2025 Early Career Award Cohort
Todd Harder
Mechanical Engineering
B.S. 2012
Drive System Associate Technical Fellow
The Boeing Company
Todd Harder, drive systems associate technical fellow at The Boeing Company, is an experienced engineer with a passion for aerospace gearbox development. Since graduating from Penn State in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Harder has served as the technical lead engineer for multiple commercial and defense gearbox projects at Boeing, including efforts for the CH-47 Chinook, 777 ecoDemonstrator, and several proprietary projects. He has designed and qualified hundreds of components for flight, including high-speed bevel gears, complex structural castings, high-speed dynamic seals, and diaphragm coupling shafting. While doing so, Harder has been recognized for key innovations in design and testing methodologies that have led to hundreds of pounds of weight reduction in aircraft designs and increased testing efficiency for gearbox qualification.
Harder designed and developed the first ever successfully flight-tested additively manufactured transmission housing in aerospace, creating the criteria for flightworthiness in the process. He was awarded the Boeing 2020 Vertical Lift Team of the Year for this work. Harder has served as a career mentor for nearly a dozen early career engineers and founded Boeing Drive Systems University, an internal program dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of gearbox design and qualification. He has taught 40+ discrete classes on topics ranging from high-speed shaft balancing to bevel gear patterning. While working at Boeing, he earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California.
He is involved with the Vertical Flight Society, where he serves as a student design competition judge and ASTM as a member of the Committee on Additive Manufacturing Technologies. As a Penn State alumnus, Todd remains involved as a mentor through the Penn State Mechanical Engineering Society and as an alumnus interviewer for the Schreyer Honors College. He currently resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with his wife.
Kathryn L. Kirsch
Mechanical Engineering
B.S. 2011
M.S. 2013
Ph.D. 2017
Principal Engineer
RTX Technology Research Center
Kathryn Kirsch is a principal engineer and principal investigator in the Thermodynamic Systems Group at the RTX Technology Research Center. Since joining RTRC in 2019, she has spearheaded several initiatives to advance thermal management technologies in the aerospace industry. Her areas of expertise lie in heat transfer, additive manufacturing, and design, and she actively engages with the RTX business units to adopt next-generation solutions. She is also active in proposal writing, earnestly chasing innovative ideas to bring into RTX. Since being at RTRC, she has submitted 30 invention disclosures, with 10 issued patents and 2 ideas adopted as designated strategic information.
Kirsch remains active in student mentorship by leading several RTX-sponsored university projects. She regularly holds one-on-ones with students interested in learning more about graduate school or working in industry.
Prior to joining the Research Center, Dr. Kirsch was a postdoctoral associate at Penn State and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research fellow. She received her doctorate in 2017, master's in 2013, and bachelor's in 2011 from Penn State.
Corey Latanision
Biomedical Engineering
B.S. 2010
Vice President of Marketing
Cagent Vascular, Inc.
As an alumnus, Corey Latanision has maintained a close relationship and made key contributions to the College of Engineering as a recruiter and member and chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering’s Industrial and Professional Advisory Council.
Following his graduation from Penn State in 2010, Latanision joined GE Healthcare as part of the company’s Commercial Leadership Program (CLP). The program accepts around 15 applicants nationally each year.
Latanision graduated from GE’s CLP and was named an MRI product specialist in New York, working closely with radiologists and hospital administrators to build high-performance imaging programs in partnership with GE. Subsequently, he was named as a senior client director and presided over top commercial and research collaborations with National Institutes of Health-funded health systems in the New York metropolitan area and $80 million in revenues.
In 2016, Latanision became a region manager for GE’s radiology business in New York, supporting a team of 15 direct reports and more than $300 million in equipment and service revenues. After growing Metro New York to be the top region at GE Healthcare in 2018, Latanision was named as Global Product Manager for 3.0T MRI systems at GE Healthcare, with responsibility for the comprehensive product roadmap, quality, regulatory, commercial and financial strategy of GE’s flagship P&L with more than $500 million in annual revenues.
In 2020, Latanision joined Shields Health Solutions as vice president of sales operations, helping to run sales and support integration of a key acquisition before Shields was acquired by Walgreens in 2022. Latanision then joined Cagent Vascular, Inc., where he serves as vice president of marketing with responsibilities for product management, clinical programs, marketing, and commercial operations.
Latanision is a second-generation Penn Stater and currently resides in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife and two sons.
