Karinna M. Vernaza

  • Dean
    Col. of Engineering & Business
  • Adjunct Lecturer
    Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Karinna Vernaza is the Dean of the College of Engineering and Business and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Gannon University.  Dr. Vernaza was born in Panama City, Panama.  She attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Systems.  After graduating, she was employed as a Ship Manager in Braswell Shipyards in Panama.  Dr Vernaza was awarded a Project Latin America 2000 Graduate Fellowship by the Kellogg Institute, the Coca-Cola Company and the University of Notre Dame to perform graduate studies.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2001 and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2003 from the University of Notre Dame.  The title of her dissertation was “Thermal Measurements during High Speed Machining.” 

In 2003, Dr. Vernaza joined Gannon University as an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering; in 2009, she was awarded tenure and advancement in rank to Associate Professor; and in 2014, she earned advancement in rank to Professor.  Her 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 fromm 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 - presetn).  She volunteers on 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. 

Dr. Vernaza's loves to travel; she has visited over 20 countries. She loves the outdoors and, since moving to Erie, she has become a cycling enthusiat.  She is a Notre Dame, tennis and soccer fan. 

Undergraduate

  • Materials Science (ME315)
  • Strength of Materials (ME214)
  • Strength of Materials Laboratory (ME215)
  • Statics (ME201)
  • Dynamics (ME204)
  • Machine Elements (ME335)
  • Engineering and Biological Wonders of Panama (ENG201)
  • Freshman Seminar for Engineering (ENG100)
  • Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar (SEECS301/302/401/402)

 Graduate

  • Advanced Strength of Materials (GME530)
  • Principles of Metal Cutting (GME557)
  • Vibrations (ME461/GME561)
  • Robotics (GME650)
  • Biomaterials (BME410 / GME599)
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 2003

               Dissertation: "Temperature Measurements During High Speed Machining"

  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 2001
  • B.S., Marine Engineering Systems, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, 1996

 

  • HERS Bryn Mawr Summer Institute, Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA. June 17-July 1, 2012

Selected Honors and Awards

  • Distinguish Faculty Award, Gannon University, Erie, PA, 2013.
  • Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award, College of Engineering and Business, Gannon University, Erie, PA, April 2012
  • American Society for Engineering Education North Central Section 2012 Outstanding Teaching Award, 2012 Spring Conference, Ohio Northern University, March 2012
  • Best Paper Award - 2nd Place. “Better Learning through Collaboration and Assessment: Development of an Interdisciplinary Study Abroad Experience.” American Society of Engineering Education North Central Section, Pittsburgh, PA, 2010
  • 2008 Minority Achiever’s Award, Minority Opinion Magazine, Pittsburgh, PA, 2008
  • President’s Award for Excellence in Technology, Gannon University, 2006
  • YMCA Minority Achievers Award, Erie, PA, 2006

 

  • Dean, College of Engineering and Business, Gannon University, Erie, PA (July 2019 - present)
  • Interin Dean, College of Engineering and Business, Gannon University, Erie, PA (January 2018 - June 2019)
  • Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA (August 2014 - present)
  • Associate Dean, College of Engineering and Business, Gannon University, Erie, PA (January 2013 - December 2017)
  • Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA (August 2009 – August 2014)
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gannon University, Erie, PA (August 2003 – August 2009)
  • Contractor, Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV), Transportation, General Electric, Erie, PA (October 2006 - 2013)
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN (January 2003 – August 2003)
  • Ship Manager, Braswell Shipyards International (ABISA), Panama City, Panama (July 1996 – July 1997)
     
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2000 - present)
  • Society of Women Engineers (2003 - present)
  • American Society of Engineering Education (2006 - present)
  • National Society of Hispanic Engineers (2007- 2013)

Journal Publications

  1. Chavez-Romero, R., Cardenas, A., Rendon-Mancha, J.M., Vernaza, K.M., Piovesan, D. (2015). Inexpensive Vision-Based System for the Direct Measurement of Ankle Stiffness During Quiet Standing. Journal of Medical Devices, 9 (4).
  2. Vernaza, K.M., Vitolo, T.M., Brinkman, B.J., & Steinbrink, S.E. (2014).  Service Learning as Scholarship of Engagement and Its Relationship to the Academic Reward Structure,  International Journal for Service Learning in Engineering, Special Edition, 84-97. ISSN 1555-9033
  3. Kazban, R., Vernaza-Peña, K.M., & Mason, J.J. (2008). Measurements of Forces and Temperature Fields in High-Speed Machining of 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy. Experimental Mechanics, 48 (3), 307-317.
  4. Vernaza-Peña, K.M., Mason, J.J., & Li, M. (2002). Experimental study of the temperature field generated during orthogonal machining of an aluminum alloy. Experimental Mechanics, 42 (2), 221-229.

