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URI Energy Center

Take Charge EV Conference

Speaker Biographies

Clyde Briant, Vice President for Research, Brown University

Clyde L. Briant is the Vice President for Research and the Otis E. Randall University Professor at Brown University. From 2003 to 2006, Professor Briant served as Dean of Engineering at Brown. Prior to joining Brown in 1994, Professor Briant worked at the GE Research and Development Center for eighteen years (1976-1994). He received his Doctor of Engineering Science Degree in Materials Science from Columbia University in 1974 and was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania from 1974-76. Professor Briant's research has been in the area of structural materials. He has received many honors for his work. He was selected as a Coolidge Fellow at GE, the highest honor bestowed on a staff member at the R&D Center at that time. He is a Fellow of both ASM International and TMS. He was an Overseas Fellow at Churchill College, Cambridge, in 1987-88, a Visiting Scientist at AERE Harwell in 1984, and at the Hungarian Academy of Science Institute for Technical Physics in 1991. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2010.

As Vice President for Research he oversees research administration, technology transfer, and research initiatives. He also serves as co-chair of the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC). As Vice President for Research he helped launch the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship which had its official opening in April, 2009, and the Technology Ventures Office at Brown in September, 2009. He has worked to establish new research collaborations with the Marine Biological Labs in Woods Hole, MA. He has also begun major research collaborations between Brown and IBM in high performance computing and Brown and Draper Laboratories in energy research. His office coordinated many of the ARRA funding applications from Brown. As Co-Chair of STAC he has overseen the development of a state Science and Technology Plan and the establishment of the RI Research Alliance.

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Ron Brost, Vice President of Electrochemical Research, Coda Automotive

Morning Powerpoint

Dr. Ron Brost is Vice President of Electrochemical Research at Coda Automotive, with a mandate that covers fundamental chemistry, computational simulations of electrochemical systems, and advanced cell design for automotive and grid storage cells. Previous to this assignment he was a Technical Expert and supervisor at Ford Motor Company (Dearborn) on many of electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicle programs, including the Ranger EV, TH!NK City EV, two hybrid research programs, the Fuel Cell Focus program (30 vehicle fleet), and fuel cell core research, leading to over ten patents in the technical area. Previous to his position at Ford, Dr. Brost held battery engineering positions at Delphi Automotive and Ballard Battery (now a subsidiary of Eagle Picher). Dr. Brost completed his PhD from the University of Victoria in chemistry and holds a BApSc in chemical engineering from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Brost is also a Six Sigma trained black-belt (Design for Six Sigma).

Coda Automotive is an American, all-green company focused on accelerating the adoption of all-electric cars. Coda Automotive is committed to the cause of sustainability and a cleaner future, combining American ingenuity with partnerships around the world. Simply stated, Coda's goals are to reduce our dependence on oil, to prevent further environmental degradation, and to build a clean-technology automotive industry for the 21st century.

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Christopher Bull, Senior Research Engineer and Senior Lecturer, Brown University

Dr. Bull has degrees in mechanical (bachelors) and electrical (masters) engineering and a doctorate in material science. Current research topics include electric vehicle – grid interaction, solar thermal energy for industrial processes, electrodes for lithium ion batteries, and material systems for neural implants. Dr. Bull teaches courses in industrial design, renewable energy, appropriate technology, and social entrepreneurship. He is the coauthor of two books and numerous articles.

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Winifred E. Brownell, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, URI

Powerpoint Presentation

Prior to her appointment as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1999, Dr. Brownell served as Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, and over 20 years as a professor of Communication Studies at URI. In 1977-78, she coordinated the College of Human Science and Services at URI, and in 1978-79, she served as an ACE Fellow in academic administration at the University of Utah. She received her B. A. in Theatre and her M. A. and Ph.D. in Communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dean Brownell leads a College of 22 departments and programs as well as several research centers, research-industrial partnerships, outreach programs, performing and visual arts series and jointly offers the International Engineering Programs with the College of Engineering as well as joint international programs with Business, Education, Textiles, and Pharmacy. Her research interests include use of new communication technologies, aging and communication, and social media.

