II. DATE OF BIRTH July 27, 1963

III. ACADEMIC RANK Assistant Professor (Full-time)

IV. RESEARCH INTERESTS

Jack's interdisciplinary research focuses on the nature of the fiber-matrix interphase, their effect on damage mechanics and their influence on composite strength and durability. His investigations include the coupled kinetic effects of time, temperature and environment on the durability of high performance aerospace and low cost polymer ground transportation/infrastructure composites. Jack also maintains an active interest and research in polymer composite materials, mechanics and structures as applied to the civil infrastructure. (Tom's Creek Bridge Rehabilitation & Field Site Durability Study )

V. DEGREES WITH FIELDS, INSTITUTION AND DATE

• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, 1987
• M.S., Engineering Science & Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 1991
• Ph.D., Engineering Science & Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 1994

4 years; August 1994

• 1994-1995, Research Associate & Visiting Assistant Professor
• 1995-Present, Assistant Professor

• June 1987-August 1989, Structural Test Engineer, David Taylor Research Center, Carderock, Maryland

• "Thermal Driven Indentation System," U. S. Patent No. 5,133,210.
• "Composites of Thermosetting Resins and Carbon having Aliphatic Sizings," U.S. Patent Application No. 08/622,057.
• Eastman Chemicals, Kingsport, TN
• Smith & Nephew, Inc, Memphis, TN

Lesko, J. J., K. Jayaraman, and K. L. Reifsnider, "Gradient Interphase Regions in Composite Systems," Special Issue of Key Engineering Materials, Eds., T. W. Clyne, Trans Tech Publishing, 1995, pp. 61-86.

Subramanian, S., J. J. Lesko, K. L. Reifsnider, and W. W. Stinchcomb, "Characterization of the Fiber-Matrix Interphase and its Influence on Mechanical Properties of Unidirectional Composites," Journal of Composite Materials, Vol. 30, No. 30, 1996, pp. 309-332.

Oyama, H., J. J. Lesko, and J. P. Wightman, "Inter-diffusion at the Interface Between Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and Epoxy," accepted, Journal of Polymer Science, 1996.

Verghese, K.E., & J.J. Lesko, "Durability of Polymer Composites," Chapter 11 - Fatigue performance - The Role of the Interphase, Ed. G. Pritchard, Technomics, in press as of Oct 1997.

Hayes, M.D., J.J. Lesko, T.E. Cousins, & D. Ohanehi, "Static and Fatigue Performance of a Square Tube and Plate Type Fiberglass Composite Bridge Deck System," Proceedings of the International Composites Expo, 1998, pp. 7A1-7.

Lesko, J.J., M. D. Hayes, J. Haramis, J. Hou, T. E. Cousins, J. Gomez, P. Massarelli, "Laboratory & Field Characterization of the Tom’s Creek Bridge Composite Superstructure," International Conference on Composite in the Infrastructure (peer reviewed proceedings), 1998, pp. 634-644.

Hayes, M.D., K. Garcia, K.E. Verghese, & J.J. Lesko, "The Effects of Moisture on the Fatigue Behavior of an E-Glass/Vinyl Ester Composite," International Conference on Composite in the Infrastructure (peer reviewed proceedings), 1998, pp. 1-13.

X. SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES OF WHICH A MEMBER

• American Society of Engineering Education
• American Society for Testing and Materials

• Virginia Tech's Certificate of Teaching Excellence, 1997
• NSF CAREER Award - Engineering Directorate - Civil & Mechanical Systems, 1997

• National Science Foundation Science & Technology Center for High Performance Polymeric Adhesives and Composites Operating Committee member, 1998, Virginia Tech
• Teaching Excellence Committee, 1997-98, College of Engineering, Virginia Tech
• Member, ESM Coordination & Planning Committee, Virginia Tech
• Board Member, Center for Composite Materials & Structures, Virginia Tech
• Member to Centers: CASS, CCMS, PMIL, NSF S&TC, Virginia Tech
• Reviewer to ASCE Journal of Materials, Journal of Adhesion, Journal of Composites Technology & Research, Books Prospectus for the ASME Press

• Development of a pilot program to bring under represented youth to Virginia Tech for a summer research experience. The SEES (Summer Externship for Engineering and Science) program will help to foster interest in Engineering and Science (E&S) and help the student develop a learning plan for a career in E&S. Funded under an NSF CAREER Award.
• Development of an Experimental Mechanics and Instrumentation course ESM (4005) that aims to provide basic instrumentation and measurement skills for mechanics of fluids, solids and motions.
• Development of lab oriented course to reinforce the principle of mechanics (Statics). Funded under SUCEED.