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Speakers & Panelists
David Baugh
Director
Partner Engagement
Bloom Energy Corporation
David is an accomplished and decisive senior leader and navy submarine veteran with over twenty years of experience in energy, finance, management consulting, business development, engineering, and construction. In his role as director of partner engagement, David recruits, onboards, trains, and creates mutual value propositions with his partners. With extensive knowledge of the energy market, David works with various partners to promote Bloom Energy’s solid oxide fuel cell technology, specifically in the microgrid market.
This is David’s second stint at Bloom Energy, having previously managed all installation and construction activities nationally. In between is time at Bloom, David worked as an advisory manager for Ernst and Young, building strategies for companies in the power and utilities sector. David has a B.S. in nuclear engineering and an MBA concentrating in finance.
Partner Engagement
Bloom Energy Corporation
David is an accomplished and decisive senior leader and navy submarine veteran with over twenty years of experience in energy, finance, management consulting, business development, engineering, and construction. In his role as director of partner engagement, David recruits, onboards, trains, and creates mutual value propositions with his partners. With extensive knowledge of the energy market, David works with various partners to promote Bloom Energy’s solid oxide fuel cell technology, specifically in the microgrid market.
This is David’s second stint at Bloom Energy, having previously managed all installation and construction activities nationally. In between is time at Bloom, David worked as an advisory manager for Ernst and Young, building strategies for companies in the power and utilities sector. David has a B.S. in nuclear engineering and an MBA concentrating in finance.
Charles Beach
Resources Efficiency Manager III
Contractor - Erica Lane Enterprises
Business Operations & Integration Division - IMKN-PWB
Multi-state Registered Professional Engineer with 40+ years of experience in Projects Design, Research, Construction, and Applications for buildings. Primary skills center on HVAC design, building dynamics, controls, and energy.
A senior, measured, and nationally known figure acknowledged as a 'hands on' force in Engineering, multi-site operations and department leadership. Demonstrated successes within the Operations, Research, Building Design, HVAC, Energy, Building Management Systems, Military Operations, Manufacturing and Construction sectors - supporting facilities.
Current and previous roles and responsibilities:
• Architect / Engineer background with added direct responsible charge inside all related market segments.
• Project Representative for discipline with Shopping Center Magnate and Developer –
A. Alfred Taubman.
• VP of Engineering for Systems Controls - Air Monitor Corporation. Early local rep. experiences with provider bidding.
• Chief Mechanical & Refrigeration Engineer - Kmart Corporation (in-house full-service A/E) 40 direct / 450 indirect reports.
• Co-Chairman - Kmart Energy Program.
• Authored Kmart National Purchasing Program - HVAC and early annual construction wide Commissioning Discipline / Contract.
• $1.8 billion in Kmart discipline construction (90’s dollars). Supported 196 million+ sq. ft. Facility Design / Operations
• Founded, operated, and expanded engineering consulting company - TEAMeng.
• Business Development Manager for 3M Commercial Filtration with $48 million entitlement opportunity
• Division Scientist 3M Research - technical market direction to National Account targets. Marketing, Sales
• Resources Efficiency Manager - United States Department of Defense. Fort Knox, KY. $28 million ESPC Phase I FY17. ESPC Phase II about to be contracted.
Contractor - Erica Lane Enterprises
Business Operations & Integration Division - IMKN-PWB
Multi-state Registered Professional Engineer with 40+ years of experience in Projects Design, Research, Construction, and Applications for buildings. Primary skills center on HVAC design, building dynamics, controls, and energy.
A senior, measured, and nationally known figure acknowledged as a 'hands on' force in Engineering, multi-site operations and department leadership. Demonstrated successes within the Operations, Research, Building Design, HVAC, Energy, Building Management Systems, Military Operations, Manufacturing and Construction sectors - supporting facilities.
Current and previous roles and responsibilities:
• Architect / Engineer background with added direct responsible charge inside all related market segments.
• Project Representative for discipline with Shopping Center Magnate and Developer –
A. Alfred Taubman.
• VP of Engineering for Systems Controls - Air Monitor Corporation. Early local rep. experiences with provider bidding.
• Chief Mechanical & Refrigeration Engineer - Kmart Corporation (in-house full-service A/E) 40 direct / 450 indirect reports.
• Co-Chairman - Kmart Energy Program.
• Authored Kmart National Purchasing Program - HVAC and early annual construction wide Commissioning Discipline / Contract.
