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Hosted on Thursday, September 4, 2014, the booklet contains attending industries as well as faculty research abstracts
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THIRD ANNUAL
SHOWCASE FOR
ENERGY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH
HIGHLIGHTING
INNOVATION BY WVU FACULTY
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Ruby Grand Hall
Erickson Alumni Center
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Welcome,
The WVU Office of Research and Economic
Development, with support from the STEM and Business
Deans, has launched an initiative to encourage
innovation and commercialization through research. The
initiative, titled LIINC (Linking Innovation, Industry and
Commercialization), is designed to bring faculty
expertise and talent to the attention of our industry
partners through networking events. This particular
event focuses on energy and environmental research.
To our industry partners, we greatly appreciate your
attendance at this event and we hope you will take this
opportunity to learn about the research taking place at
WVU. To facilitate new partnerships and future
collaborations, this booklet contains brief abstracts of
our faculty’s research activities. We strongly encourage
you to contact them to learn about and discuss their
research in greater detail.
On behalf of our faculty, we thank you for your
participation and we hope you will see us as trusted
partners for continued collaboration.
Dr. Fred King
Vice President for Research
Name Badge Key —
Blue: Industry
Gold: WVU
Blue/Gold: WVU Presenter
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ATTENDING INDUSTRIES
4D Tech Solutions
4D Tech Solutions is a
Veteran Owned Small
Business that brings a
strong background in
Product and Technology Development. 4D staff members have extensive
experience in developing and delivering hardware, software, electro-
mechanical, electronics and integrated systems solutions to the
government and civilian marketplaces. 4D follows a disciplined approach
that ensures we achieve superior outcomes for our customers. From
project initiation through final customer deliverables, we work hand-in-
hand with our customers to ensure they receive best-value solutions.
9three Solutions Inc.
9three Solutions Inc. is
a new (December,
2 01 2 ) h i g h - t e c h
corporation that holds the following visions: (1) Develop the Best
Products on the Market; (2) Provide Innovative Solutions for Repetitive
Tasks; and (3) Provide Outstanding Service. We can help you design your
systems by providing Software Engineering (Web, Smartphone, and
Windows Applications), and Systems Integration (Automation, Controls,
and Data Collection).
Allos Ventures
Allos Ventures only invests
in early-stage companies, augmenting the capital provided by angel
investors who have helped the companies reach a stage at which they are
ready for their first institutional financing round. Many of our investors
are successful technology company entrepreneurs, allowing us to tap into
an even broader experience base of business-building expertise.
American Refining Group, Inc.
Our refinery has a rated capacity of
10,000 barrels per day and processes
100% Pennsylvania Grade Crude
purchased from sources in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and West
Virginia. ARG stocks are converted into high quality waxes, lubricant base
oils, gasoline and fuels, as well as a wide variety of specialty
products. ARG’s state-of-the-art blending and packaging facilities have
the capability of producing a full spectrum of finished lubricant products
which can be delivered in bulk by rail and truck, and are available in a
broad range of package sizes.
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Aquatech International Corporation
Established in 1981, Aquatech is a global leader in
water purification technology for the world’s
industrial and infrastructure markets, with a focus
on desalination, water reuse and Zero Liquid
Discharge. Through our thermal engineering division, AquaChem ICD, we
are one of the few companies in the world with both thermal and
membrane desalination capabilities. We also have the ability to offer both
thermal and membrane processes for water reuse. We have done
extensive work in the power, oil and gas, and infrastructure markets.
Bio-Energy Holdings, Inc.
Bio-Energy Holdings, Inc. (BEH), a Wyoming
incorporated company with corporate offices in
Greentown, PA, is a partnering program,
specifically for Environmental Service Providers
(“ESPs”) A.K.A. haulers and pumpers, to
become part of a select family of BEH licensed representative,
independent service agents for the collection of Liquid Brown Trap
Grease (LBTG) from restaurants.
BlueTree Allied Angels
BlueTree Allied Angels is a group of accredited
investors that invests in regional, early-stage
c o m p a n i e s . O u r m e m b e r s - o n l y
organization operates as a network of private
equity investors that meets monthly to evaluate and consider pre-
institutional investments. Leveraging our members’ knowledge and
experience helps to mitigate investment risk, thus, strengthening the
probability of investment success.
Brooks Consulting
Brooks Consulting LLC is a
management consulting firm co-founded in 1997 by Phil and Jan Brooks
with decades of experience in management and management consulting.
Brooks Consulting LLC offers complex litigation support services to law
firms and their clients, and interim management and strategy consulting
services to companies in transition – both fast growth and distressed.
Catalyst Connection
Catalyst Connection is an
economic development
organization dedicated to helping small manufacturers in southwestern
Pennsylvania improve their competitive performance. Our advisors,
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consultants, and instructors are highly motivated experts with academic
degrees and real-world manufacturing experience. In addition to training
and consulting, we administer financial programs which can provide
funding for equipment and machinery.
Clear Mountain Bank
Clear Mountain Bank is a community-based
bank headquartered in Bruceton Mills, West
Virginia with branches throughout
Monongalia and Preston County, West Virginia and Garrett County,
Maryland. We provide a variety of services for Personal Banking, Business
Banking, Mortgages, Investments, Private Banking and more.
Demers & Berks LLP
Demers & Berks LLP is a
team of patent attorneys with extensive experience in a number of law
firms and corporate environments. We can help you with your patent and
other IP needs (trademark, trade secret, and copyright), licensing, Hatch-
Waxman (generic drug) law, and contract drafting and negotiations. We
are experienced in a broad range of technology areas, including new
chemical compounds, pharmaceutical sciences, biological sciences,
materials, engineering, and computer-related inventions.
Dow Chemical Company
Dow combines the power of science and
technology to passionately innovate what
is essential to human progress. The
Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of
sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging
problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation
and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity.
Downstream Strategies
We have considerable background in
environmental science and policy,
Geographic Information Systems, field
monitoring, watershed planning, chemistry, permitting, and acid mine
drainage treatment design. Our skills also include environmental
economics and survey design and execution. We have an established track
record of managing successful projects from inception to completion.
Downstream Strategies has more than 16 years of experience building
capacity for sustainability through projects in our three main program
areas. We now hold a GSA Schedule Contract, and our newly expanded
toolkit includes field monitoring and remediation services.
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Eagle Manufacturing Company
Eagle Manufacturing Company is an ISO-
9001 certified manufacturer of innovative
industrial safety, haz-mat, and storage
products. Eagle is an industry leader in supplying the highest quality-best
value safety cans, safety storage cabinets, and hazardous waste
management systems.