In 1988, Dr. Brownell received the URI Foundation Teaching Excellence Award; in 1996, she received the Association of Academic and Professional Women “Woman of the Year” award; in 1999, she received the Lambda Pi Eta Richard E. Bailey Service Award for Excellence in the Art of Human Communication; in 2003, she received the Multicultural Center Administrative Excellence Award; and in 2006 received the Rhode Island International Film Festival Producer's Circle Award. She has attracted over $30,000,000 in individual, corporate and foundation awards, grants, gifts and pledges to URI. In 2010, she helped to launch The Harrington School of Communication and Media at URI.

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Watson R. Collins III, P.E., Manager of Business Development, Northeast Utilities

Powerpoint Presentation

Watson Collins is manager of business development for the Northeast Utilities system (NYSE: NU), which includes utilities in Connecticut, western Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He began his career with NU in 1984 and in 2008 joined the company's enterprise planning and development group to focus on transportation electrification and related opportunities for New England's largest energy delivery system. He is currently working with multiple stakeholders on infrastructure and policy approaches to support plug-in electric vehicles (EVs).

In 2009, Collins spearheaded the formation of the Regional Electric Vehicle Initiative (REVI) and currently leads this working group of New England-based utilities to advance EV charging infrastructure. He is an active member of Connecticut's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council, established in 2009 by executive order of Governor M. Jodi Rell.

Collins serves on the steering committee of the National Electric Transportation Infrastructure Working Council (IWC) that, in conjunction with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), is addressing open access and authentication standards for public charging stations. Collins is also a steering committee member of the Electric Drive Transportation Association's National Plug-in Vehicle Initiative, and a member of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) working group for EV market readiness. Collins is a board member of the U.S. Green Parking Council.

Collins has worked in the utility industry for more than two decades, initially as an engineer at the Millstone Nuclear Power Station. Prior to his current position, he was responsible for planning and development of NU's large-scale regional transmission projects, several of which were recognized with major industry awards.

Collins holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Rhode Island and a master's degree in economics from Trinity College. A native of the Philadelphia area, he resides in West Hartford, Connecticut, with his wife and son.

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Albert Dahlberg, Coordinator, Project Get Ready Rhode Island

Al Dahlberg is the Director of State and Community Relations at Brown University. He is also the Founder and Coordinator of Project Get Ready Rhode Island, an initiative of the Rocky Mountain Institute to get 20 cities to be pioneers in the adoption of plug in electric vehicles.

Al graduated from Georgetown University and Boston College Law School. After practicing law for two years, Al joined the staff of Sen. John Chafee (R – RI) as Counsel on Clear Air issues to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. In 2000, Al joined the US EPA working on communications, monitoring, and assessment of the acid rain cap and trade program within the Clean Air Markets Division. He left the EPA in 2001 to manage the statewide campaign of Matt Brown for RI Secretary of State and then became Chief of Staff and Deputy RI Secretary of State until 2007, when he came to Brown University.

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Dan Davids, President, Plug In America

Morning Powerpoint Presentation

Afternoon Powerpoint Presentation

As president of Plug In America, Dan Davids has been instrumental in expanding the organization's reach beyond its California roots. Since becoming a director in 2007, this Seattle-based entrepreneur has been a key player in furthering Plug In America's growth as the preeminent non-profit advocacy group promoting the electrification of our nation's transportation system. An inveterate “car guy,” he drives a factory-made all-electric Toyota RAV4 EV. His family's second car is a Hymotion-equipped plug-in Prius, capable of over 100 mpg. “Electric vehicles are the embodiment of working smarter and not harder,” says Dan.

Dan is a principal contributor to the Puget Sound Regional Council's "Electric Vehicle Infrastructure:  A Guide for Local Governments in Washington State".

As a manager at Microsoft, Dan helped create and ship numerous successful software and hardware products. He has a particular interest in usability and interface design. Today, Dan is active in a number of businesses and organizations related to energy efficiency and the environment. These interests range from solar photovoltaics and green building to habitat restoration and animal rights. A lifelong environmentalist, he credits his experience in oceanography with teaching him about the interconnectedness of all life on earth.

Dan holds a bachelor of science degree in physics from Harvey Mudd College and a master's degree in business from Central Michigan University. Besides further graduate-level study in aeronautics and oceanography, Dan spent a quarter abroad as a student in the former Soviet Union. He is a licensed Airline Transport Pilot with numerous ratings and over 5,000 hours of flight time in over 50 types of aircraft. Dan has also competed at the professional level in formula race cars sanctioned by the SCCA.