• $1.8 billion in Kmart discipline construction (90’s dollars). Supported 196 million+ sq. ft. Facility Design / Operations
• Founded, operated, and expanded engineering consulting company - TEAMeng.
• Business Development Manager for 3M Commercial Filtration with $48 million entitlement opportunity
• Division Scientist 3M Research - technical market direction to National Account targets. Marketing, Sales
• Resources Efficiency Manager - United States Department of Defense. Fort Knox, KY. $28 million ESPC Phase I FY17. ESPC Phase II about to be contracted.
Vince Contini
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Battelle
Vince is a dynamic and forward-thinking research leader with a history of coordinating product development, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and creating innovative solutions that further client goals. Mr. Contini is experienced in mechanical and systems engineering for the energy and healthcare product industries and recognized as a Distinguished Inventor by Battelle with 27 issued patents.
Battelle
Vince is a dynamic and forward-thinking research leader with a history of coordinating product development, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and creating innovative solutions that further client goals. Mr. Contini is experienced in mechanical and systems engineering for the energy and healthcare product industries and recognized as a Distinguished Inventor by Battelle with 27 issued patents.
Huyen Dinh
Manager, Electrosynthesis, Fuel Storage Science & Engineering Group
Director, HydroGEN EMN
Hydrogen Production Subprogram Lead
Electrons to Molecules Lead for MCCS Directorate
Distinguished Member of the Research Staff
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dr. Huyen N. Dinh (she/her) is the director of HydroGEN Energy Materials Network for over six years. HydroGEN is a consortium of several U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories that accelerates research and development of innovative and advanced water splitting materials and technologies for clean, sustainable, and low-cost hydrogen production. Dr. Dinh is the manager for the Electrosynthesis and Fuel Storage Science & Engineering Group and the Electrons to Molecules Lead for the Materials, Chemicals, and Computational Science Directorate at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). She is also NREL's Hydrogen Production Subprogram Lead. Huyen has more than 22 years of experience in renewable hydrogen production, direct methanol (DMFC), hydrogen polymer electrolyte membrane (PEMFC), and zinc/air fuel cells at national laboratories and in industry. Her research interests include fuel cell catalysis (PEMFCs, DMFCs), contaminants, and renewable hydrogen production: renewable electrolysis, photoelectrochemical, and solar thermochemical water splitting.
Dinh earned her bachelor's degree in applied chemistry in 1993 and her doctorate in electrochemistry in 1998 at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She did her postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. She is a co-lead of the Asian Employee Resource Group (ERG), has been active in the Women’s Network ERG for many years, and has mentored many students. These volunteer activities are part of her on-going work towards a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
Director, HydroGEN EMN
Hydrogen Production Subprogram Lead
Electrons to Molecules Lead for MCCS Directorate
Distinguished Member of the Research Staff
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dr. Huyen N. Dinh (she/her) is the director of HydroGEN Energy Materials Network for over six years. HydroGEN is a consortium of several U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories that accelerates research and development of innovative and advanced water splitting materials and technologies for clean, sustainable, and low-cost hydrogen production. Dr. Dinh is the manager for the Electrosynthesis and Fuel Storage Science & Engineering Group and the Electrons to Molecules Lead for the Materials, Chemicals, and Computational Science Directorate at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). She is also NREL's Hydrogen Production Subprogram Lead. Huyen has more than 22 years of experience in renewable hydrogen production, direct methanol (DMFC), hydrogen polymer electrolyte membrane (PEMFC), and zinc/air fuel cells at national laboratories and in industry. Her research interests include fuel cell catalysis (PEMFCs, DMFCs), contaminants, and renewable hydrogen production: renewable electrolysis, photoelectrochemical, and solar thermochemical water splitting.
Dinh earned her bachelor's degree in applied chemistry in 1993 and her doctorate in electrochemistry in 1998 at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She did her postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. She is a co-lead of the Asian Employee Resource Group (ERG), has been active in the Women’s Network ERG for many years, and has mentored many students. These volunteer activities are part of her on-going work towards a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
Joe Estrada
Principal Technical Leader
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Joe Estrada has 20 years of experience in the energy sector. Joe went to University of Florida where he graduated with Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
He was a Strategic Engineer for Duke Energy for 10 years where he worked on a wide range of initiatives and projects including environmental and regulatory compliance, combustion optimization and renewable energy. After his tenure at Duke Energy, Joe worked as a Regional Manager for Combustion Technologies, where he implemented numerous combustion efficiency improvement projects at power plants nationwide. Most recently Joe worked at Dewberry, a leading professional services firm, where he grew the energy practice through implementation of strategic programs and development of key initiatives.