EverNu Technology, LLC
EverNu Technology,
LLC is a woman-
owned small technology research and development company with its
headquarters and research facilities strategically located at Warminster,
Pennsylvania (within easy reach from NY, NJ, DE and PA areas). Since
2002, EverNu has primarily focused on exploratory research and
development of innovative chemical processes or advanced materials
applicable in chemical and petrochemical industries through federal
funding and collaboration with universities or private industrial partners.
FirstEnergy
F i r s tEnergy ’ s 10 regu l a ted
distribution companies comprise one
of the nation’s largest investor-
owned electric systems, based on serving 6 million customers in the
Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Stretching from the Ohio-Indiana
border to the New Jersey shore, the companies operate a vast
infrastructure of more than 194,000 miles of distribution lines.
FirstEnergy’s diverse generating fleet produces approximately 100 million
megawatt-hours of electricity annually from a fleet of non-emitting
nuclear, scrubbed coal, natural gas, and pumped-storage hydro plants.
Fish & Richardson
Our attorneys – more than 76 of whom hold PhDs in a
broad variety of technologies – have the knowledge and
skills to assist our technology-driven clients in the areas
important to their success. We offer more than just
patent protection. In addition to traditional IP services,
we provide regulatory, financing, and licensing advice to help our clients
maximize the value of their IP.
Fox Rothschild LLP
Fox Rothschild LLP is a national law firm with more than
550 attorneys practicing in 19 offices coast to coast.
We’ve been serving clients for more than a century, and
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we’ve been climbing the ranks of the nation’s 250 largest firms for many
years, according to The National Law Journal. Our lawyers provide a full
range of legal services to public and private companies – from family-run
businesses to multinational corporations. We also represent charitable,
medical and educational institutions both in the United States and in more
than 50 countries worldwide.
HCS Technologies
HCS is in the business of building and
researching alternative energy and
communications platforms, primarily with,
and for Respondcomm. We are collaborating
with WVU and WVU Tech to investigate power systems and intelligent
power distribution systems (either standard grid/generator based or
alternative energy) for specialized power requirements.
Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC)
The West Virginia Higher Education
Policy Commission is responsible for
developing, establishing, and
overseeing the implementation of a
public policy agenda for the state's four-year colleges and universities. It
is charged with oversight of higher education institutions to ensure they
are accomplishing their missions and implementing the provisions set by
state statute.
High Technology Consortium Foundation
The WVHTC Foundation, based in Fairmont,
West Virginia, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization functioning as an engine of
economic change for growing a statewide,
regional and national high-tech business
sector. We have established a multi-faceted approach to maximize
economic development, commercialization and workforce development.
Our departments include Advanced Technologies Group, Mission Systems
Group, Technology Transfer and Commercialization Group, INNOVA
Commercialization Group, Affiliate Services Group, and I-79 Technology
Park Development Group.
I-79 Development Council
The goal of the I-79 Development
Council is to nurture and retain the
traditional business base and to promote economic diversity through the
development of dynamic new sectors of high technology, biotechnology,
forensic science, biometrics, and aerospace manufacturing.
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Idea Foundry
Idea Foundry bridges the significant
gap between idea generation and viable
businesses by providing the necessary
support infrastructure. We provide: Skills and knowledge - experienced
mentors, a customized process and tools to help develop business
models; Funding - financial support to pay the bills while you concentrate
on building your business to the next level; and Relationships - a network
of technical, commercial and financial resources to assist you now and in
the future. Idea Foundry is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) funded by local
foundations.
Institute for Market Transformation
The I n s t i t u t e f o r M a r k e t
Transformation (IMT), founded in
1996, is a Washington, DC-based
nonprofit organization promoting
energy efficiency, green building,
and environmental protection in the United States and abroad. The
prevailing focus of IMT’s work is energy efficiency in buildings. Our
activities include technical and market research, policy and program
development, and promotion of best practices and knowledge
exchange. All our work involves many collaborators and targets a broad
range of stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
Jackson Kelly PLLC
Jackson Kelly PLLC is a national law firm
with more than 200 attorneys located in
twelve offices throughout Pennsylvania,
Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana,
Colorado and the District of Columbia. Focusing on clients' industry-
specific needs, the Firm serves a wide variety of corporate and public
clients and enjoys a national reputation in business, labor and
employment, litigation, government contracts, tax, safety and health,
permitting, natural resource and environmental law.
Lincoln County Commission
The Lincoln County Commission serves as
representatives of the people of Lincoln County.
The primary function of the County Commission
is budget development and management,
overseeing purchasing for the county,
management of county assets, and overseeing the governing,
management and protection of Lincoln County and its citizens.
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M&S Consulting
M&S Consu l t ing i s a
management consulting firm
focused on delivering strategic technology and process solutions. M&S
Consulting was conceived with the vision of creating highly effective
teams of elite consultants to deliver Management and IT Strategy
Services to Fortune 2000 Businesses.
McMillion Leadership Associates
McMillion Leadership Associates exists to help
emerging leaders get better. We help them
acquire those skills and abilities necessary to make their organizations
better. We also help senior leaders clarify and communicate their
strategic vision and/or shape their organizational culture.
Meyer Unkovic & Scott LLP
We are a business law firm whose
diverse clientele includes Fortune 100
companies, significant financial
institutions, small venture enterprises and individuals. The lawyers of
Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP are engaged every day - whether in the
courtroom or at the conference room table - in providing their clients
with creative, insightful and cost-effective legal advice that is targeted to
resolve problems and add value to the bottom line.
MATRIC
The Mid-Atlantic Technology,
Research and Innovation Center
(MATRIC) is an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation
headquartered in West Virginia. World-class scientists in the areas of
chemical and environmental technologies and advanced software
systems partner with higher education, industry, and government to
conduct market-driven research and development, and to commercialize
resulting products and services. MATRIC also offers R&D and technical
services of a commercial nature through its wholly owned for-profit
subsidiary, Mid-Atlantic Commercial Research (MCR).
Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce
We are dedicated to moving the
greater Morgantown area toward a
higher quality of life for all
residents. Through active Business
and Community involvement, we are ensuring the current and future
success of our members, their families, and the community. Through
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partners in Vision2020, Leadership Monongalia, and Generation
Morgantown, the chamber and its affiliates are committed to the
betterment and progression of the Morgantown Area.