 

Conference Proceedings

Peer-reviewed

  1. Steinbrink, S., Nogaj, A., Vernaza, K. M., Zhao, L., Tiari, S. (2020). A Study of the Effects of Peer Tutoring in Relation to Student GPA. 2020 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition.
  2. Peters, D., Darbeheshti, M., Guohua Ma, G, Vernaza, K. M., Rihana Abdallah,A., Remucal, C., Wettstein, S. (2020). How Students View the Role of Faculty Advisors in the SWE Organization. 2020 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. 
  3. Rihana Abdallah, A., Peters, D., Guohua Ma, G., Wettstein, S., Darbeheshti, M., Vernaza, K., & Keenan Remucal, C. (2019). How Faculty Advisers and Counselors View their Role in the SWE Organization. 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Tampa, FL.
  4. Vernaza, K., Steinbrink, S., Tiari, S. & Zhao, L. (2019). Work in Progress: Effect of Evolving Design Requirements on Students Motivation. 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Tampa, FL.
  5. Steinbrink, S., Vernaza, K.M., Brinkman, B.J. & Zhao, L. (2018). A Rolling Stone: Evaluation of one NSF S-STEM Program through Successive Grant Periods. Proceedings fo the 125th Annual Conference & Exposition, June 24-27, Salt Lake City, UT.
  6. Vernaza, K.M. (2017). Developing Team-work Skills in a First-Year Seminar.  Proceedings of the ASEE Zone 2 Spring Conference, March 2-5, San Juan, PR.

  7. Steinbrink, S., Vernaza, K. M., Brinkman, B. J., Vitolo, T. M., & Nogaj, A. F. (2017).  Stones in the Road: Analysis and Response to “Roadblock” Courses within the SEECS Program. Proceedings of the ASEE 124th Annual Conference & Exposition, June 25 – 28, Columbus, OH.

     

  8. Vernaza, K.M., Steinbrink, S., Brinkman, B. & Vitolo, T. (2014). Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science Program, an NSF S-STEM Grant: Assessment and Lessons Learner – First Award. Proceedings of the International Conference of Engineering Education and Research, Hamilton, Ontario.
  9. Vitolo, T., Vernaza, K.M., Brinkman, B. & Steinbrink, S. (2013). Assessing Impact without Using Grades: Quality Review of Community Engagement. Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference. Atlanta, Georgia.
  10. Vernaza, K.M. (2013). Keys to Successful Implementation of Service Learning in a First-Year Seminar in Engineering. Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education North Central Section Conference. Columbus, Ohio.
  11. Vernaza, K.M. & Aggarwal M. (2012). Outreach Activities for Middle School Students:  Project for Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Students. Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference. San Antonio, Texas.
  12. Aggarwal, M. & Vernaza, K.M. (2012). Highly relevant and productive collaborations between Industries and Universities. Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference. San Antonio, Texas.
  13. Vernaza, K.M., Vitolo, T., Brinkman, B. & Steinbrink, S. (2012). Seeking Relevancy, Building Excellence:  Service Learning in the SEECS Program. Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference. San Antonio, Texas
  14. Vernaza, K.M., Vitolo, T., Brinkman, B. & Steinbrink, S. (2011). Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science Program Phase I: Development and Implementation. Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference. Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
  15. Aggarwal, M. & Vernaza, K.M. (2011). Rank and Tenure Requirements at Teaching-Based University. Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference. Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
  16. Vernaza, K.M. & Konieczko, E.M. (2010). Better Learning Through Collaboration and Assessment: Development of An Interdisciplinary Study Abroad Experience. Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education North Central Section Conference. Pittsburgh, PA.
  17. Vernaza, K.M. (2008). Promoting Active Learning and Creativity in the Strength of Materials Course. American Society of Engineering Education Zone I Conference. West Point, NY.
  18. Vernaza, K.M. (2007). Using Personal Response System Technology and Concept Check Modules to Improve Students’ Learning Experience in Materials Science: A Case Study.  37th Annual ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, Milwaukee, WI.
  19. Vernaza, K.M., Vitolo, T., Steinbrink, S., & Brinkman, B.J. (2007). Assessment of High School Students’ Exposure to Engineering via a Summer Camp. International Conference on Engineering Education, Coimbra, Portugal.
  20. Vernaza, K.M., & Aggarwal, M. (2007).  Advantages of Using Personal Response System Technology to Evaluate ABET and Mechanical Engineering Program Outcomes.  American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii.
  21. Kazban, R., Vernaza-Peña, K.M., & Mason, J.J. (2006). Effect of Tool Parameters on Temperature Fields in High-speed Machining.  SEM Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, Society of Experimental Mechanics, Saint Louis, MO.
  22. Vernaza-Peña, K.M., Mason, J.J., & Li, M. (2003). Experimental Study of the Temperature Fields during the Orthogonal Machining of 1018 Steel at Low Rake Angles.  Plasticity 2003: Tenth International Symposium, Quebec City, Canada.
  23. Vernaza-Peña, K.M., Mason, J.J., Ovaert, T.C., & Li, M. (2003). Experimental Investigation of the Temperature Fields Generated During Orthogonal Machining. NSF Workshop on Research Needs in Thermal Aspects of Material Removal Processes, Stillwater, OK.
  24. Vernaza-Peña, K.M., Mason, J.J., Ovaert, T.C., & Li, M. (2003). Temperature Generation in Cutting of Aluminum at Low and Negative Rake Angles. SEM Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, Society of Experimental Mechanics, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina.
  25. Vernaza-Peña, K.M., Mason, J.J., & Li, M. (2002). Experimental Temperature Fields in Aluminum During Orthogonal Cutting Under Different Rake Angles. 10th JSME Materials and Processing Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii.
  26. Vernaza-Peña, K.M., Mason, J.J., & Li, M. (2002). Temperature Fields in Aluminum During Orthogonal Cutting Under Different Rake Angles. 2002 SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
  27. Vernaza-Peña, K.M. (2002). Experimental Study of the Temperature Field Generated During Orthogonal Machining of 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy. Student Paper Competition, 2002 SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
  28. Vernaza-Peña, K.M., Mason, J.J., & Li, M. (2000). Experimental Study of the Temperature Field Generated during Orthogonal Machining of Aluminum. 37th Annual Technical Meeting Society of Engineering Science. The University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.