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Joseph DiCarlo, Manager, Battery Materials BASF

Joe DiCarlo serves as Manager, Battery Materials, for BASF.   BASF is the world's leading chemical company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. Joe joined BASF in June 2010. Prior to joining BASF Joe worked as a consultant for various companies in the area of battery and battery materials. 

From 2000 to 2007 Joe held the position of Director of Research at Yardney Technical Products. In this position Joe directed R&D programs totaling over $25 million; obtained funding from Congressional and other federal funding agencies; and developed key collaborations with industrial partners.

Prior to joining Yardney Technical Products, Joe was a Research Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Labs, research included fuel cell technologies. Joe received his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, May 1990 from Brown University and his BS in Chemistry May 1986 from The Citadel.

Joe has more than 24 publications in referred journals and several patents.

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Jim Fink, Electrical Engineer, Thielsch Engineering

Jim is a licensed Rhode Island Professional Electrical Engineer with 16 years of experience in mission critical facility design, operation and maintenance. His experience has spanned multiple engineering disciplines including data center electrical and HVAC infrastructure design, standby & emergency power generation, general electrical distribution, nuclear plant operation, and forensic electrical engineering. He is credited with 2 patents relating to data center infrastructure design. Jim has a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Rhode Island and a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Union College in Schenectady, NY.

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Peter Fontaine, Attorney, Cozen O'Connor

Powerpoint Presentation

Peter J. Fontaine is co-chair of the firm's Energy, Environmental & Public Utility Practice Group and the Climate Change practice area.

Peter is a leader of Cozen O'Connor's Climate Change and Environmental practices. He helps sustainable technology companies in the highly dynamic world of environmental and energy law. He works with several leading renewable energy and clean transportation companies, including a manufacturer of photovoltaic cells, a micro-wind turbine company, a biogas company, and an electric vehicle technology company. His work includes counseling companies on new markets, project development, environmental attribute credits and related matters. In 2008, Peter conceived and helped form a new coalition of emerging electric vehicle companies, the Battery Electric Vehicle Coalition, which promotes changes to federal law to enable a commercial market for electric vehicles.

Peter's prior career as a Clean Air Act attorney with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C., is instrumental to his practice today. From 1990 to 1992, he was an attorney-advisor in EPA's Air Enforcement Division, where he helped draft EPA's enforcement regulations under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and helped enforce EPA's New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and New Source Review (NSR) program for power plants and municipal waste combustors. In 1992, he was appointed to serve on EPA's first Multimedia Enforcement Task Force. Peter planned and executed EPA's 1992 national enforcement initiative against the pulp and paper industry for which he received EPA's Award for Excellence, an award given annually to one lawyer in the 120-lawyer Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. He completed his tenure with the EPA in 1994 after serving as special assistant to the director of civil enforcement, where he was responsible for formulating and implementing enforcement policies across the EPA's ten regional offices and the various states.

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Pradeep Guduru, Professor, Division of Engineering Brown University

Pradeep Guduru received Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sri Venkateswara University (Tirupati, India) and Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore, India). He received PhD in Aeronautics from California Institute of Technology in 2001. Subsequently he joined the Division of Engineering at Brown University as a postdoctoral research associate and was appointed as an assistant professor of Engineering in 2002. He has been an associate professor of Engineering since 2008 and the James R. Rice Associate Professor of Engineering since January 2009. He was a visiting associate professor at University of California, Berkeley during 2008-09. His research interests include: experimental mechanics at small length scales, mechanics of biological adhesion and friction, mechanics of guided self-assembly; and more recently, mechanics of energy storage materials. He is the recipient of the Senate Commendation at IISc, Sechler Memorial Prize for contributions to research and teaching at Caltech, Ballhause Prize for outstanding doctoral dissertation in Aeronautics at Caltech, National Science Foundation CAREER award in 2006 and the PECASE (Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers) in 2007.

