About this Event
Register to attend online here!
Navy TechConnect: Distinguished Lecture Series presents Dr. Michelle L. Pantoya: Modifying Metals to Promote Power Generation
September 28th, 2026
TechGrid: 221 W. Inyokern Rd. Ridgecrest, CA 93555
11:30am-12:30pm
Aluminum (Al) particles are notoriously plagued with sluggish ignition and slow or incomplete combustion. Yet, the potential to harness tremendous power from these high energy density particles is on the cusp of transforming our way of life. This presentation will focus on thinking differently about using traditional diagnostic approaches in order to gain new insight and develop more accurate metal oxidation models. Experiments are purposefully designed to deconvolute energy conversion processes from metal particle combustion. Results inform our understanding of reaction energy and draw us closer to controlling energy release rates in order to harness power. Then, from comprehension of metal oxidation mechanisms, we can creatively develop strategies that will lead to their faster energy release. Harnessing more of the abundant chemical energy stored in metal particles at rates relevant to detonation time scales will have important implications for the use of metals as a power generating material in many applications.
Bio: Dr. Michelle Pantoya received her PhD from the University of California, Davis in 1999 and joined the faculty in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas Tech University in 2000. As the J. W. Wright Regents Endowed Chair Professor, her research focuses on studying fuel particle combustion in ways that can enhance our national safety and security. She has received many research and teaching awards including the US Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) and the DoD Young Investigator Program Award and has over 220 archival publications on this topic. Dr. Pantoya is also the co-author of several children’s books introducing engineering to young kids (i.e., Engineering Elephants, Optimizing an Octopus & Designing Dandelions) and an advocate for elementary engineering education.
To learn more about Navy TechConnect, visit
The Navy TechConnect virtual showcase provides companies with an efficient virtual platform to present their capabilities, expertise, and technologies to a highly targeted audience of Navy leaders, acquisition professionals, and key stakeholders—engaging a workforce of 10,000 members and leadership across multiple commands while fostering valuable partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
The Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) is a monthly program under Navy TechConnect designed to bring thought leaders, innovators, and subject-matter experts together with our technical community to foster dialogue around cutting-edge science, engineering, and defense technologies.
Event venue & nearby stays
TechGrid, 221 West Inyokern Road, Ridgecrest, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.