Justin P. Long
Civil Engineering
B.S. 2011
Principal
SK&A Structural Engineers
A member of SK&A’s Structural Repair + Restoration Division, Justin P. Long, PE, RBEC, BECxP, joined the firm in 2012. Long’s project experience and expertise ranges widely, from structural concrete and post-tension concrete repairs to building enclosure consulting and building enclosure commissioning. His experience in structural repairs transcends all scopes of work from large-scale parking garage repair projects to complete plaza renovations. Long’s building enclosure experience is extensive and includes countless exterior façade and roof condition assessments, building enclosure, roofing, and waterproofing repair projects, consulting on new building enclosure design projects, performing hygrothermal analysis, and verifying field performance through commissioning and testing and inspection of building enclosure elements. He also oversees SK&A’s industrial rope access operations, which facilitates close-up evaluations and condition assessments of difficult-to-access façades and building elements.
Rob Long
Civil Engineering
B.S. 2008
City Commissioner
City of Delray Beach, Florida
Rob Long is an engineer and public servant whose career reflects the core values of the engineering profession: problem-solving, service, and innovation. A 2008 graduate of Penn State with a bachelor of science in civil engineering, Long began his career as a field engineer with RS&H, where he worked on transportation and infrastructure projects focused on sustainability and efficiency.
As a Delray Beach, Florida city commissioner, Long brings an engineer’s approach to local government—data-driven, community-focused, and solutions-oriented. He represents Delray Beach on the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency Governing Board, where he helps guide regional mobility planning and infrastructure investment. Long’s passion for environmental stewardship stems from his service as a two-term supervisor and four-year chair of the Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District, where he led the agency to statewide recognition in water conservation and environmental education.
His public service has earned national attention, including recognition from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. Long’s diverse work—ranging from urban planning and environmental leadership to public safety and government transparency—demonstrates the wide-ranging impact that engineers can have in public life.
Long also holds an MBA from the University of Florida, further equipping him to navigate complex challenges at the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and community engagement. Originally from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Long is the author of The Great Weather Diviner, a creative reimagining of his hometown’s most famous tradition.
Conor Marr
Aerospace Engineering
B.S. 2006
M.S. 2008
Ph.D. 2012
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Widener University
Conor Marr’s career has been focused on mentoring people, solving complex challenges, and engaging in career readiness and development. He earned his bachelor of science, master of science, and doctorate in aerospace engineering, in 2006, 2008, and 2012, respectively.
Throughout his 19 years with Parker Lord, Marr designed rotor parts for five aircraft, contributed to the design of dozens of other aerospace components, and served as the principal engineer for scores of design changes. Marr conducted leading-edge computational fluid dynamics analysis on multiple product lines, including nonlinear dampers, elastomer mold fill, fire impingement on aircraft structures, undersea oil and gas heat transfer, and downhole drilling pulser and erosion studies. He holds three patents related to multi-state fluidlastic dampers, embedded rotor head sensing, and oil and gas downhole erosion treatments.
Marr led teams throughout Parker Lord including in Technology Development, Aftermarket Engineering, and Rotary Wing Design. He led the PeerW Mentoring Team focused on attracting, developing, and retaining women, serving more 630 team members across the organization. Marr spearheaded the University Engagement Team, revitalizing the Parker Lord Intern and Co-op program to become one of the best in the country, deepening ties with universities, sponsoring senior design projects, and sponsoring research. He was an industry sponsor for multiple graduate students, contributing to 13 publications. He has been an active member of the Vertical Flight Society since 2005.
Marr remains involved at Penn State and makes the trip to State College multiple times each year to present at clubs, give guest lectures, volunteer at STEM events, and participate in career readiness events. He has conducted Schreyer Honor’s College application interviews since 2012 and actively mentors multiple students each year. He has been on the Leonhard Center Advisory Board since 2015 and currently serves as the board’s chair. He joined the Department of Aerospace Engineering Industrial and Professional Advisory Council (IPAC) in 2024. Outside of Penn State University Park, Marr has served on the Mechanical Engineering Technology IPAC at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. He has also been an adjunct professor at Penn State Behrend.
Marr recently moved from Erie, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two daughters to Swedesboro, New Jersey, where he is in the process of changing career paths to apply his industry experiences in the classroom as a professor.
Adam Marsh
Industrial Engineering
B.S. 2007
President
Ledge Inc.
Adam Marsh is the president of Ledge Inc., a Pennsylvania-based consulting firm that helps manufacturers strengthen quality systems, improve operations, and meet standards like ISO 9001, a quality management system that provides framework for organizations to meet customer and regulatory requirements and improve processes. Ledge offers expert consulting, digital tools, and workforce development strategies to support continuous improvement.
Marsh began working with his father, Fred Marsh, in 2011 at F.L. Marsh & Associates. Since joining his father, Marsh has driven growth and expanded services, evolving the business into what is now Ledge Inc., while continuing their shared mission of operational excellence.
