Undersecretary for Science Paul Dabbar, an official with the U.S. Department of Energy, visited campus Thursday, Sept. 5, where he toured the University’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center.
Dabbar was in Charlotte as part of a larger visit organized by E4 Carolinas, a trade association for energy companies in the Carolinas, to learn how the region—as it continues to secure its place as a national energy hub—can serve as a model for the energy industry regarding industry and academic collaboration.
EPIC plays an integral role in the region’s energy growth by supplying a highly trained workforce and advancements in technology for the global energy industry while supporting the Carolinas’ multi-state economic and energy growth.
Rick Tankersley, vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development; Robert Johnson, dean of the William States Lee College of Engineering; and Mike Mazzola, director of EPIC; welcomed Dabbar. Alongside faculty researchers currently conducting work related to the energy industry, Dabbar toured EPIC to learn how the University is leveraging its industry partnerships to put innovation to work in support of the transformation of the U.S. energy economy.
The group visited the High Bay Structures Lab, the Siemens Large Manufacturing Solutions Lab, the Flexible Energy Lab and the Duke Energy Smart Grid Lab with researchers providing an overview of the labs and current research projects funded by the Department of Energy.