Under his current role, Joe works on hydrogen and other low carbon technology projects supporting EPRI’s Low Carbon Research Initiative (LCRI).
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Joe Estrada has 20 years of experience in the energy sector. Joe went to University of Florida where he graduated with Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
He was a Strategic Engineer for Duke Energy for 10 years where he worked on a wide range of initiatives and projects including environmental and regulatory compliance, combustion optimization and renewable energy. After his tenure at Duke Energy, Joe worked as a Regional Manager for Combustion Technologies, where he implemented numerous combustion efficiency improvement projects at power plants nationwide. Most recently Joe worked at Dewberry, a leading professional services firm, where he grew the energy practice through implementation of strategic programs and development of key initiatives.
Under his current role, Joe works on hydrogen and other low carbon technology projects supporting EPRI’s Low Carbon Research Initiative (LCRI).
Timothy Fogarty
CEO & Founder
PCC Hydrogen, Inc.
Tim Fogarty founded Crimson Hill Fund I, a venture fund investing in early-stage energy technology companies. He currently serves as the CEO of Pyrochem Catalyst Company and PCC Hydrogen, both Crimson Hill portfolio companies. Prior to Crimson Hill, Mr. Fogarty co-founded NALC, LLC, a hard rock mining company that was sold to a strategic buyer in 2019. Prior to NALC, he founded and was co-CEO of Phoenix Coal Corporation, a coal technology & mining company formed to commercialize technology licensed from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Phoenix completed an IPO in July 2008. Previously, Mr. Fogarty was the Power Technologies Equity Research Analyst at Thomas Weisel Partners, LLC in New York City. Mr. Fogarty graduated from Harvard University after which he served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer.
PCC Hydrogen, Inc.
Tim Fogarty founded Crimson Hill Fund I, a venture fund investing in early-stage energy technology companies. He currently serves as the CEO of Pyrochem Catalyst Company and PCC Hydrogen, both Crimson Hill portfolio companies. Prior to Crimson Hill, Mr. Fogarty co-founded NALC, LLC, a hard rock mining company that was sold to a strategic buyer in 2019. Prior to NALC, he founded and was co-CEO of Phoenix Coal Corporation, a coal technology & mining company formed to commercialize technology licensed from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Phoenix completed an IPO in July 2008. Previously, Mr. Fogarty was the Power Technologies Equity Research Analyst at Thomas Weisel Partners, LLC in New York City. Mr. Fogarty graduated from Harvard University after which he served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer.
Nick Jewell
Group Leader
Electric Distribution Emerging Technologies Engineering
Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities
Nicholas Jewell received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in electrical engineering from the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA, in 2014. He is currently the Group Leader of Electric Distribution Emerging Technologies Engineering with the Electrical Engineering and Planning Department at Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities (LG&E and KU), part of the PPL family of companies. At LG&E and KU, he leads a team of engineers to implement cutting edge technologies and manage distributed resource interconnection, while serving as the company subject matter expert in areas such as distribution planning, power systems analysis, and distributed energy resources (DER).
Dr. Jewell’s primary focus is on implementing advanced DER strategies and defining and executing a multi-year strategic roadmap pertaining to distribution hosting capacity, distribution system interconnection requirements, customer usage behavior, and system analysis regarding DER impacts to protection systems. He has been an author or co-author for numerous industry publications, has received several Tech Transfer Awards from the Electric Power Research Institute, and has one patent disclosure. Additionally, he was named a Top Innovator by Public Utilities Fortnightly in 2018 for his work with energy storage technologies. Dr. Jewell is also a licensed Professional Engineer in KY and a registered Project Management Professional (PMP).
Electric Distribution Emerging Technologies Engineering
Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities
Nicholas Jewell received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in electrical engineering from the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA, in 2014. He is currently the Group Leader of Electric Distribution Emerging Technologies Engineering with the Electrical Engineering and Planning Department at Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities (LG&E and KU), part of the PPL family of companies. At LG&E and KU, he leads a team of engineers to implement cutting edge technologies and manage distributed resource interconnection, while serving as the company subject matter expert in areas such as distribution planning, power systems analysis, and distributed energy resources (DER).
