Catholic Mission

Office:

        Zurn Science Center, Room 125

Education:

• Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame (2003). Dissertation title: “Temperature Measurements During High Speed Machining”.
• Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame (2001).
• B.S. Marine Engineering Systems, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (1996).DIV>

Teaching Interests:

• ME204 – Dynamics
• ME214 – Strength of Materials
• ME215 – Strength of Materials Laboratory
• ME315 – Materials Science
• ME335 – Machine Elements
• ME461 – Vibrations
• ME444/GME530 - Advanced Strength of Materials
• GME557 – Metal Cutting

Research Interests:

• High Speed Machining and Metal Cutting
• Manufacturing-Materials Processes
• Experimental Techniques
• Non-traditional Processes (i.e. NDT)
• Tribology
• Machine Design
• Biomaterials

Recent Publications:

• Mason, J.J., Kazban, R.V. & Vernaza-Peña K.M. (2006). Effect of Tool Parameters on Temperature Fields in High-Speed Machining. SEM Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, Society of Experimental Mechanics, Inc., Saint Louis, Missouri, June 4-7, 2006.
• K.M. Vernaza-Peña, J.J. Mason and M. Li, “Experimental study of the temperature field generated during orthogonal machining of an aluminum alloy,” Experimental Mechanics, 42 (2), 221-229 (2002).

Hobbies:

• I am a devoted Notre Dame Football Fan. I enjoy outdoor activities: biking, rollerblading, kayaking, camping, hiking. I love to read. I appreciate different cultures, customs and traditions; therefore, traveling is a must in life. I love wine and the culture behind it. Go irish!