Mountain State Insurance Agency
Founded in 1917 and located in
Charleston, West Virginia, Mountain
State Insurance Agency is an
independent agency serving large and
small business and personal clients
throughout West Virginia and the surrounding area. Mountain State
Insurance has been recognized by the Independent Insurance Agents &
Brokers of America as a Best Practice Agency, based on operational
excellence, for the last three years.
National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)
NETL supports DOE’s mission to advance the
national, economic, and energy security of the United
States. NETL implements a broad spectrum of energy
and environmental research and development (R&D)
programs that will return benefits for generations to
come: (1) Enabling domestic coal, natural gas, and
oil to economically power our Nation’s homes, industries, businesses, and
transportation, (2) While protecting our environment and enhancing our
energy independence.
NCT Ventures
NCT Ventures is a venture capital firm founded
by entrepreneurs. Over the past 20 years, we
have helped build many successful companies and are always excited
about sharing our experiences, methods and time with entrepreneurs
through hands-on operational support. For the last few years NCT has
focused both on investing in their community and their core competencies
of marketing, logistics, and disruptive platform technologies.
NEOgas North America, Inc.
NEOgás was established in 2000, with
the purpose of developing
technologies related to delivering
compressed natural gas for
automotive and industrial applications. More than providing products and
services that enable delivery of off-pipeline natural gas anywhere in a
quick, safe, and inexpensive way, NEOgás also offers a source of
naturally sustainable development, helping to facilitate the future
construction of a pipeline.
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New Logic Research, Inc.
Provider of membrane filtration
systems used in a wide variety of applications from
pure water and wastewater treatment to chemical
process clarifications. VSEP delivers results that
conventional separations technology systems can't. Using Vibratory Shear
Enhanced Processing (VSEP), this patented, fouling-resistant membrane
filtration system makes conventional treatment systems obsolete —
delivering sustained, precise separation in a single pass.
Office of United States Senator Joe Manchin
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) was sworn into the
United States Senate on November 15, 2010 to fill the
seat left vacant by the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. As
a Senator, Joe Manchin is committed to bringing this
same spirit of bipartisanship to Washington. As he has
done throughout his entire life, he remains committed to working with
Republicans and Democrats to find commonsense solutions to the
problems our country faces and is working hard to usher in a new
bipartisan spirit in the Senate and Congress.
Orion Strategies
Orion Strategies is a strategic public relations and
communications firm that also offers creative
services. The company hosts offices in Charleston
and Buckhannon, West Virginia. Orion’s clients
cover a wide range of companies and organizations that wish to affect
public and/or political opinion.
Pennsylvania Coal Alliance
T h e P e n n s y l v a n i a C o a l
Alliance, founded in 2012, is an initiative of PA bituminous coal mining
operators, their employees, and industry suppliers to educate the public
and policymakers about the coal industry in Pennsylvania. We advocate
for more than 41,000 Pennsylvania coal workers, indirect workers, and
their families – but the reach of the industry, and thus, our mission,
is much broader than that.
PPG Industries
PPG Industries is a leader in its markets; is a
streamlined, efficient manufacturer; and operates on
the leading edge of new technologies and solutions.
It is our vision to continue being the world’s leading
coatings and specialty products and services
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company, serving customers in construction, consumer products, industrial
and transportation markets and aftermarkets. PPG has manufacturing
facilities and equity affiliates in more than 60 countries around the globe.
Range Resources
The Company pursues an organic growth strategy at low
finding costs by exploiting a multi-decade inventory of
drilling opportunities. A large portion of the Company’s
drilling inventory consists of unconventional resource plays
targeting shales, coal bed methane and tight gas sand reservoirs. Our drill
bit growth strategy is supplemented periodically with complementary
acquisitions in or around our current operations, leveraging our technical
expertise to add to the reserve growth potential of the Company.
Regional Contracting Assistance Center, Inc.
The Regional Contracting Assistance
Center, Inc. (RCAC) is a non-profit
corporation funded by the Defense
Logistics Agency (DLA), the State of
West Virginia's Development Office, the Southern West Virginia Community
and Technical College, and private corporations to provide assistance to
West Virginia companies seeking to do business with Federal, State, or
local government agencies. RCAC has fulfilled this role since 1987.
Renewable Manufacturing Gateway
Renewable Manufacturing Gateway (RMG) is a
non-profit organization devoted to economic
and job growth in the manufacturing, science, technology, and heavy
industrial infrastructure space in the region within 350 miles of Pittsburgh.
We meet our mission goals by providing strategic advice to companies,
both start-up and mature. This advice includes capital markets strategies
and introductions, commercialization of products, technology transfers and
advancements, financial modeling and reporting, marketing efforts,
governance and investor relations, transaction structuring, acquisition and
strategic alliance consulting, and valuation strategies.
Rice Energy/LNG Energy Solutions
We are an independent natural gas and oil
company engaged in the acquisition, exploration
and development of natural gas and oil properties in the Appalachian
Basin. We are focused on creating shareholder value by identifying and
assembling a portfolio of low-risk assets with attractive economic profiles
and leveraging our technical and managerial expertise to deliver industry-
leading results. We strive to be an early entrant into the core of a shale
play by identifying what we believe to be the core of the play and
aggressively executing our acquisition strategy to establish a largely
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contiguous acreage position. We believe we were an early identifier of the
core of both the Marcellus Shale in southwestern Pennsylvania and the
Utica Shale in southeastern Ohio.
RJ Lee Group
RJ Lee Group is committed
to being recognized as the industry leader in providing innovative
solutions to challenges in materials characterization, forensic
engineering, and information management. We use our scientific
expertise, instrumentation and technology together with a collaborative
spirit to stimulate inquiry and solve complex problems. Our challenge is
to continually advance science, to be the leader in our field, and to
steadily strive for excellence in our contributions to our clients and to our
community.
S. M. Stoller Corporation
The S.M. Stoller Corporation has been
providing technical consulting and environmental support services for
more than 54 years. We are a nationally respected leader in providing
environmental remediation, waste management, infrastructure,
ecological, and health and safety support to the Federal Government,
municipal agencies, and private-sector companies. We have knowledge
and experience on U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Department of
Defense (DOD), state, and local government, and private-sector projects.
Schonstedt Instruments
Our patented Heliflux® magnetic
sensor technology is unsurpassed for its environmental stability and
ability to detect ferrous objects to extreme depths. In 1998 the company
moved to its custom-built headquarters location in the Eastern Panhandle
of West Virginia, about an hour's drive from Washington and Baltimore.