Dr. Jewell’s primary focus is on implementing advanced DER strategies and defining and executing a multi-year strategic roadmap pertaining to distribution hosting capacity, distribution system interconnection requirements, customer usage behavior, and system analysis regarding DER impacts to protection systems. He has been an author or co-author for numerous industry publications, has received several Tech Transfer Awards from the Electric Power Research Institute, and has one patent disclosure. Additionally, he was named a Top Innovator by Public Utilities Fortnightly in 2018 for his work with energy storage technologies. Dr. Jewell is also a licensed Professional Engineer in KY and a registered Project Management Professional (PMP).
Robert Jewell
Associate Director
Cementitious Materials Group
Center for Applied Energy Research
University of Kentucky
Dr. Robert Jewell is an Associate Director for the Cementitious Materials Group at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UK CAER). His research encompasses high-performance concrete technologies, the fabrication of new low energy, low CO2 emitting construction materials including cements and concretes from industrial by products, and process development for ash beneficiation. Additionally, Robert is focused on the development of smart energy-harvesting cementitious materials for civil engineering structures. He is the author of numerous technical reports, publications, and patents. He has more than 18 years of energy research experience related to cementitious materials and industrial byproduct utilization and has been a leading researcher on projects for the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Depart of Defense.
Cementitious Materials Group
Center for Applied Energy Research
University of Kentucky
Dr. Robert Jewell is an Associate Director for the Cementitious Materials Group at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UK CAER). His research encompasses high-performance concrete technologies, the fabrication of new low energy, low CO2 emitting construction materials including cements and concretes from industrial by products, and process development for ash beneficiation. Additionally, Robert is focused on the development of smart energy-harvesting cementitious materials for civil engineering structures. He is the author of numerous technical reports, publications, and patents. He has more than 18 years of energy research experience related to cementitious materials and industrial byproduct utilization and has been a leading researcher on projects for the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Depart of Defense.
Alan Mantooth
Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
Alan Mantooth received the B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. degrees from the University of Arkansas in 1985 and 1986, and the Ph.D. degree from Georgia Tech in 1990. He then joined Analogy, a startup company in Oregon. In 1998, he joined the faculty of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he currently holds the rank of Distinguished Professor. His research interests now include analog and mixed-signal IC design & CAD, semiconductor device modeling, power electronics, power electronic packaging, and cybersecurity.
Dr. Mantooth established and serves as Executive Director of the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT). Professor Mantooth is the Founding Director of the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on GRid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) and Deputy Director of the POETS NSF Engineering Research Center. Dr. Mantooth holds the 21st Century Research Leadership Chair in Engineering. He is a Past-President of the IEEE Power Electronics Society and Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics. Dr. Mantooth is a Fellow of IEEE, a member of Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and Eta Kappa Nu, and registered professional engineer in Arkansas.
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
Alan Mantooth received the B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. degrees from the University of Arkansas in 1985 and 1986, and the Ph.D. degree from Georgia Tech in 1990. He then joined Analogy, a startup company in Oregon. In 1998, he joined the faculty of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he currently holds the rank of Distinguished Professor. His research interests now include analog and mixed-signal IC design & CAD, semiconductor device modeling, power electronics, power electronic packaging, and cybersecurity.
Dr. Mantooth established and serves as Executive Director of the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT). Professor Mantooth is the Founding Director of the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on GRid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) and Deputy Director of the POETS NSF Engineering Research Center. Dr. Mantooth holds the 21st Century Research Leadership Chair in Engineering. He is a Past-President of the IEEE Power Electronics Society and Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics. Dr. Mantooth is a Fellow of IEEE, a member of Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and Eta Kappa Nu, and registered professional engineer in Arkansas.
Thangaraj Mathuraiveeran
PEM Fundamentals Leader
Cummins Inc.
Thangaraj has 17+ years of extensive background in the area of development and evaluation of various complex chemical systems, including diesel exhaust aftertreatment catalytic systems, Fuel Cell and Electrolyzers. He currently manages the PEM fundamentals group within Cummins New Power Business Unit. Thangaraj is responsible for planning, directing, and executing the R&D work related to experimental evaluation and modeling of Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer stacks and systems. He is responsible for the development of experimental capabilities for stack performance and durability evaluation, post-mortem analysis, and component characterization.
Prior to joining Cummins, Thangaraj worked with BOSCH (India, Germany) on exhaust aftertreatment catalysts, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) dosing system controls & alternatives to aqueous urea for SCR and with Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik (IGB), Germany on development of composite membranes for direct alcohol fuel cells & plasma technology.
