Aaron C. Isaacson

is head of the Drivetrain Technology Center of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University and managing director of the Gear Research Institute. He holds an M.S. and B.S. in mechanical engineering from Penn State University. Isaacson is pursuing his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering with a focus on functional design and optimization of high-alloy steel microstructures for rotorcraft gears in loss of lubrication environments. Isaacson began working in the area of gear and roller testing as an undergraduate student at ARL in 1997 and continued as a full-time engineer. He has over 19 years of experience conducting gear performance testing. His research interests include gear performance characterization, failure analysis, ferrous metallurgy, gear tooth friction and efficiency, gear metrology, sintering of metal and ceramic matrix composites, and control system design. He has previously authored two AGMA Fall Technical Meeting papers.