Morgantown, West Virginia, United States
I serve as Director of the WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research (WISER), where I lead interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships focused on energy, economic development, and environmental stewardship in West Virginia and the surrounding region. My work centers on advancing practical, science-based solutions across energy systems - spanning carbon management, industrial innovation, geothermal exploration, advanced transportation, and efficient resource use. I’m especially interested in how technology, policy, and economics intersect to support long-term prosperity in rural and energy-producing communities. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve helped design and lead more than $1 billion in research and development projects in collaboration with federal and state agencies, national labs, universities, and private industry. From emerging energy technologies to policy strategy, I work to ensure that research investments translate into real-world impact. With a PhD in Resource Economics and a background in mechanical engineering, I bring a systems-level perspective to complex challenges. I’m committed to collaborative leadership, public service, and building bridges between innovation and the people it serves.
The mission of the WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research is to serve West Virginia and the Appalachian region by supporting, investing, and connecting the research, faculty, students and programs we recognize as drivers in sustainability and energy. By serving as a catalytic hub, we: - discover and develop transformational pathways for energy research, sustainability and economic outreach - connect WVU energy and environmental researchers, staff and students with strategic partners in education, government and industry - aim to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to build thriving, resilient communities
The mission of the WVU Energy Institute is to promote, coordinate, and expand the impacts of West Virginia's energy assets and capabilities to benefit the people of West Virginia, the mid-Appalachian region, the nation and the world. My roles include working with the director to discover and develop transformational pathways that emphasize WVU's land-grant mission through connection with energy researchers, programs, facilities, capabilities and students to the future of energy. Key roles include: - support of Major Research Initiatives between WVU and industrial, governmental and academic partners - the establishment and coordination of Faculty Research Support services for WVU energy faculty. - development of large multi-disciplinary research programs and projects aligned with the strategic vision of WVUEI
Performed planning and day-to-day administration and management of all activities of the US-China Clean Energy Center (USCEC) at West Virginia University, a $50M energy R&D and policy development program with an international focus, including the US-China Clean Energy Research Center-Advanced Coal Technology Consortium (CERC-ACTC). This program involved technical and relationship management of a very diverse set of partners and stakeholders, including multiple university and industrial partners in both the US and China. Other duties included the implementation of internal organizational strategies for management of awards, familiarity and compliance with federal grant requirements, negotiation and implementation of new awards, and development of new industrial relationships to support research activities of the center. Additional duties involved support of research funding development as part of the Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI). Worked with internal investigators and AEI team members to identify promising technology areas and outreach opportunities including renewable energy development, hydrogen pathways investigations, geothermal opportunities, and shale gas emissions quantification and environmental impacts.
Negotiated and managed day-to-day technical, schedule, environmental, intellectual property, physical property and budget aspects of over an extremely diverse portfolio of federally directed infrastructure, deployment, and basic and applied research and development projects. Developed technical and schedule risk assessments, project budget and statements of work, evaluated proposals, evaluated project deliverables, provided technical expertise in assigned energy technologies, participated in technology assessments and policy development studies, and provided programmatic input to support the implementation of the DOEs organizational strategies. Presented portfolio and project status information to varied audiences through presentations and reports. Effectively coordinated and managed multiple internal and external entities, including Universities, National Laboratories, Site Support Contractors, and Industrial partners to solve technical, contractual, and legal issues. Directly managed a team of field support contractors (4-6 heads) with responsibility for oversight of large scale construction projects.
Managed team of test engineers (2-4 heads) with responsibility for initial startup, debug and testing of PEM fuel cell power systems in support of vehicle applications. Team leader for development of first organizational application of a low cost, high performance electronic control unit for automotive fuel cell applications.