Cummins Inc.
Thangaraj has 17+ years of extensive background in the area of development and evaluation of various complex chemical systems, including diesel exhaust aftertreatment catalytic systems, Fuel Cell and Electrolyzers. He currently manages the PEM fundamentals group within Cummins New Power Business Unit. Thangaraj is responsible for planning, directing, and executing the R&D work related to experimental evaluation and modeling of Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer stacks and systems. He is responsible for the development of experimental capabilities for stack performance and durability evaluation, post-mortem analysis, and component characterization.
Prior to joining Cummins, Thangaraj worked with BOSCH (India, Germany) on exhaust aftertreatment catalysts, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) dosing system controls & alternatives to aqueous urea for SCR and with Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik (IGB), Germany on development of composite membranes for direct alcohol fuel cells & plasma technology.
Sydney Montgomery
Economic Development Coordinator
Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Sydney Montgomery currently serves as an Economic Development Coordinator at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the state agency charged with job creation, retention, and business investment in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sydney’s primary function is to serve as a conduit to support internal and external partners with the transition towards decarbonization. Sydney also serves as a board member on the Kentucky Public Service Commission's Electronic Generation and Transmission Siting Board, the state board tasked with regulating the construction and operation of electric generating facilities and transmission lines that are not regulated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
During his tenure at the Cabinet, Sydney is most proud of his contributions as a member of Kentucky's EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan Advisory Committee, which helped the state secure $70M in funding as a part of the federal NEVI Formula Program. The funds will be used to build out Kentucky's electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He is equally proud of being part of a team that has shattered previous state records for job creation and capital investment in 2021 and 2022.
Prior to joining the Cabinet, Sydney practiced law throughout the state of Kentucky. His legal experience includes serving as an Attorney / Advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration, running his own law firm, and as an associate attorney at Aldridge & Aldridge, PSC. In 2019, Sydney ventured out and started his own law firm where he built a reputation for exceptional customer service and deliverables for his commercial transaction clients. The year prior, he played a major role in representing clients of the firm to which he was employed. Some of which were featured in national publications such as the Washington Post and regional true crime podcasts. He is also licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.
Sydney received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kentucky in 2013 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky in 2017. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky and loves volunteering his time and resources into the community. In his free time, Sydney enjoys playing golf, running, collecting rare bourbon, cooking, and trying new restaurants. He also manages a growing portfolio of short-term rental properties.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Sydney Montgomery currently serves as an Economic Development Coordinator at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the state agency charged with job creation, retention, and business investment in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sydney’s primary function is to serve as a conduit to support internal and external partners with the transition towards decarbonization. Sydney also serves as a board member on the Kentucky Public Service Commission's Electronic Generation and Transmission Siting Board, the state board tasked with regulating the construction and operation of electric generating facilities and transmission lines that are not regulated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
During his tenure at the Cabinet, Sydney is most proud of his contributions as a member of Kentucky's EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan Advisory Committee, which helped the state secure $70M in funding as a part of the federal NEVI Formula Program. The funds will be used to build out Kentucky's electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He is equally proud of being part of a team that has shattered previous state records for job creation and capital investment in 2021 and 2022.
Prior to joining the Cabinet, Sydney practiced law throughout the state of Kentucky. His legal experience includes serving as an Attorney / Advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration, running his own law firm, and as an associate attorney at Aldridge & Aldridge, PSC. In 2019, Sydney ventured out and started his own law firm where he built a reputation for exceptional customer service and deliverables for his commercial transaction clients. The year prior, he played a major role in representing clients of the firm to which he was employed. Some of which were featured in national publications such as the Washington Post and regional true crime podcasts. He is also licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.
Sydney received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kentucky in 2013 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky in 2017. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky and loves volunteering his time and resources into the community. In his free time, Sydney enjoys playing golf, running, collecting rare bourbon, cooking, and trying new restaurants. He also manages a growing portfolio of short-term rental properties.
Aron Patrick
Director of Research and Development
PPL Corporation
Aron Patrick is Director of Research and Development for PPL Corporation, a leading U.S. energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas safely, reliably, affordably and sustainably to 3.5 million customers in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. PPL’s high-performing, award-winning utilities, Kentucky Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, PPL Electric Utilities and Rhode Island Energy, are addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. Aron is responsible for managing an enterprise-wide R&D strategy and PPL’s partnerships with external research organizations, including national laboratories, and universities.