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Ronald Gulmi, Manager, Transportation Group, National Grid

Powerpoint Presentation

As Manager of the Product Management - Transportation group, Mr. Gulmi is responsible for the development of new products and services that support the electric and gas growth strategy and energy efficiency programs at National Grid US with a focus on the transportation sector. He is responsible for policies, strategies and business and product development of alternative fuel vehicle technologies for National Grid. He applies his experience as a fleet manager and 24 years in the AFV industry, including extensive work with electric vehicles and NGVs and related fueling infrastructure, to assist manufacturers and trade allies in the development of alternative fueled transportation technologies. Mr. Gulmi serves on the Board of Directors of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) and is a steering committee member of the National Plug-In Initiative (NPVI). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Natural Gas Vehicle of America (NGVA) and is vice chair of the NGVA Market Advisory Committee. Ron is also the chairman of the Northeast Gas Association's NGV Working Group. Mr. Gulmi is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition (GLICCC), the New York City/Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities and the Ocean State Clean Cities, Inc., which are sponsored by the federal Department of Energy with a charter to increase the use of AFV's to increase energy independence and improve air quality while facilitating technology development and economic growth. Mr. Gulmi holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics – Probability & Statistics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a Masters of Business in Management from Adelphi University and a Masters of Science certificate in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Polytechnic University.

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Jim Hall, Public Relations Consultant, Mitsubishi

Powerpoint Presentation

From track-testing a 1926 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix racer right through to doing lightning-quick acceleration runs in today's awe-inspiring Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - and driving virtually everything in between - automotive expert Jim Hall has been fortunate enough to pilot them all. After a nearly 15 year editorial stint as a full-time staff member of Road & Track magazine where he eventually worked his way up to Senior Editor, Jim has written over 1000 articles for illustrious print media outlets including the aforementioned R&T, as well as for Open Road, Rosso Ferrari, Cycle World and popular websites including RoadandTrack.com, Yahoo!, AOL and Red Bull.com. He has also been featured in automotive-related television programs including "Test Drive: Acura" on SPEED as well as "World's Most Expensive Rides" on the Discovery HD channel. In his final years at Road & Track, Jim wrote scripts, performed voiceovers and assisted in video production for dozens of automotive-related videos for RoadandTrack.com and Yahoo! that were literally seen by millions of automotive enthusiasts the world over.

Jim is currently keeping very busy as the East Coast Director of a public relations firm, Trivalle Communications, working as a PR representative and creating editorial content for Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). His duties in this capacity have him splitting time between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Newport Beach, California.

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Brett Lucht, Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island

Powerpoint Presentation

Brett Lucht received a B.S. with honors from the University of Puget Sound in 1991. He obtained a Ph.D in 1996 from Cornell University working with David Collum and then moved to the University of California for post-doctoral research with T. Don Tilley. He arrived at the University of Rhode Island in September of 1998, was promoted to associate professor in 2002 and professor in 2006 and is co-director of the URI Energy Center. His research at URI addresses the development of novel thermochromic pigments based on polythiophenes and improvement of the performance of Lithium-Ion battery electrolytes. He has published over 50 peer reviewed research articles and two patents, received over $3 M in external funding, and has been an invited speaker to over 30 companies, universities, national laboratories, and national or international conferences.

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Wendy Lucht, Coordinator, Ocean State Clean Cities

As Ocean State Clean Cities Coordinator, Wendy Lucht has been promoting the use of alternative fuels, hybrids, idle reduction technologies and fuel economy measures. She has facilitated networking among public and private fleet managers, fuel providers, and state energy officials. Prior to becoming Clean Cities Coordinator, Wendy was a Budget Analyst at the URI Budget Office, and a Manager at The Bay Institute of San Francisco. Wendy has a Master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Environmental Policy from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She also has a Bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY.

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Arthur Marin, Executive Director, Northeast Sates for Coordinated Air Use Management

Powerpoint Presentation

Mr. Marin has been the Executive Director of NESCAUM since 2005 and served as Deputy Director from 1995 through 2004. NESCAUM is the association of state air pollution control agencies representing the six New England states, New Jersey and New York. NESCAUM provides technical assistance and policy guidance to its member states on a broad range of issues related to air quality, energy and climate change.

Arthur oversees all aspects of the organization's day-to-day operations; represents the member states in regional, national and international forums; and maintains liaisons with state and federal agencies, other regional organizations, industry and the environmental community. Mr. Marin is currently coordinating an effort among leadership states from across the U.S. interested in more effectively engaging in the development of sound national climate change policy based on a strong state-federal partnership model. Arthur is also serving as a coordinator for the 11-state regional low carbon fuel standard initiative. He also has played a lead role in promoting the regional low sulfur heating oil program in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Arthur holds a Masters in Public Administration degree with a focus on environmental growth management. Prior to joining NESCAUM, he worked on air quality and transportation issues with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Transportation, and for a private consulting firm.

