Dr. Van Tassel joined the TRI in Fall 2007. His background and interest is in materials processing for structures in aerospace, electronics, propulsion and energy applications, with particular focus on processing of ceramic and ceramic composite materials.
He has considerable experience in colloidal processing, with specialized knowledge of processing techniques using electric field assembly of micron scale and nano particulate materials, including micro-electrohydro-dynamics, surface and colloid chemistry, and electrochemistry. These techniques can be applied to the development of: high temperature structural and insulating materials in heat engines, high temperature electrochemical membranes and catalytic membrane supports, and formation of electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors and batteries.
He received his doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering - Ceramic Science from Penn State in 2004, a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Ohio State in 1995, and a B.A. in Russian Language and Culture from Case Western Reserve University in 1982. He was inducted into Sigma Gamma Tau, The National Honor Society in Aerospace Engineering in 1995. He has 17 publications and one patent. Dr. Van Tassel's varied background includes experience in finance, construction and demolition contracting, and wood energy.