In addition to consulting, Marsh launched CFA Solutions, a software company focused on modernizing manufacturing systems. The company’s flagship tool, 80/20 Quality, supports manufacturers in digitizing and simplifying quality management. CFA Solutions empowers manufacturers to embrace the future with innovative, easy-to-use technology solutions.
He is a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association, serves on the board of the Penn State Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Society. In 2025, he joined the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering’s Industrial and Professional Advisory Council, contributing industry insight to help shape Penn State’s industrial engineering program.
Marsh has held board chair roles with multiple community organizations, including the Manufacturers’ Association, where he led a successful rebranding and relocation, and helped launch the Manufacturing Center of Excellence for Apprenticeship and Training. He also chaired Leadership York, leading a $700,000 endowment campaign, the Spring Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Spring Grove Area Scholarship Fund, which has awarded nearly $500,000 to students. He currently serves as vice president of the board at Keystone Kidspace, a hands-on learning center for children.
Marsh lives in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, with his wife and their three children.
Pierre-Clément "PC" Simon
Nuclear Engineering
M.S. 2017
Ph.D. 2021
Computational Scientist
Idaho National Laboratory
Pierre-Clément "PC" Simon is a computational scientist at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). He proudly holds a joint appointment with Penn State Ken and Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering, where he obtained his master of science in 2017 and doctorate in 2021.
Simon leads U.S. Department of Energy-funded modeling and simulation efforts for fission and fusion energy systems and materials. Notably, he leads the NEAMS (Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation) fuel performance Light Water Reactor working group and develops multiscale fission gas capabilities in the BISON fuel performance code. In fusion research, he spearheads the development of the tritium migration analysis program, version 8 (TMAP8) and blanket multiphysics frameworks.
Simon's contributions to the scientific community include active involvement in the American Nuclear Society (ANS), where he co-chairs the Young Members Group program committee and serves on various executive committees. His dedication to the scientific community and early career researchers earned him the 2024 INL Laboratory Director Award and the 2024 ANS Young Members Group Excellence Award.
Maintaining a strong relationship with Penn State as a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association and joint appointment faculty, Simon fosters collaborations between INL and the university, mentors nuclear engineering students, and supports recruitment and internship opportunities. He has participated in multiple Penn State events, including Penn State NucE Grad Day and the 2024 ANS student conference. Simon also supported the Penn State Fencing Team as volunteer staff, contributing to their 2019 NCAA National runner-up result.
Simon lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Minchen "Tommy" Wei
Architectural Engineering
M.S. 2011
Ph.D. 2015
Professor
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Minchen “Tommy” Wei, professor, is a critical advocate for architectural engineering at Penn State and beyond. After graduating from Penn State with his master of science in 2011 and doctorate in architectural engineering in 2015, he joined the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) as a tenure-track assistant professor. In 2020 and 2023, he was promoted to associate and full professor. In 2022, he was named the Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Color and Imaging Science.
During his academic career in the past ten years, Wei makes great efforts to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the human visual systems to optical radiation (i.e., light and color), and worked with a wide range of industry partners to develop innovative solutions for various products, including lighting, displays, cameras, drones, and VR/AR/MR headsets, to provide better user experiences. His contributions have been recognized by various awards, such as Google Research Scholar Award, PolyU President’s Award, Hong Kong Engineering Science & Technology Award, and Society of Information Display Distinguished Paper Award.
Wei also takes leadership roles in professional societies and academic communities. Currently, he is the vice president of the International Commission on Illumination, and also the editor-in-chief for Color Research & Application. He has advised 11 doctoral students.
Tom Yost
Architectural Engineering
B.A.E./M.A.E. 2008
Principal and Project Manager
Walter P Moore
Tom Yost is a principal and project manager at Walter P Moore, a global engineering firm specializing in providing engineering solutions (structural, civil, façade, construction) to the most complex sports, health care, aviation, and technological challenges. As a leader in Walter P Moore’s Denver office, Yost excels in delivering complex structural engineering solutions to sports projects across the country as well as close to home in Colorado’s top health care systems. Some of his signature projects include the Charleston Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina; the UVA Emergency Department Expansion in Charlottesville, Virginia; the Homestretch, First Turn, and Paddock Experience at Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky; and an Indoor Practice Facility for the University of Oregon.
Yost is an active volunteer with Engineers Without Borders, serving at the national adviser and local volunteer levels. Since 2017, he has led the Washington, D.C. chapters’ Panama project and served as responsible engineer in charge. This project involved designing and building a library and technological center for an indigenous community in a remote mountain village in central Panama. His team achieved their goal of building a community center while teaching construction skills and developing local tradesmen.
Yost studied architectural engineering and graduated in 2008 with an integrated bachelor of architectural engineering and master of architectural engineering degree. Yost lives with his wife and son in Denver.
