Gabriel Potirniche Named Associate Dean for College of Engineering

Professor Gabriel Potirniche has been named the associate dean of the University of Idaho College of Engineering. He will focus primarily on academic affairs while also assuming active roles in promoting research activities, participating in outreach initiatives, and fostering connections with external stakeholders. 

Additionally, he aims to join forces with the college faculty and staff in building multidisciplinary collaborations across campus.  

Potirniche is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and has been chair since 2020. He received his doctorate from Mississippi State University and joined U of I in 2007 as an assistant professor. He teaches engineering mechanics courses on several topics. His research expertise is building mathematical and computational models of material behaviors, such as elasticity, plasticity, creep, damage, fatigue, and fracture. He also developed models for high-rate mechanical impacts and thermoelectricity. 

Potirniche is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Idaho and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He has published book chapters and technical papers in journals and conference proceedings. He and his students have presented at national and international conferences. His interdisciplinary research has been funded by the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, Micron Technology, Murdock Charitable Trust, Alcoa Technical Center, and II-VI Foundation.