Director's Message

July 2026 Newsletter: MRI
Josh Robinson standing outside the Millennium Science Complex

I am honored and excited to begin serving as director of Penn State’s Materials Research Institute. MRI has played an important role throughout my career, from my graduate studies in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State (2001-2005) to where I am today – its newest Director! I have seen firsthand how the institute brings together people, ideas, and capabilities from across the University to address complex research challenges.

Stretchable antenna keeps wearable health sensors in tune with human health

Wearable health monitors are designed to move with the body. But for many devices, movement creates a problem: The more a person bends, stretches, reaches or runs, the harder it can be for the device to keep a stable wireless connection. Penn State researchers and international collaborators set out to solve that problem by developing a soft, stretchable antenna that can keep working even when pulled in different directions.

Sadie Spicer

Sadie Spicer

Administrative Assistant, CEDE

(e) sco3@psu.edu

(p) 814-865-5766