Here we assemble and quality control our instruments, provide repair
services, design and develop new products and manage communications
with our customers, dealers, and representatives.
Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center
The mission of the Shale Gas Innovation and
Commercialization Center (SGICC) is to
establish a collaborative that will engage a wide
range of partners with the intent
to accelerate technology break-throughs related
to the Shale Gas resource in Pennsylvania. The efforts of the partners
will include the identification of funding sources for research and new
product/process developments, expanded uses for natural gas, and tools
that support environmental and regulatory issues.
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SilverLeaf Renewables
Our mission is to create a
holistic approach to sustainable
energy solutions, by supporting and promoting clean, secure and
economically viable renewable energy developments to ensure decreased
dependence on fossil fuels worldwide. We help investors, businesses,
communities, cities, municipalities, states and countries take a holistic
approach to renewable energy with cutting edge technologies: Biomass,
Hydro, Solar, Waste, and Wind.
Steptoe & Johnson
Steptoe & Johnson is a business-focused firm
with particular strengths in energy, labor,
employment, and litigation. For nearly a century, Steptoe & Johnson has
demonstrated its commitment to quality, devoting personal attention,
experience, skill, and resources to client-focused service.
TechConnectWV
TechConnectWV is a coalition of
professionals dedicated to growing and
diversifying West Virginia’s economy by
advancing technology-based economic development (TBED). We serve
mainly as facilitators, enhancing awareness, increasing collaboration, and
raising the discussion of important issues to spur technology development
and commercialization in West Virginia.
TRC Companies Inc.
A pioneer in groundbreaking scientific
and engineering developments since the
1960s, TRC is a national engineering,
consulting and construction management
firm providing integrated services to the energy, environmental and
infrastructure markets. We serve a broad range of clients in government
and industry, implementing complex projects from initial concept to
operations. TRC is 3,000 technical professionals and support personnel at
more than 100 offices throughout the U.S. Our clients depend on TRC’s
multidisciplinary teams to design solutions to their toughest business
challenges in the energy, environmental, and infrastructure markets.
TreMonti Consulting
TreMonti Consulting, LLC has extensive
experience in providing advice and
assistance to universities, governments and
companies, regarding intellectual asset management issues. We have fully
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dedicated professionals with broad experience and in-depth knowledge in
all sectors and disciplines relating to intellectual asset management. We
utilize state-of-the-art tools and methods in the management and
commercialization of a wide spectrum of intellectual property.
URS Corporation
The URS Corporation offers a full range of
program management; planning, design and
engineering; systems engineering and technical
assistance; construction and construction management; operations and
maintenance; and decommissioning and closure services for federal, oil
and gas, infrastructure, power, and industrial projects and programs.
U.S. Department of Energy
The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure
America’s security and prosperity by addressing its
energy, environmental and nuclear challenges
through transformative science and technology solutions.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Established in 1905, the Forest Service is an agency of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service
manages public lands in national forests and grasslands.
Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service,
summed up the mission of the Forest Service— "to provide
the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of
people in the long run." National forests and grasslands encompass 193
million acres of land, which is an area equivalent to the size of Texas.
Vision Shared
Vision Shared was created in 2000 as a public-
private partnership to bring together business,
labor, government and other diverse interests to
develop a strategy that will sustain West Virginia
and make our state more economically competitive. Vision Shared
structures its activities to help West Virginia achieve goals in four critical
focus areas for economic development success: entrepreneurship;
education; workforce development; and research and commercialization.
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
The West Virginia Department of Environmental
Protection’s mission is to promote a healthy
environment. The WVDEP’s role is to protect the
environment while leaving room for a sustainable
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industry base that leads to a sustainable future for communities
throughout West Virginia. Such a task requires careful balance between
protecting air, land, and water, and regulating industry, permitting
extraction of natural resources, and protecting the public from hazards of
pollution.
WV Development Office
The West Virginia Development Office’s role is to:
support existing businesses in the expansion and
retention of their operations; attract new businesses
to locate in the state; generate new leads and
prospects of potential investors; diversify West Virginia’s economy by
marketing to targeted industries; provide comprehensive development
assistance; provide research, planning and technical support; work with
local governments and economic developers to improve the quality of life
in communities; and market West Virginia at primary and secondary target
industry trade shows.
WV House of Delegates
The House of Delegates is composed of 100 members,
53 Democrats and 47 Republicans, from 67 delegate
districts throughout the state. Delegates serve two-year
terms with all of the seats in the House up for election
every two years.
WV Jobs Investment Trust (JIT)
The West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust is a leading
venture capital firm made up of partners with
extensive management, operations and technology
experience and focused on turning the innovation of
new ideas into successful world-class companies.
Since 1992, the JIT has been an active investor and valued partner to
exceptional entrepreneurs on the leading edge of industry.
WV Oil and Natural Gas Association (WVONGA)
The West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas
Association, chartered in 1915, is one of
the oldest trade associations in the state,
and is the only association that serves the
entire oil and gas industry. Still holding
true to its mission for more than 90 years, WVONGA is a recognized leader
on state legislative issues, regulatory affairs and environmental matters.
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WV Regional Technology Park
The West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South
Charleston is the newest research, education and
technology campus in West Virginia’s higher
education system. Now operated by the West
Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the Tech Park adds
significant capacity to the state’s academic, research and economic
development missions.
WV Senate
Representing 17 senatorial districts, the Senate is
comprised of 34 members - 24 Democrats and 10
Republicans. Senators serve four-year terms with half of
those seats up for election every two years.
WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The West Virginia Small Business Development
Center (WVSBDC) is a division of the West
Virginia Development Office and is funded by the
State of West Virginia, the U.S. SBA, and our
Community Colleges and Workforce Investment
Board Partners. The WVSBDC promotes economic
development through a program of practical, interrelated services,
providing assistance to existing small businesses and the emerging
entrepreneur. The WVSBDC provides many free services that assist you,
the entrepreneur, in your business venture.
The following companies expressed interest, but regrettably were unable to attend:
Arch Coal; Ardagh Group; BASF Corporation; Bayer Corporation; Cardno MM&A;
Chesapeake Energy Corporation; Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation; Edison
Ventures; Environmental Resources Management; EQT Corporation; GR Energy
Services; Greene Team Pellet Fuel Company; GreenFire Energy; Hopewell Ventures;
Mercuria Energy Trading; National Academy of Sciences; National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration; PHG Energy; Praxair Technology; Protea Biosciences;
Range Resources Corporation; Renewable Oil International; Robinson & McElwee;
Southeastern Universities Research Association; The Precision Companies; The
Thrasher Group; Troast Environmental Consulting; Trumbull Corporation; U.S.
