The Institute of Energy and the Environment supports and connects more than 80 interdisciplinary researchers who are solving some of the world’s most difficult energy and environmental challenges. Credit: Brenna Buck.
Institute of Energy and the Environment welcomes six engineering faculty members
New faculty bring together expertise that connects energy systems, environmental processes and human dimensions, opening new pathways for collaboration and shared research efforts
Jan 27, 2026
Editor's note: A version of this article originally appeared on Penn State News.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Fifteen faculty members, including six from the College of Engineering, have joined the Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE), reflecting the institute’s growing interdisciplinary reach. Together, they bring expertise that connects energy systems, environmental processes and human dimensions, opening new pathways for collaboration and shared research efforts.
Bruce Logan, director of the Institute of Energy and the Environment, said the group reflects the range of career stages represented across IEE’s research network.
“This is a group that brings both depth and forward-looking momentum,” Logan said. “Experienced faculty contribute a strong foundation and institutional knowledge, while newer faculty introduce emerging ideas and approaches. Together, that balance strengthens collaboration and helps research teams move more quickly from ideas to impact.”
The Penn State College of Engineering faculty joining the institute are:
- Margaret Busse, assistant professor of mechanical engineering
- Christine Kirchhoff, associate professor of law, policy, and engineering, of civil and environmental engineering, and in the School of Environmental Engineering
- Lauren McPhillips, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering
- Christopher Rahn, J. Lee Everett Professor of Mechanical Engineering
- Phillip Savage, professor of chemical engineering
- Nathaniel Warner, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering
The Institute of Energy and the Environment supports and connects more than 80 interdisciplinary researchers who are solving some of the world’s most difficult energy and environmental challenges.
The full list of all 15 faculty members who joined IEE can be found here.
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