the landscape of materials science at the University and left an enduring impact on students, colleagues and the international scientific community, Randall said. Pantano was instrumental in the conception and construction of the Millennium Science Complex building, which has become a notable campus landmark at University Park and a statement of action for Penn State’s vision of interdisciplinary research.  

Pantano was born in New Jersey in 1950. He earned his bachelor of science degree in engineering science from Newark College of Engineering in 1972 and went on to complete both his master’s degree and doctoral degree in materials science and engineering at the University of Florida in 1974 and 1976, respectively. After a brief stint at the University of Dayton Research Institute, he joined Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, where he quickly became known for both his research excellence and dynamic teaching. In 1983, he was recognized as an outstanding educator, an early reflection of the passion for mentorship that would define his career. 

“Carlo was well-known and respected in the glass community for his outstanding research in glass surface science but, more importantly, for his unfailing kindness, generosity and humility, alongside his dedicated mentorship of the next generation of glass scientists and engineers,” said John Mauro, Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Mauro is one of the Penn State researchers carrying on Pantano’s legacy of excellence in glass research. 

Pantano was one of the world’s foremost experts in glass surface science. His pioneering research generated fundamental insights into glass composition and structure, especially as it relates to corrosion, durability and surface reactivity, Mauro said. Pantano’s work was crucial in the development of glasses used to safely immobilize nuclear waste and had lasting implications in commercial applications such as smartphone screens, lab-on-a-chip devices and renewable energy technologies. 

His prolific contributions were recognized by numerous prestigious awards, including the George W. Morey Award from the American Ceramic Society in 2005 for new and original work in glass science and technology. He was honored as the 2012 Kreidl Memorial Lecturer and the 2014 Scholes Lecturer in Glass Science, in addition to being named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Florida. Pantano was a fellow of both the American Ceramic Society and the American Vacuum Society and a distinguished member of the World Academy of Ceramics. 

But Pantano was more than a brilliant scientist. He also was a visionary institution builder and tireless advocate for the kind of interdisciplinary collaboration that leads to beneficial applications for society, according to Randall. In 1991, he led the creation of the Materials Characterization Lab (MCL), which became a core facility at Penn State for advanced materials analysis and a critical resource for researchers across disciplines. He directed the MCL for a decade, helping to embed the principles of shared access, cross-training and hands-on learning into Penn State’s research culture. 

In 1998, Pantano was appointed director of the newly established Materials Research Institute. At the time, MRI existed mostly on paper. Over the next 16 years, under his guidance, it became a vibrant, collaborative hub now comprising more than 350 materials faculty across 19 departments and seven colleges. His leadership laid the foundation for MRI’s evolution into one of the most respected interdisciplinary research institutes in the country, Randall said. 

Among Pantano’s most lasting accomplishments was his role in conceptualizing and helping to realize the Millennium Science Complex, which opened in 2011. The state-of-the-art facility, now home to MRI and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, physically embodies Pantano’s belief that scientific breakthroughs happen at the intersection of disciplines.  

“Carlo Pantano developed the concept of the Millennium Science Complex,” Randall said. “It was an enormous step in bringing the core facilities right to the center of campus. In many ways, our building stands both as a working example of effective interdisciplinary research at Penn State and as a monument to Carlo’s brilliant mind.” 

Pantano also built bridges between Penn State and industry, especially through his connections to U.S. and international glass companies. These relationships not only led to impactful research partnerships with real benefits to society but created pathways for students to enter the workforce with real-world skills. His students, frequently recruited by industry, often credited him with giving them the foundation they needed to succeed. 

A hallmark of Pantano’s approach to teaching and mentorship was hands-on learning. He established a hot shop for glass fiber drawing and blowing, which served as a space where students from engineering, art and science backgrounds could work side-by-side. Through this integration of craft and science, Pantano helped demystify complex materials concepts and encouraged creativity and collaboration. 

Those who worked closely with him remember not just his intellect, but his generosity, humor and genuine interest in the success of others. He was a selfless leader and collaborator whose legacy extends through the hundreds of students, faculty and staff whose lives he touched, Randall said. 

Pantano was married to Jacqueline Ann Pantano for 48 years, until her passing in 2020. He often credited her support as essential to his work and achievements. 

Pantano's passing is a profound loss to the Penn State community and to the broader world of materials science. Plans are underway for a University celebration of his life and legacy later in the year, to be organized by MRI in collaboration with other University partners and scientific organizations.  

A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 14, at Koch Funeral Home in State College with Deacon Dave Lapinski officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be entered at the Koch Funeral Home website. 

“Carlo embodied the ‘WE ARE’ spirit of Penn State better than anyone else I’ve known,” Mauro said. “He lived and breathed the Penn State values in everything he did, selflessly lifting each student, staff member and faculty colleague who crossed his path, fostering a wonderful sense of community where everyone feels valued and empowered with the tools and support they need to achieve their full potential. That’s quite a legacy.”