Geological Survey; Waterman Douglass & Associates; WesBanco.
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FACULTY RESEARCH
Promotion of a Combustor Efficiency through Increase
in the Flame Surface Area
A corrugated flame front has a larger surface area as
compared to a planar one; consequently it consumes more
fuel mixture per unit time and thereby propagates faster,
resulting in a better efficiency of an associated burner. We
are scrutinizing various scenarios of flame corrugation,
accompanied by the concomitant flame acceleration. Our
particular interest is devoted to a deflagration-to-detonation
transition event that lies behind countless disasters in
rockets, power plants, and mines, although it can also be
constructively utilized in such combustion devices as a pulse-
detonation engine. The sources of the flame acceleration
includes (though is not limited to) intrinsic combustion
instabilities; turbulent burning; as well as flame interaction
with acoustics, shocks, combustor walls, and interior
obstacles.
V’yacheslav (Slava) Akkerman
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
304-293-0802
Multiscale Aspects of Energy Systems: Modeling,
Simulation, and Experiment
Our research efforts focus on multiscale modeling and
simulation on energy systems including shale gas reservoirs,
gas hydrates, geothermal energy, carbon sequestration, and
hybrid biomass-thermal systems. Our modeling and
simulation techniques span the fundamentals of molecular
interaction on the nanometer scale using ab initio and
molecular dynamic simulations, multiphase flow in porous
media and thermodynamic phase prediction in the pore,
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process plant energy conversion systems, and economic
analysis of system costs and deployment scenarios.
Brian Anderson
Chemical Engineering
304-293-9334
Reclaimed Mine Site Biodiversity and Invasive Plants
Dr. Barry studies the effectiveness of mine site restoration in
terms of plant diversity, as well as the effects of phenology
on competition between native and invasive plants.
Kevin Barry
Biology
412-848-7426
Advanced Optoelectronics for High-Efficiency Energy
Conversions
Design, fabrication, and characterization of inorganic (III-
Nitride) and organic light-emitting diodes as display,
lighting and sensing sources.
Synthesis and processing of organic nanostructures,
nanocrystals, organic/inorganic hybrids, and exploration
of their optoelectronic applications including general
lighting, display, and solar energy harvesting.
Xian-An (Andrew) Cao
Computer Science & Electrical Engineering
304-293-9684
Energy Harvesting Array
To collect energy from multiple vibration sources, a
piezoelectric energy harvesting array can be fabricated by
combining multiple piezoelectric components with various
shapes and different lengths to increase the applicable
frequency bands and the amount of collectable power. In this
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research, electrical power harvested can be maximized for
specific vibration sources and then stored in rechargeable
solid-state battery. A feasible approach that can adjust the
dynamics of an energy harvesting array to ambient
environment has also been developed. An innovative method
using 3D printing technology to fabricate an energy
harvesting array is currently under development.
Marvin Cheng
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
304-293-6732
Renewable Material Research for Bioenergy and
Bioproducts
My research focus areas include bio-composites, biofuels,
and using biomass as a means of improving water quality.
Bio-composite research includes creating sustainable bio-
products, films, and composites from wood raw materials
(e.g., solid wood, cellulose, lignin, biochar). Biofuel research
includes processing techniques that result in more energy
dense and economical biofuel materials. In terms of
environmental research, my students and I have been
focusing on improving the water quality of livestock area
runoff by using a variety of biomass media filters. We
recently completed construction of a 12,000 square-foot
livestock heavy-use wood chip pad at WVU’s Animal Science
farm. We are now conducting field trials of a variety of
biomass media filters.
David DeVallance
Forestry & Natural Resources
304-293-0029
Development of Woody Biofuel Feedstocks
My research is primarily focused on developing trees that can
be grown in high-intensity plantations to provide feedstocks
for bioenergy applications. I work primarily with fast-growing
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hardwood trees, including cottonwood, aspen, and willow. My
research is mostly focused on genetics and genomics
approaches to understand the fundamental biology of these
trees, though I have several applied projects and field trials
more closely focused on immediate application of our
genetically-improved materials.
Steve DiFazio
Biology
304-293-5314
Collaborative and Cross-sector Disaster Management
Crises and disasters by definition overwhelm the capacity of
individual organizations, jurisdictions, or regions to return to
a state of normalcy with the resources available. Equally
important is the fact that these events have increased in
intensity and frequency over the past several decades. New
techniques in management and governance have identified
ways to optimize response and recovery times by leveraging
the unique capacities of sectors and organizations to reduce
the impact and create more robust communities and
economic sectors. This research focuses on identifying and
enhancing management processes to create efficient practice
that provides robust operations in emergent situations.
Warren Eller
Health Policy, Management & Leadership
304-293-0404
Networked Cyber-Physical Systems for Intelligent
Transportation and Energy Systems
Dr. Yaser P. Fallah's research focus is on networked systems
that enable intelligent transportation and energy systems.
These networked systems are called cyber-physical systems
as they integrate cyber (computing and communication)
technologies in physical systems such as vehicles and electric
grid. This multi-disciplinary research area requires expertise
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in several fields such as wireless networks, embedded
systems, mobile computing, distributed control and system
modeling. His current research is sponsored by automotive
industry (GM, Toyota, Hyundai-Kia), USDoT and USDoE. He
leads several projects on vehicle automation, safety and
efficiency, as well as communications in smart grid. He has
served as the program chair for IEEE Wireless Vehicular
Communication symposiums in 2011 and 2014.
Yaser Fallah
Computer Science & Electrical Engineering
304-293-1660
Shale Characterization, Hydraulic Fracturing
My research focus is on unconventional oil and gas recovery.
I have been heavily involved in developing new laboratory
measurement techniques quantifying fluid storage and
transport in organic-rich shale resources under dynamic
reservoir conditions. I participated in innovative research
developing new-generation of flow simulators for
unconventional reservoirs, in simulation-based history-
matching and optimization efforts in the laboratory, and the
area of computational fluid dynamics. My recent research
focus is on multi-stage hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells
and prediction of fault reactivation in hydraulic fracturing of
horizontal wells in Shale gas reservoirs.
Ebrahim Fathi
Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering
304-293-2449
Smart Grids
Dr. Feliachi’s research focuses on simulation, control and
operation of grids and microgrids using agent technology.