Not Peer-reviewed

  • Aggarwal, M., Panza, M., & Vernaza, K.M. (2006).  Engineering Graduate Scholarship Program with Paid Tuition, Stipend, and Industrial Work Experience.  2006 Hispanics in Engineering National Conference.  San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 

Presentations/Posters: Reviewd Abstracts without Proceedings

  1. Lindley, L. D., Konieczko, E. M., Tallmadge, W., Lombard, E., Vernaza, K. M. (2019).  Faculty Mentoring Expanded: Evaluation of the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices. The Chronicle of Mentoring & Coaching, Vol. 2, October 2019, Special Issue 1.
  2. Sasi, S., Vernaza, K.M., Tallmadge, W.T., Konieczko. E.M., and Lindley, L.D. (2017). Sustainability Roadmap for TRANSFORM Grant: NSF ADVANCE PAID at a Predominantly Undergraduate Institution. Presented at the National Science Foundation ADVANCE/GSE Workshop, October 7-10, Washington, DC.
  3. Vernaza, K.M., Vitolo, T.M., Konieczko, E.M., Tallmadge, W., Sasi, S., Lindley, L.D., & Datte, C. (2014).  Securing Female Faculty for Organizational Retention and Management: Year 2 Progress, Challenges, and Sustainability Plans. 2014 ADVANCE PI Meeting, Alexandria Virginia, March 2-5, 2014
  4. Homan, M. and Vernaza, K.M. (2013). Energy Audit Workshop for High School Science Teacher.  Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. June 19 – 22, 2013.
  5. W. T. Tallmadge, Ph.D., T. M. Vitolo, Ph.D., K. M. Vernaza, Ph.D., E. M. Konieczko, Ph.D., V. P. Arp, M.Ed., S. Sasi, Ph.D., M. Hatch, Ph.D. (2013). Securing Female Faculty for Organizational Retention and Management: Progress and Challenges of the First Year (2012). Poster outlining the progress of the grant presented at Poster Session during PI meeting March 3-5, 2013.
  6. Vernaza, K.M. (2012). Thinking about Graduate School?  Society of Women Engineers National Conference, Houston, Texas, November 8-10, 2012.
  7. Homan M. and Vernaza K.M. (2012). Biodiesel Project Offers Multiple Research and Educational Opportunities to Community. Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences 2012 Conference, Santa Clara, CA.
  8. Vernaza, K.M. (2011).  A Reviewer’s Perspective: How to Write a Successful Fellowship or Scholarship Application by incorporating your Diverse Experiences.  Society of Women Engineers National Conference, Chicago, Illinois. October 13-15, 2011.
  9. Vernaza, K.M. (2010).  Succeeding in an Academic Environment.  Society of Women Engineers National Conference, Orlando, Florida. November 4-6, 2010.
  10. Vernaza, K.M. (2010).  Is Graduate School an Option for You?  Society of Women Engineers National Conference, Orlando, Florida. November 4-6, 2010.
  11. Vernaza-Peña, K.M. (2000). Experimental study of the temperature field during orthogonal machining of aluminum. 14th Annual AME Graduate Student Research Conference, Notre Dame, IN.
  12. Vernaza-Peña, K.M. (1999). Investigation of Strain Rate Effects in an Aluminum Alloy using the Torsional Split Hopkinson Bar. 13th Annual AME Graduate Student Research Conference, Notre Dame, IN.
  13. Vernaza-Peña, K.M. (1998). Experimental Investigation of the Thermomechanics of High Speed Machining of Aluminum. 12th Annual AME Graduate Student Research Conference, Notre Dame, IN.