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Ken Moraff, Deputy Director of the Office of Ecosystem Protection, EPA-New England

Powerpoint Presentation

Ken Moraff has responsibility for federal clean air and clean water programs in the six New England states. He has extensive experience in environmental law and policy, and has spoken at numerous conferences, trade association meetings, and similar forums. Mr. Moraff has also served as manager of EPA-New England's enforcement program, and as special assistant to the Regional Administrator. He is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School.

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Michael O'Connell, Director of Fleet Operations, Frito-Lay North America

Powerpoint Presentation

Michael O'Connell, Director of Fleet Operations for Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), oversees one of the largest privately owned fleets in the United States.  In this role, Mike is responsible for the development and execution of the organization's sustainability strategy for fleet. This transformation encompasses upgrading existing assets, as well as the identification and integration of innovative “green” technologies and vehicles. The ultimate goal for the company is to become the “most fuel efficient fleet in the U.S.”  Under Mike's guidance, the company has been implementing initiatives such as route and asset optimization, operator training, aerodynamics, GPS, and developing partnerships with organizations like the Department of Transportation and its SmartWay program.

Mike started with FLNA in 1991 at its Wooster, Ohio facility. In his 18 years with the company, he has worked in a number of field positions in Service & Distribution, Finance, and Supply Chain at various FLNA sites including Frankfort, Indiana one of the company's largest manufacturing facilities.

He received his MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and a combined B.S.B.A. (finance and operations management) from The Ohio State University.

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Michael C. Payette, National Fleet Manager, Staples, Inc.

Powerpoint Presentation

Mr. Payette is the National Fleet Equipment Manager for over 2,200 vehicles at Staples, Inc.,  the worlds largest office products supplier based at the Corporate office in Framingham, MA. He has been in the fleet business for over 30 years as a driver, dispatcher, technician, Terminal, Distribution, Transportation and Logistics Manager. Prior to joining Staples in 1999, Mr. Payette was the Logistics Manager for the Northeast region of Bestfoods Baking, Inc. at that time- the parent group of Freihofer's, Bouyea-Fassetts, Entenmann's, Arnold-Thomas, Orowheat and Boboli located in Albany, NY. While in that position Mr. Payette managed a fleet of 45 tractors, 150 thruway tandem trailers and a fleet of 700 step vans using gasoline, propane, CNG and Diesel as well as 75 fleet cars.

Mr. Payette was on the Board of Directors for the New York Motor Truck Association and a member of the Fleet and Distribution committee of the American Bakers Association. In this capacity he worked with the Federal Motor carrier Safety Administration in Washington, DC in helping craft rules to improve the trucking industry. Mr. Payette is a 2009 EPA Environmental Merit Award recipient for his work relating to environmental initiatives in reducing fuel usage and sponsoring the 2008 & 2009 AltWheels event at Staples corporate headquarters. Staples Inc. is also one of the 6 launch partners with Smith Electric Vehicles.

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Gino Porter, Northeast Regional Fleet Manager, Frito Lay, Inc.

Gino Porter Northeast Region Fleet Manager for Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), oversees a portion one of the largest privately owned fleets in the United States.  In this role, Gino is responsible for the execution of the organization's sustainability strategy for fleet. This transformation encompasses upgrading existing assets, as well as the identification and integration of innovative “green” technologies and vehicles. The ultimate goal for the company is to become the “most fuel efficient fleet in the U.S.”

Gino started with FLNA in 2004 at its Braintree MA facility. In his 7 years with the company, he has worked on a number of different fuel gallon reduction strategies. Prior to FLNA Gino held Fleet Management positions with Ryder Truck Rental and AMI Leasing, totaling 27 years in the Fleet Maintenance and Management Industry.

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Brian Polowniak, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Brian brings 35 years of sales & marketing experience associated with fortune 500 companies. Brian started at Proctor & Gamble and continued on to Johnson & Johnson. He then became the North American President of Kimberly Services, a medical firm. Brian then formed his own global consulting company. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science degrees from the University of Missouri.

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Frank Puglia, Director of Research and Development, Yardney-Lithion

Frank Puglia has an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the URI and over fourteen years of experience in the battery industry He served as PE and PM on several development programs including the Advanced SEAL Delivery System (largest Li-Ion battery) and NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers (the first Li-Ion batteries on Mars).