Ali Feliachi
Computer Science & Electrical Engineering
304-293-9690
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Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Our research is focused on the fundamental understanding of
the mechanisms of operation and degradation in solid oxide
fuel cells. Major tools include impedance spectroscopy of the
operating SOFC and mass spectroscopy of the fuel gases
during operation.
Harry Finklea
Chemistry
304-293-4742
The Technology, Energy, Economy, and Environment
(TEEE) Chain: Integrated Modeling for Technology
Transition in Energy Rich Regions
This National Science Foundation funded research has
developed an integrated engineering and economic modeling
framework to quantify and assess the interactions between
technology, energy, the environment, and the economy
(TEEE) chain in energy rich regions (ERRs). Specifically, we
have applied this modeling framework to two important
energy rich regions, West Virginia in the U.S. and Shanxi
Province in China. This comprehensive set of analytical tools
helps understand the regional and national consequences of
interactions among these complex systems and could serve
as a basis for advanced planning and decision support
systems.
Hodjat Ghadimi
Design and Merchandising
304-293-4101
Energy Land Management
Dr. Grushecky’s work addresses energy development and
land management; namely planning, management, and
environmental control.
Shawn Grushecky
Energy Land Management
304-293-9417
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Surface and Interface Characterization
Dr. Mikel Holcomb has over a decade of previous experience
in characterizing films exploiting techniques that are ideal for
the study of surface and interfacial effects. For example,
second harmonic generation (SHG), sensitive to both electric
and magnetic fields at interfaces, is a perfect tool to monitor
magnetoelectric and other novel behaviors. Analysis of the
intensity of this doubled light with light polarization rotation,
sample rotation, temperature and applied field, provides
information on carrier and interfacial field dynamics as well
as symmetry. Another powerful technique is depth-
dependent x-ray absorption spectroscopy that allows
element specific measurements of atomic valence and
magnetization. The element specificity allows the study of
multiple material layers and interfaces, also permitting the
study of coupling in multilayered materials.
Mikel Holcomb
Physics
304-293-5196
TransTech Energy Business Development Conference
TransTech Energy (TTE) refers to transitional energy
technologies and strategies that reduce carbon emissions,
increase energy efficiency and diversify energy supply,
create opportunities for advanced manufacturing, and
generally lead to a competitive, sustainable economy of the
future.
TTE technologies include, for example, recovery and use of
waste energy, hybrid fossil/renewable systems, productive
uses of CO2, new chemical pathways for converting shale
gas to low-cost chemical feedstocks, software tools for
energy efficient homes/industries/buildings, renewable
energy technologies, lightweight/corrosion resistant
materials, energy storage/grid stability technologies, and
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energy efficient advanced manufacturing technologies such
as robotics, 3-D printing, and nanotechnology.
The TransTech Energy Business Development Conference is a
venue for TTE commercializable projects and start-up
companies to make pitches for funding to investors, potential
strategic partners, and industry experts. The third annual
TTE Business Development Conference is scheduled for
November 12-13, 2014 at the Waterfront Place Hotel in
Morgantown, WV. The latest agenda, registration forms, and
applications to make a pitch are on the conference
website http://TransTechEnergy.org
Carl Irwin
NRCCE
304-293-7318
NESC Collaboration: Fostering Transboundary
Cooperation on Small Watersheds in Central Asia
The National Environmental Services Center (NESC) provides
technical assistance nationally to small communities
regarding water resources and services. A current USAID
funded project with the Regional Environmental Center for
Central Asia (CAREC), expands our scope into the
international arena. Under contract, NESC is evaluating
Integrated Water Resource Management needs of three
Central Asian transboundary watersheds shared between
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The goal is to provide
technical information on best available technologies that
would be useful in stimulating the transboundary cooperation
needed to sustain critical shared water resources.
Gerald Iwan
National Environmental Services Center
304-293-6894
26
Energy and Environmental Impacts
The Regional Research Institute has developed several
modeling frameworks for assessing regional and national
socio-economic impacts of the adoption of new energy
technologies. Ongoing research includes modeling the
introduction and adoption of carbon capture and
sequestration, IGCC, and enhanced oil recovery
technologies sponsored by the National Energy Technology
Laboratory, and a collaborative study with the WVU Davis
College on the introduction of woody biomass processing in
rural areas sponsored by the United States Department of
Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Randall Jackson
Regional Research Institute
304-293-8734
Extreme Events and Disease Outbreaks
My research deals with forecasting floods, droughts and its
subsequent impacts on outbreak of several water-related
diseases.
Antarpreet Jutla
Civil & Environmental Engineering
304-293-9944
A New Rechargeable Li/Mg Battery System for Electric
Vehicle and Energy Storage Application
A high temperature rechargeable battery system with high
energy density and power (“A High Temperature
Rechargeable Battery for Greenhouse Gas Decomposition
and Oxygen Generation”, B. Kang and H. Guo, US Patent
No. 8658311, granted, 1/2014) is developed for EV and
energy storage applications. Instead of the Lithium ion
conducting electrolyte in a traditional Li ion battery, the
27
oxygen ion conducting electrolyte, such as Zirconia-based
solid electrolytes (YSZ), LaGaO3-based electrolytes, or doped
Ceria electrolytes (GDC), is utilized in this invention, which
has higher ionic conductivity (~0.05 S/cm for O2- in YSZ vs.
5 x 10-4 S/cm for Li+, resulting in high battery charging/
discharging rate) and is able to endure higher operating
temperatures and eliminate safety issues associated with
using organic/flammable electrolytes without causing
electrode clogging and dendrites on charge.
Bruce Kang
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
304-293-3232
Materials Genomics – Designing Materials for Energy
and Environment
The Computational Materials Genome group is involved in
designing advanced materials for a variety of applications -
including energy and environmental applications. Our group
uses the latest advances in software that can calculate
material properties, search through materials databases with
data-mining tools, and design and advance the role of new
materials by computational artificial intelligence algorithms.
The national Materials Genome Initiative seeks to decrease
the time to market for new materials to be utilized in
applications; we are part of this national initiative. More
specifically, we currently have funding from the Department
of Energy and the National Science Foundation to design
bimetallic catalysts and smart nanoporous sorbents. The
tools and algorithms that we develop can be broadly utilized
for other materials research - our goal is to find the right
material for any application via computational searching and
screening.
James Lewis
Physics & Astronomy
304-293-5141
28
Nano-Layered Sorbents and Phase-Change Solvents
for Environmental Applications
Unique nano-layered sorbents and phase-change solvents
have been developed based on biological principals. A U.S.
patent has been granted. These sorbents and solvents can
reduce the release of greenhouse gases and purify toxic
agents from contaminated water, etc.
