Monday, April 28, 2008
Keynote Address – 08:00-09:30, Sheraton I

The conference will open with a keynote address by Dr. Rodica Baranescu, Manager of Fuels and Lubricants for Navistar Incorporated. The title of Rodica's presentation is "Energy, Fuels and the Environment - Present Challenges, Solutions for the Future"

Dr. Baranescu received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering in 1961 and 1970 respectively from Politechnica University in Bucharest Romania, where she also served as Assistant Professor (1964-68), Lecturer (1970-74), and Associate Professor (1974-78).

She is currently Manager of the Fuels and Lubricants and Engine Group of the International Truck and Engine Corporation, located in Melrose Park, IL. She is an internationally sought after public speaker on technical issues related to mobility technology, environmental control, fuels, and energy. Dr. Baranescu also serves as a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), teaching classes in internal combustion engines.

Dr. Baranescu was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2001 "for research leading to effective and environmentally sensitive diesel and alternativefuel engines and leadership in automotive engineering." She is a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers International and was President of SAE International in 2000. In 2003 she received the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineering) Internal Combustion Engine Award. Based in Warrenville, Ill., the company produces International® brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service.

More information about Navistar Inc. and their engine products can be found on the internet at http://www.internationalengines.com.