After 3 years at the University of Dayton, he joined Penn State. The College named him an outstanding teacher in 1983. In 1991, he created the Materials Characterization Lab and served as the Director for 10 years. In 1998, he was appointed the Director of the Materials Research Institute, a new University-level unit created to promote interdisciplinary materials research, science and engineering which he led thru 2014. He is a Fellow of both the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) and the AVS. He was a Chair of the Glass and Optical Materials Division of the ACerS, was a US Council Representative for the International Commission on Glass and is an elected member of the World Academy of Ceramics. He was awarded the 2005 George W Morey award for outstanding technical contributions to the field of glass science and technology. He was named the 2012 Kreidl Memorial Lecturer, 2014 Scholes Lecturer in Glass Science, and a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Florida.

RESEARCH PROJECTS:
The effects of glass composition and processing on the surface composition and reactivity of glass substrates and fiber glasses are of primary interest. The specific effects of sodium-oxide, boron-oxide and pH on corrosion, polymer adsorption and adhesion are being characterized using methods including XPS, FTIR, AFM, IGC, NMR, and Raman. In a closely related line of inquiry, the effects of surface composition on chemo-mechanical effects such as stress corrosion, strength and damage tolerance are being explored. A variety of thin-film coating methods and surface treatments are being explored to add functionality to glass surfaces. Fundamental studies of glass corrosion relevant to commercial glasses and nuclear waste glasses are core competency of the group.

Professor Pantano also has an interest in promoting and facilitating interdisciplinary activities among glass scientists, glass artists, and conservators. He created a hot shop for fiber drawing, glass blowing, and related processing methods that has served as an ideal venue to bring together students from different disciplines into co-curricular activities in Glass Art and Science.