Bingyun Li
Orthopaedics
304-293-1075
Control, Optimization and Design of Energy Systems
(CODES) Group
Dr. Lima’s research group focuses on the development and
implementation of process systems engineering methods and
algorithms for modeling, simulation and optimization of
emerging energy systems and chemical processes. Ongoing
projects include: (a) simulation and techno-economic
analysis of IGCC plants with carbon dioxide capture; (b)
development of biomimetic-based controller design methods
for advanced clean energy plants; and (c) development of
nonlinear operability-based methods for the design and
control of natural gas utilization systems.
Fernando Lima
Chemical Engineering
304-293-2353
Microvascular Xenobiotic Toxicology
Our research program has two well-developed areas that
focus on the microvascular ramifications of xenobiotic
particle exposures. Environmental toxicology focuses on the
health effects of pulmonary exposure to airborne pollutants
such as particulate matter. Nanotoxicology focuses on the
health effects of exposure to engineered nanomaterials.
Unique experimental approaches used to explore these
29
toxicities include whole-body inhalation exposures, telemetry,
intravital microscopy and isolated, pressurized and perfused
arterioles. The purpose of the environmental toxicology
research is to identify safe exposure limits to various
environmental toxicants, and also to characterize the
targeted physiological mechanisms in order to prevent and/or
ameliorate the untoward health consequences of airborne
pollutants. The purpose of the nanotoxicology research is to
identify safe nanomaterials and their dose-ranges for use in
diverse human applications. This is most commonly explored
in the context of drug-delivery devices and implantable
devices. Microvascular health or dysfunction is critical to
study because it is at this level of the cardiovascular system
that growth/development begins, and essentially all major
diseases originate and/or their complications target.
Timothy Nurkiewicz
Physiology & Pharmacology
304-293-7328
A Geologic Playbook for Utica Shale Exploration
The “Geologic Play Book for Utica Shale Exploration”
represents the results of a two-year research effort by
workers in five different states with the financial support of
fifteen oil and gas industry partners. The play book
incorporates and integrates results of research conducted at
various granularities, ranging from basin-scale architecture to
the creation of nano-porosity in the shale reservoir. Between
these two end members, the research team has mapped the
thickness and distribution of the Utica and Point Pleasant
formations using well logs; determined favorable reservoir
facies through an examination of outcrops, cores and samples
at the macroscopic and microscopic scales; identified the
source of the total organic carbon (TOC) component in the
shales and estimated the maturation level of the TOC; and
searched for porosity in the shales utilizing SEM technology.
30
Results will be held confidential until public release at a day-
long workshop in July 2015.
Doug Patchen
NRCCE
304-293-6216
Regulatory Recommendations on Water Protection for
Shale Oil and Gas Development in Argentina
In April 2014, Chevron and Argentine oil and gas company
YPF announced a $1.24 billion partnership to develop oil and
gas from the Vaca Muerta shale in Argentina’s Neuquén
Province, located in Patagonia. As the first major commercial
investment in developing shale oil and gas in Argentina, the
regulatory apparatus is limited to oil and gas law dating back
to the 1970s. Neuquén Province is characterized by water
scarcity and is home to indigenous groups, particularly the
Mapuche tribe, who have actively opposed development
without assessment of environmental impacts. The goal of
this project is to identify top priorities for water resource
protection and other environmental protection in the region,
as well as to develop a proposal, “Regulatory
Recommendations on Water Protection for Shale Gas
Development in Argentina,” for use by government, industry,
civil society, and academic researchers.
Alison Peck
Law
304-293-8288
Basin Scale Water Quality Modeling
Our research team builds and field validates models for
predicting water and fish habitat quality in rapidly developing
landscapes. These models are then built into GIS-based
analytical tools that can be used to guide energy
development and stream restoration decisions. We will
31
present a series of case studies of these tools with
applications in shale gas development, AMD remediation, and
mitigation of surface mining impacts.
Todd Petty
Forestry & Natural Resources
304-293-2278
Sensor and Energy Materials
Dr. Sabolsky's research focuses on the development of
piezoelectric/dielectric materials, chemical sensors,
reforming catalyst, battery materials, solid-oxide and direct-
carbon fuel cells, and ceramic separation membranes. This
research includes the synthesis and electrochemical testing
of complex oxide powders, ceramic nanomaterials, and novel
ceramic monolithic structures to improve performance.
Edward Sabolsky
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
304-293-3272
Conversion Technologies – Biomass to Bioenergy and
Biofuels
My research focus is on developing bioenergy, biofuels, and
bioproducts using thermo-chemical conversion technologies.
I work on the following technologies: gasification to
electricity, pyrolysis and catalytic pyrolysis oil refining, and
hydrothermal treatments (carbonization) in subcritical water
to produce hydrochars. I have a 10 kW downdraft gasifier
(Power Pallet), a batch pyrolysis reactor, a catalysts testing
system, and a hydrothermal treatment reactor in our lab. I
can also provide services for sample analysis for light gas
analysis for composition (GC), elemental composition
(CHNS), proximate analysis (TGA 701), moisture analysis in
liquid fuels (Karl Fisher Titration), pH, viscosity at various
32
temperatures, particle density, particle size analysis, and
several other analyses. I am willing to collaborate on any
waste to energy and fuels project.
Kaushlendra Singh
Forestry & Natural Resources
304-293-7643
Sustainable Post-Mining Land Uses on West Virginia
Surface Mines
Surface mining in West Virginia has been ongoing for nearly
a century. As a result, large areas of abandoned and
reclaimed mined lands exist, which have been reclaimed to
pasture, hay land, wildlife habitat, and forests. Most of the
disturbed land was originally covered by eastern deciduous
forest and returning the reclaimed land to a productive forest
requires the use of the Forestry Reclamation Approach.
Results of reforestation studies using this approach
demonstrate rapid hardwood growth and re-establishment of
commercially-valuable hardwood forests on reclaimed mined
lands.
Large contiguous blocks of reclaimed land are also attractive
for large-scale biomass production to help meet the nation’s
energy needs. Studies show successful growth of
Switchgrass and Miscanthus, two high-yielding crops with
potential to provide biomass for energy and ethanol
production. Production of more sustainable energy sources
on Appalachian abandoned and reclaimed mined lands could
promote income opportunities and jobs for rural communities
in West Virginia which have traditionally relied on mining
activities. Opportunities exist for larger areas to be planted
for reclaimed land development.
