John Gershenson

Dr. John Gershenson is the Director of the Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship (HESE) Program at Penn State University. He has a B.A. in physics from Cornell University, an M.S. in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from University of Idaho. His research—which includes work on product/process architecture, lean/sustainable design and manufacturing, and appropriate technologies—includes more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and he has been principal investigator or co-principal investigator on proposals valued at more than $10 million. He has strong experience in developing technologies and their applications in Kenya, including as CEO of a startup. Dr. Gershenson’s research lab is currently developing 3D printing of medical technologies for use in rural healthcare clinics, particularly in East Africa. The HESE program is also very active in medtech, agtech, and edtech.

SIA Affiliate Professor Gershenson leads diverse engineering program with global impact