Applications for the 2027-28 Opportunity Grant Award cycle will open this fall. Credit: Penn State.
Five engineering faculty members earn Opportunity Grant Awards
Apr 29, 2026
Editor's note: A version of this article originally appeared on Penn State News.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Five non-tenure-line faculty will use Opportunity Grants to fund a project of their choosing during the 2026-27 academic year.
Opportunity Grants are designed for clinical, teaching, research and professors of practice faculty to receive funding for professional development through a self-proposed project. First awarded in 2024, grants have been used for a diverse range of development opportunities at campuses across the commonwealth. Grants are administered by the Center for Faculty Development and Advancement, part of Penn State Faculty Affairs.
Research Awards
- Mohamed Khaled Almekkawy, associate research professor, College of Engineering, “Advancing AI-Driven Medical Imaging Research and Education Using a Research Ultrasound Machine”
- Andrea Gregg, director of Learning Experience Design and associate research professor, mechanical engineering, “Advancing Expertise in Artificial Intelligence to Strengthen Mechanical Engineering Education”
Teaching Awards
- Meredith Holland Handley, associate teaching professor, College of Engineering, “Building Marketing Capacity for Beyond Engineering through Applied Research”
- Elzbieta Sikora, associate teaching professor of engineering science and mechanics, College of Engineering, “Engaging AI in Materials Storytelling: Enhancing Students’ Understanding of Engineering Materials as the Engine of Technological Development and Important Part of Cultural Heritage”
- Patrick Joseph Tunno, associate teaching professor and director of the Center for Global Engineering Engagement, College of Engineering, “Advancing Strategic Leadership and Global Management through the Wharton Online Leadership & Management Certificate”
Applications for the 2027-28 cycle will open in fall 2026. Visit the Center for Faculty Development and Advancement website for more information.
The Center for Faculty Development and Advancement is part of Penn State Faculty Affairs. The CFDA empowers faculty and academic administrators to excel at every stage of their careers through innovative programs, tailored resources and meaningful support.
To see the full list of winners, read the article on Penn State News.
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