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Center for Engineering Research & Education

Impact Industry and Education with CERE

Join us at Liberty University’s Center for Engineering Research & Education (CERE) in Bedford County, Va., and help promote research and development through our upcoming state-of-the-art industry labs.

 

Research as a Student

There are many research opportunities within the School of Engineering. Undergrad students have the opportunity to come alongside world-class research professors and assist in the research process and writing of articles for academic journals. Undergrad students have even had the opportunity to present their papers and research at conferences across the United States alongside their professors. Graduate students are assigned an Academic Advisor/ Research Professor. These students have the opportunity to research and write under the guidance and tutelage of their Advisor.

Become an Industry Affiliate

When you partner with CERE, your organization joins Liberty University in a commitment of time, resources, and support to help meet industry energy needs for the future.

Your involvement will aid in enhancing and developing new technologies and the future workforce. It will help grow the global energy industry through applied research and education as well as benefit advanced manufacturing companies across the Commonwealth.

Industry Labs include:

  • Chemical/material lab
  • EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) lab
  • 3D Prototype Lab
  • Calibration lab
  • Non-destructive testing lab
  • Machine Shop

Higher Education and CERE

Uniting industry and academics, CERE provides a working platform for research and higher education. Our industry-sponsored labs will help meet industry needs, foster academic research pursuits, and provide work opportunities for students.

Students from across the state of Virginia and Liberty University will benefit from opportunities to observe and assist with research in the fields of science and engineering. Together, we will provide a unique place of learning, research, and training to equip our future workforce to meet and lead the energy challenges and needs for the next decade.


CERE Labs welcome Engineering students

Materials Property Testing Lab

Characterization Lab – JOEL Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Mark Forged 3D Plastic Printing Lab

Hardness Testing Lab

Machine Shop

Drill Press

Grinder Machine

Drill Press

Vertical Band Saw

Machine Shop – Grinding Machine

Vertical Band Saw

SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers – Liberty’s Formula One Team

OMAX Water Jet – Printing Lab

Additive Manufacturing Lab – ARCAM 3D Printer

Helmet Drop Testing Lab

Electromagnetic Chamber – (EMC Lab)

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering degree


Events at CERE

School of Engineering’s Annual Tailgate

Great turnout at first annual School of Engineering Tailgate. The school welcomed faculty, students and alumni to an afternoon of barbecue and games before Liberty’s Homecoming Football Game.

School of Engineering’s Lab Techs Visit CERE

Lab Techs from the School of Engineering visited the Center for Engineering Research & Education, learning about new developments. The students were joined by Marc Jantomaso, Lab Manager, and Richard Diddams, Executive Director of CERE.

Framatome & CERE Mixer

President of Framatome, Gary Mignogna, visited the CERE facility.

Faculty, Staff and Supporters Visit CERE

Faculty and staff from the School of Engineering and Liberty, along with community members visit the facilities at the Center for Engineering Research and Education.


See CERE Board of Advisors

Staff


Dr. Richard Diddams CxA

Executive Director
rdiddams@liberty.edu
(434) 582-8661

Dr. Rich Diddams DBA, CxA, LEED GA joined Liberty University in 2017 after over 15 years in the engineering and construction industry. His experience includes leading projects on over 400 bases, $4 Billion in construction projects during his tenure. Rich also served as an officer in the Marine Corps having led Marines in peacetime and combat. His positions included serving on the Joint Staff and at the White House as a senior advisor on counterterrorism.


Lynette Whorley

Administrative Coordination
lwhorley@liberty.edu
(434) 582-8662

Lynette Whorley joined Liberty University in 2015 in the Finance department as a Budget Analyst. She was previously employed by Areva for 24.5 years. She knew God had a plan for her life and eager to get back into the engineering arena, she joined the Center for Engineering Research & Education just at the beginning stages of the Center. As her desires are to please the Lord, she also finds delight in nurturing relationships between students and others to bridge their success.


David Fazzina

Assistant Director
dfazzina@liberty.edu
(434) 582-7733

Mr. David Fazzina joined Liberty University’s School of Engineering in 2016 after over 20 years in the engineering and manufacturing industry. He created solutions, built lasting relationships and improved efficiency in Fortune 500 corporations and entrepreneurial, high growth companies. His experience encompasses success in diverse technological disciplines, markets, and roles. He has worked with international thought leaders in multiple industries with a track record of continuously improving systems and processes while managing projects to increased levels of performance excellence.


Stephen Horstemeyer

Lab Director
sjhorstemeyer@liberty.edu
(434) 582-7842

Mr. Stephen J. Horstemeyer joined Liberty University School of Engineering in 2019. He has 21 years experience in the steel industry employed at Weirton Steel Corporation/National Steel, 1.5 years at Sandia National Laboratory managing the Welding Metallurgy Laboratory and Hydrogen Laboratory, and 16.5 years managing 10 laboratories at Mississippi State University/Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems. He has over 30 publications.

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