Jeff Skousen
Plant & Soil Sciences
304-293-2667
33
Improving STEM Education
I am the Director of the developing Flexible Education
Research Network (FERN). Improving STEM education for the
university and the state is one of WVU's five Mountains of
Excellence in the strategic plan. With faculty working
together from across the university in this trans-disciplinary
effort, FERN aspires to also make WVU a national model of
high quality STEM education, encouraging more students to,
and retaining more students in, courses of study that will
open doors to successful STEM careers. My personal research
emphasizes methods to improve student recruitment and
retention in physics and engineering, and my team is
constantly seeking interested employers and industries with
which to partner to build effective programs and curriculum.
Gay Stewart
Physics
304-293-5032
Graphene-Based Composite Sensors for Energy
Applications
The objectives of this research are to develop and
demonstrate the use of graphene-based composites as a
high sensitivity, rapid response electronic nose for sensing
gas species in energy applications. Graphene based device
structures suitable for the temperature range of 600 oC -
1000 oC are targeted. The scope of work includes: (a)
development of procedures for controllable nucleation and
growth of nanoparticles on graphene surface defects as a
basis for selective gas sensing; (b) fabrication graphene-
based composite sensors; (c) fabrication ruggedized
deployable graphene-based composite sensors; (d)
measurement of electrical properties of graphene-based
nanoparticle composites; (e) determination of sensor
characteristics (selectivity and sensitivity) of graphene-based
34
nanoparticle composite sensors in simple mixtures; and (f)
evaluation of sensor characteristics of graphene-based
nanoparticle composite sensors in simulated environments.
Charter Stinespring
Chemical Engineering
304-293-9363
Spatial Decision Support
My research program focuses on the development of spatial
decision support systems to help resource managers
evaluate the impact of different land use policies and
alternatives. Complex environmental decisions often involve
multiple stakeholders, conflicting objectives, important
risks, and long-lasting impacts. They typically require value
judgments and lack adequate data. I address these
problems using tools of decision analysis, systems
modeling, applied statistics, and optimization.
Mike Strager
Resource Management
304-293-6463
Shale Gas Recovery-Fracking-Proppant
Dr. Takbiri is a reservoir geoscience engineer with diverse
experience in reservoir geoscience and characterization,
pore- and field-scale simulations. His main research
interests are on flow and transport through shale gas
reservoirs and hydraulic fracturing. He has also worked on
the proppant packs property determination under varying
confining stress. His main research interests are:
Fluid flows through shale resources
Hydraulic fracturing
35
Enhanced oil recovery
Measurement of proppant pack properties
Ali Takbiri
Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering
304-293-3973
Engines and Emissions
Heavy-duty engine and emissions research.
Alternative fuels.
Fuel additives to improve combustion and reduce
emissions.
Natural gas and natural-gas derived fuels.
Greg Thompson
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
304-293-3254
Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction Opportunities for
the West Virginia Power Sector
On June 2, 2014 the US EPA released the Clean Power Plan
proposal to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from existing
power plants. The proposal has important implications for
West Virginia, as the state is the second largest producer of
coal in the country and generates over 95% of its electricity
from coal. The Center for Energy and Sustainable
Development at WVU College of Law and Downstream
Strategies are reviewing the proposal and assessing various
emission reduction pathways available to West Virginia to
provide lawmakers, regulators, industry, and other
stakeholders an additional resource for analyzing the rule
and evaluating energy and environmental policy
36
considerations for the state planning process. The project is
made possible through a grant from the Appalachian
Stewardship Foundation.
James Van Nostrand
Law
304-293-4694
Effects of Environmental Stress on Plant Growth and
Development
My research interests are to: (a) elucidate the molecular
mechanism of drought stress response utilizing Petunia as a
model system; (b) eventually engineer crops with enhanced
drought stress tolerance; and (c) understand the effects of
climate changes on plant growth and development at the
physiological and molecular levels.
Nicole Waterland
Plant & Soil Sciences
304-293-2969
Fate, Transport, and Treatment of Contaminants and
Fecal Pathogens in Natural and Engineered Systems
Evaluating the fate of industrial contaminants in rivers
and drinking water treatment and distribution systems;
Pathogen detection, fate and transport in agricultural
soils, groundwater, rivers, and food; and
Biological treatment systems for rocket fuel contaminated
groundwater and explosives in industrial wastewater.
Jennifer Weidhaas
Civil & Environmental Engineering
304-293-9952
37
Integration and Fusion of Environmental Data from
Different Sensors for Highly Detailed Environmental
Characterizations in the Central Appalachians
This emerging research program is focused on developing
highly precise / detailed environmental characterizations for
landscapes of particular concern utilizing data from a variety
of sensors including airborne Lidar, terrestrial lidar (including
mobile lidar), and ground based and airborne image collection
using UAS platforms. We are focused on data integration for
applications involving high value assets such as historic
structures, landscapes of special note, and environmental
problems associated with brownfields and superfund sites.
The integration of data from these sensors in concert with
high precision RTK and extended occupancy gps allows for
the development of very accurate tightly controlled
environmental data. We are also exploring an innovative
photogrammetry method – structure from motion – in which
a very precise three dimensional structure can be obtained
from uncontrolled airborne and terrestrial imagery. These
technologies are being applied to cultural resource sites,
brownfields, and stream and wetland restoration.
Charles Yuill
Resource Management
304-293-5674
Adapting Resource Management to Changing Climate
and Altered Disturbance Regimes
Numerous scientific findings support that disturbance
regimes are expected to alter under global climate change.
Consequently, the population dynamics of natural resources
(e.g., plants and wildlife) impacted by disturbances, will be
not only stochastic but also nonstationary. Thus
management approaches only appropriate for stationary
systems may render the resulted guidelines, in the best
case, suboptimal, and in the worst case, incorrect. I use
38
dynamic programming methods for nonstationary processes
in the context of sustainable resource management to
address two sources of uncertainty: time-varying patterns of
disturbances, and incomplete knowledge of climate change.
Mo Zhou
Forestry & Natural Resources
304-293-5827
Water/Energy Nexus
Dr. Ziemkiewicz’s research includes: water resources
protection, treatment, and use.
Paul Ziemkiewicz
Water Research Institute
304-293-6958
39
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Commercialization (LIINC)
LIINC is the 2012 UEDA Awards of Excellence winner
for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
For more information on LIINC, please visit the website at:
http://innovation.research.wvu.edu
or contact Lindsay Emery directly at
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