 

Invited Lecture

  • Vernaza, K.M. (2010).  The Panama Canal: A Successful Transition.  Global Series Forum, Jefferson Educational Society, Erie, PA. November 17, 2010.
  • Vernaza, K.M. (2002). Temperature Fields in Aluminum and Steel during Orthogonal Machining under Different Rake Angles. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD.

 

Panelist
 

  • Vernaza, K.M., Choudhary, D., Fabris, L., and Peters, D.  Navigating the Academic Career Pathway Panel.  Society of Women Engineers National Conference, Chicago, Illinois. October 14-16, 2011. 

Selected External Grants

  • Karinna M. Vernaza, Barry Brinkman, Scott Steinbrink, Lin Zhao. Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science ($999,985). National Science Foundation, Division of Undergraduate Education – S-STEM: Scholarship in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (April 2017 - March 2021)
  • Karinna M. Vernaza, Barry Brinkman, Scott Steinbrink, and Theresa Vitolo. Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science ($600,000). National Science Foundation, Division of Undergraduate Education – S-STEM: Scholarship in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (July 2012 - June 2017)  
  • Melanie L. Hatch, Elisa Konieczko, Karinna M. Vernaza, Theresa M. Vitolo, Weslene T. Tallmadge. TRANSFORM:   Teaching Research Advancement Network to Secure Female Faculty For Organizational Retention and Management ($385,919).  National Science Foundation, Division of Human Resources, ADVANCE-PAID, Award No. 1107015 (September 2011 - August 2017)
  • Michelle Homan and Karinna M. Vernaza. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Workshop for High School Science Teachers ($7,497).  Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: 2010 Environmental Grants Program, EE110023 (July 2011 – June 2012)
  • Michelle Homan and Karinna M. Vernaza. Fuel for Schools: Biodiesel Workshop for High School Science Teachers ($13,066).  Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: 2008 Environmental Grants Program, EE080067 (January 2009 – June 2010)
  • Scott Steinbrink, Barry Brinkman, Karinna M. Vernaza, and Theresa Vitolo.  Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computer Science ($600,000). National Science Foundation, Division of Undergraduate Education – S-STEM: Scholarship in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (July 2008 - June 2013)
  • Karinna M. Vernaza and Michelle Homan. Pilot Project to Evaluate Reaction Parameters for Efficient Biodiesel Production ($10,000).  Erie-Patterson Corporation (December 2007 – December 2008)

University

  • Member, University Compensation Committee, 2018 - present.  Co-chair, 2019-2020
  • Member, Faculty Mentor Coordinator Committee, 2017- 2018
  • Past Member, Planning and Budget Committee, 2016 - 2017
  • Past Member, Learning Outcomes Assessment Commitee, 2014 - 2017
  • Past Member, Institutional Review Team, 2013 - 2017
  • Past Member, Finance and Budget Advisory Committee, 2012 - 2015
  • Past member, Strategic Planning Committee, 2011-2013
  • Past member, Study Abroad Committee, 2011-2013
  • Past member, Middle States Self-Report Committee for Standards 4 and 5, 2011 - 2013
  • Past member, University Rank and Tenure Committee (2009 – 2012). Chair, 2011- 2012
  • Past member, Provost Search Committee (2011-2012)
  • Past member, College of Engineering and Business Academic Affairs Committee (2008-2011)
  • Past member, University Athletic Committee (2005-2008)
  • Past member, Dean of College of Science, Engineering and Health Science Search Committee (2006- 2007)
  • Past member, School of Engineering and Health Sciences (SEHS) College Safety Committee (2004 - 2007). Chair, 2005-2006.

Profession

  • Board Member, American Society for Engineering Education North Central Section, 2013 - present

              Chair, 2017-present; Awards chair, 2016-17;  Vice-chair, 2015-16;  Unit Director, 2013-15

  • Campus Representative, American Society for Engineering Education, 2013 - present
  • Member, Outreach National Committee, Society of Women Engineers, 2008-2013
  • Reviewer for American Society of Engineering Education Conference, 2007 – present
  • Faculty Advisor, Society of Women Engineers Student Chapter (G075), 2004-present

Community

  • The Nonprofit Partnership, Board member, 2009-present

              Board Chair, 2013 - 2016

  • Erie High School, Engineering Occupational Advisory Committee, 2012 - present
  • Erie Ambassador, 2006 - present

 

Karinna M. Vernaza

+1 8148717722
Office: CBI 200F

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