Aron has worked for PPL, and PPL subsidiary LG&E and KU, for more than six years. Before joining LG&E and KU, Aron held leadership roles at the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, including assistant director and program manager in carbon management and renewable energy. In those roles, Aron managed data, modeling, and research in energy policy and future energy technologies. Prior to that, Aron was an intelligence analyst for the federal government, using statistical analysis and modeling to address national security problems. Aron is a Lexington, KY native and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky.
PPL Corporation
Aron Patrick is Director of Research and Development for PPL Corporation, a leading U.S. energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas safely, reliably, affordably and sustainably to 3.5 million customers in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. PPL’s high-performing, award-winning utilities, Kentucky Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, PPL Electric Utilities and Rhode Island Energy, are addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. Aron is responsible for managing an enterprise-wide R&D strategy and PPL’s partnerships with external research organizations, including national laboratories, and universities.
Aron has worked for PPL, and PPL subsidiary LG&E and KU, for more than six years. Before joining LG&E and KU, Aron held leadership roles at the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, including assistant director and program manager in carbon management and renewable energy. In those roles, Aron managed data, modeling, and research in energy policy and future energy technologies. Prior to that, Aron was an intelligence analyst for the federal government, using statistical analysis and modeling to address national security problems. Aron is a Lexington, KY native and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky.
Sumedha Rao
Executive Director
Mayor's Office of Sustainability
Louisville Metro Government
Sumedha Rao is committed to catalyzing robust, inclusive, and collaborative solutions for a greener Louisville.
Sumedha has a background in urban sustainability, environmental policy, and green building in the United States and India. In 2022, Sumedha was named a Future Leader by the Aspen Institute, among 100 climate leaders in North America under the age of 30. Sumedha holds a master’s degree in Sustainability Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from St. Joseph’s College in India, and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED AP, accreditation.
Mayor's Office of Sustainability
Louisville Metro Government
Sumedha Rao is committed to catalyzing robust, inclusive, and collaborative solutions for a greener Louisville.
Sumedha has a background in urban sustainability, environmental policy, and green building in the United States and India. In 2022, Sumedha was named a Future Leader by the Aspen Institute, among 100 climate leaders in North America under the age of 30. Sumedha holds a master’s degree in Sustainability Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from St. Joseph’s College in India, and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED AP, accreditation.
Emmanuel Revellame
Associate Professor
Department of Engineering Technology
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Dr. Emmanuel Revellame is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and a Graduate Faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL). He has been working in the field of bioprocessing, bioseparation, phase equilibrium studies, wastewater treatment technologies, and waste-to-energy conversion technologies for over 10 years. His research in these fields involve optimization, modeling, and techno-economic studies. Dr. Revellame is also a research scholar in the UL Energy Institute of Louisiana and has contributed substantial publications (over 40 peer-reviewed) and presentations in these fields.
Department of Engineering Technology
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Dr. Emmanuel Revellame is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and a Graduate Faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL). He has been working in the field of bioprocessing, bioseparation, phase equilibrium studies, wastewater treatment technologies, and waste-to-energy conversion technologies for over 10 years. His research in these fields involve optimization, modeling, and techno-economic studies. Dr. Revellame is also a research scholar in the UL Energy Institute of Louisiana and has contributed substantial publications (over 40 peer-reviewed) and presentations in these fields.
John Smegal
Program Officer
Industrial Assessment Centers
Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains
US Department of Energy
Mr. Smegal serves as the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) Supply Chain Deployment Manager for the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and has been responsible for overseeing the IAC program for more than 12 years. The IAC program works with small and medium-sized manufacturers to help them identify and implement opportunities to save energy, improve productivity, and reduce water use and wastewater. At the same time, the IACs serve as a workforce development program intended to train the next generation of energy engineers/professionals.
Prior to joining DOE, he provided strategic and technical support to DOE, EPA, NRC, DoD, and other public and private sector clients. Mr. Smegal has a B.A. in Economics from Carleton College, where he was an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, and an M.A. in Public Policy from the Harris School at the University of Chicago.
Industrial Assessment Centers
Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains
US Department of Energy
Mr. Smegal serves as the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) Supply Chain Deployment Manager for the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and has been responsible for overseeing the IAC program for more than 12 years. The IAC program works with small and medium-sized manufacturers to help them identify and implement opportunities to save energy, improve productivity, and reduce water use and wastewater. At the same time, the IACs serve as a workforce development program intended to train the next generation of energy engineers/professionals.
