Rodica A. Baranescu
Personal Information
Born: 1940
Country of Birth: Romania
Nationality: Romanian-American
Ethnicity: White
Education
French Institute of Petroleum BS Mechanical Engineering; Politehnica University of Bucharest MS Mechanical Engineering 1961 & PhD Mechanical Engineering & Thermo Sciences
Professional Life
Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Institution/Corporation: University of Illinois at Chicago; International Truck & Engine Corporation
Degrees & Memberships: Honorary Degree Politehnica University of Bucharest; Member: US National Academy of Engineers (2001) SAE (1980)Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA)
Awards & Achievements
Awards: 2003 ASME Internal Combustion Engine Award; Excellence in Oral Presentation, SAE International; Gold Award of Excellence, Chicago Section SAE; Forest R. McFarland Award, SAE
Achievements: known for research in auto diesel engines; focuses on alternative fuels & optimization in emissions & performance; holds 2 patents in Romania: Internal combustion engine with damping chamber, Accumulator fuel injector system for diesel engine;1999 co-editor "Diesel Engine Reference Book;" 2000 1st female president of SAE
Engineering professor at University of Illinois at Chicago 2005-2016
taught at Politehnica University in Bucharest 1964-1978
emigrated to US 1980 to work for Navistat (now International Truck & engine corporation & was eventually promoted to Chief Engineer for Engine Performance Analysis & managed the Fuels & Lubricants & Engine Group
2011 helped establish the Rodica Baranescu Award for Technical & Leadership Excellence awarded by SAE
holds 2 patents in Romania