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Dan Sosland, Executive Director, ENE (Environment Northeast)

Powerpoint Presentation

ENE (Environment Northeast) is a regional non-profit research and advocacy organization working at the state, regional and federal levels from offices in Maine, Boston, Providence, Hartford and Charlottetown, PE, Canada. ENE has successfully advanced the adoption of comprehensive sustainable energy, transportation, forest and global warming solutions through legislation, regulatory proceedings, regional initiatives and publications that identify priority policy solutions for adoption, including the Climate Change Roadmap for New England and Eastern Canada and Climate Change Roadmap for Connecticut.  ENE is a long time efficiency advocate, and serves on efficiency boards in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Dan accepted the 2008 ACEEE Champion of Efficiency Award for ENE and 2009 US EPA Environmental Leadership Award. He resides in Rockport, Maine and holds a JD from Cornell Law School and an AB from Brown University.

ENE' s Transportation Project launched the New England Diesel Initiative in 2002, which targeted emission reductions from priority diesel fleets and communities, such as buses in urban neighborhoods. ENE is also leading coordinated work with colleagues to advance a northeast regional  low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), working with stakeholders to advance commitments of 11 northeast and mid-Atlantic Governors to  adopt an LCFS as a market-based approach to reducing GHGs in the transportation sector by encouraging the development of cleaner, affordable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. ENE is participating in Project Get Ready in Rhode Island, which is working with agencies, utilities, businesses and beyond to advance electrification of the transportation sector.

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Steven Suib, Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut

Powerpoint Presentation

Steven L. Suib was born in western NY State and is a graduate of Olean High School. He received a B.S. degree double major in Chemistry and Geology from the State University College of NY at Fredonia. He received a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. He joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut where he is a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Chemistry. His research interests include energy and catalysis, the environment, solid state chemistry, and other areas.

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Luke Tonachel, Policy Analyst, Natural Resources Defense Council

Powerpoint Presentation

Luke Tonachel is a policy analyst in NRDC's air and energy program. His work centers around reducing U.S. oil dependence through policies that promote advanced vehicle technologies and cleaner, more sustainable fuels. Prior to joining NRDC, Luke directed product development at a San Francisco software company and served as a nuclear engineering officer in the Navy. He holds a master's in public policy from the University of California at Berkeley and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rochester.

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Kristin Zimmerman, Program Manager for Research and Development, General Motors

Powerpoint Presentation

Dr. Zimmerman joined General Motors (GM) Research and Development (R&D) Center in 1993 to create GM's Global Academic Partnerships Program. The Program's structure and process for effective acquisition of technical expertise from the academic sector became the protocol for establishing GM's Global Satellite Laboratory Network. Key to the operation of the program is the GM Academic Partnerships Master Agreement written by Zimmerman in 1994. The Master Agreement has been used to create over 100 GM Satellite Laboratories across the globe including laboratories in India, Europe, and China and was a key enabler during the creation of the SGM Vehicle Joint Venture in Shanghai.

Dr. Zimmerman recently returned to GM's R&D Center from her two year assignment in Beijing China working for GM's China Operations in the area of Environment, Energy & Safety Policy, where she focused on implementing GM's global energy/carbon management strategy, policy and practices. She also managed the GM China Automotive Energy Research Center (CAERC) on the campus of Tsinghua University. The CAERC is a partnership between GM, Tsinghua University and the Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation (SAIC) - launched in April 2008.

Dr. Zimmerman's current assignment is on the Chevy Volt Team working with a broad group of internal and external stakeholders (utilities, state, local and federal government, communities) to facilitate 'Plug-in Readiness' for GM's Chevy Volt Launch markets. She continues to work on issues concerning Energy and Global Climate policy development and greenhouse gas reporting practices and is GM's program manager of the GM/The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Atlantic Rainforest Project in Brazil.

In 1999-2000, Dr. Zimmerman received a GM Fellowship to the National Academy of Engineering in Washington D.C., where she worked on policy development to enhance the U.S. engineering, science, and technology workforce.

Dr. Zimmerman recently completed her term as President of the Society for Experimental Mechanics. She has been recognized nationally by the Alpha Sigma Mu- Materials Research Honor Society and was inducted into the Sigma Xi-The Scientific Research Society in 1997.

Dr. Zimmerman's educational background is in the fields of Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering Mechanics. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Michigan State University.