Gannon University: Gannon Dean joins collaboration with Engineering Deans of Catholic Universities

Dr. Karinna Vernaza, Dean of Gannon’s College of Engineering and Business, recently joined to discuss and collaborate with the Engineering Deans of Catholic Universities (EDCU).

The two-day summit saw professional engineering educators come together to share industry best practices and exchange ideas, hosted by Dean Michael Quinn of Seattle University.

Learn more about Gannon Dean of the College of Engineering and Business, Dr. Karinna Vernaza
Dr. Vernaza’s primary teaching topics are in the solid mechanics and materials areas. She conducts research in the area of alternative fuels (biodiesel), high strain deformation of materials and engineering education. Dr. Vernaza is the author of over 30 peer-reviewed publications. She is currently the Principal Investigator of a National Science Foundation S-STEM award for $1 million. She has served as the PI for two previous NSF S-STEM awards ($600,000 each) and one NSF ADVANCE-PAID Award ($385,919). Additionally, her projects have been funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Erie-Patterson Corporation, and the Gannon Center of Excellence in BioEnergy. Dr. Vernaza worked as a consultant for GE Transportation on different Off-Highway Vehicles projects as part of the GE/Gannon Master Program from 2006-2013.

Dr. Vernaza is active in the community, is an Erie Ambassador, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Erie Technology Incubator (2018- present) and the Experience Children Museum (2020 – present). She volunteers with the Society of Women Engineers, serves as a mentor for young women in partnership with the North West Pennsylvania Girls Scout Council, and serves as a reviewer for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the American Society of Engineering Education Conference. She serves in the Executive Board of the American Society for Engineering Education North Central Section.