Prior to joining DOE, he provided strategic and technical support to DOE, EPA, NRC, DoD, and other public and private sector clients. Mr. Smegal has a B.A. in Economics from Carleton College, where he was an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, and an M.A. in Public Policy from the Harris School at the University of Chicago.
Kenya Stump
Executive Director
Kentucky Office of Energy Policy
Commonwealth of Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet
Kenya Stump was appointed as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy in March of 2020. Prior to that, Kenya served Assistant Director for the Division of Energy Assistance within the Office of Energy Policy. Before her work in energy, Kenya managed the environmental assistance programs at the Cabinet including environmental leadership, brownfields, and compliance assistance with the Division of Compliance Assistance. She also served as environmental scientist and policy advisor for the Director’s Office at the Division for Air Quality. Prior to moving to state government in Frankfort, she served as an environmental consultant with the Kentucky Business Environmental Assistance Program at the University of Kentucky. Kenya has master’s degrees in Environmental Science and Public Administration from Indiana University and the University of Kentucky, respectively. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in Environmental Systems and graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelors degree in Chemistry.
Kentucky Office of Energy Policy
Commonwealth of Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet
Kenya Stump was appointed as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy in March of 2020. Prior to that, Kenya served Assistant Director for the Division of Energy Assistance within the Office of Energy Policy. Before her work in energy, Kenya managed the environmental assistance programs at the Cabinet including environmental leadership, brownfields, and compliance assistance with the Division of Compliance Assistance. She also served as environmental scientist and policy advisor for the Director’s Office at the Division for Air Quality. Prior to moving to state government in Frankfort, she served as an environmental consultant with the Kentucky Business Environmental Assistance Program at the University of Kentucky. Kenya has master’s degrees in Environmental Science and Public Administration from Indiana University and the University of Kentucky, respectively. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in Environmental Systems and graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelors degree in Chemistry.
Amir Valibeygi
Director of Analytics
BrightNight
Amir has 10 years of experience in engineering, control, and analytics of renewable energy projects, including utility scale solar and energy storage as well as microgrid projects. He leads analytics at BrightNight and has a deep understanding of renewable project modeling and optimization, green hydrogen, energy storage technologies and power market analytics.
Prior to BrightNight, Amir worked as a controls engineer for Solar Turbines, where he developed an optimization and forecasting platform for the company’s energy storage product. He has successfully developed and implemented real-time control and dispatch for several microgrids including the first healthcare microgrid in California consisting solar and energy storage. Amir has a PhD in control of energy systems from the University of California San Diego.
BrightNight
Amir has 10 years of experience in engineering, control, and analytics of renewable energy projects, including utility scale solar and energy storage as well as microgrid projects. He leads analytics at BrightNight and has a deep understanding of renewable project modeling and optimization, green hydrogen, energy storage technologies and power market analytics.
Prior to BrightNight, Amir worked as a controls engineer for Solar Turbines, where he developed an optimization and forecasting platform for the company’s energy storage product. He has successfully developed and implemented real-time control and dispatch for several microgrids including the first healthcare microgrid in California consisting solar and energy storage. Amir has a PhD in control of energy systems from the University of California San Diego.
Jacob Vittitow
Power Engineer
Scale Microgrids
Jacob Vittitow attended the University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering from 2013-2018, earning a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. After working in Louisville for a few years after college, first with Louisville Gas & Electric - Kentucky Utilities and then with C&I Engineering, Jacob moved to New York City and started work with Scale Microgrids in 2020.
At Scale Microgrids, Jacob works as a Power Engineer, overseeing the design, construction, and operation of facility-level microgrid systems that integrate solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and Natural-Gas Generator Sets to provide resilient energy and reduce the carbon footprints of a wide range of clients. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New York.
Scale Microgrids
Jacob Vittitow attended the University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering from 2013-2018, earning a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. After working in Louisville for a few years after college, first with Louisville Gas & Electric - Kentucky Utilities and then with C&I Engineering, Jacob moved to New York City and started work with Scale Microgrids in 2020.
At Scale Microgrids, Jacob works as a Power Engineer, overseeing the design, construction, and operation of facility-level microgrid systems that integrate solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and Natural-Gas Generator Sets to provide resilient energy and reduce the carbon footprints of a wide range of clients. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New York.
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