December 14, 2001

Matzen Named CNPPSEP Director

Dr. Matzen

Dr. Vernon C. Matzen has been named director of the Center for Nuclear Power Plant Structures, Equipment and Piping (CNPPSEP) at North Carolina State University effective November 27, 2001.  He replaces Dr. Ajaya K. Gupta, who has directed the Center since its founding in 1991.  The objective of each of the Center’s activities — research, education and dissemination — is safe and competitive nuclear power.

Matzen, who is an associate professor of civil engineering, joined the NC State faculty in 1977.  He  received an Alumni Distinguished Professor award for undergraduate teaching in 1993 and was the first recipient of the annual Kimley-Horn Faculty Award in 1981.  His research interests include experimental and numerical analysis of nuclear power plant piping and the seismic response of unanchored structures.

Matzen received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado in 1966, his master’s in structural engineering from Purdue University in 1968 and his doctorate in structural mechanics from the University of California, Berkley, in 1976.

-- rudd --