Nicholas Cernansky, PhD, of the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics Department at Drexel University has been named the 2012 recipient of the Internal Combustion Engine Award by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for his continuing research towards improving engine efficiency and understanding pollutant formation and control in conventional and next generation engines.
Established in 1967, ASME's International Combustion Engine Award recognizes, "eminent achievement or distinguished contribution over a substantial period of time, which may result from research, innovation, or education in advancing the art of engineering in the field of internal combustion engines."
Cernansky's interest in internal combustion engines began as an EPA employee in 1968. Since then, has authored or co-authored over 200 publications. His investigations have helped to make advances in emissions control, hydrocarbon kinetics mechanisms and next generation fuels.
Currently, he holds the Frederic O. Hess Chair Professorship in Combustion at Drexel and recently served on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee of the EPA's Clean Air Act Advisory Committee. He received both a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a master's in public health from University of California, Berkley.
"Past recipients have been very good people…I am deeply honored and humbled," Cernansky said. He will receive his award this fall at the 2012 ASME Internal Combustion Fall Technical Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.