SECOND ANNUAL

SHOWCASE FOR

ENERGY AND

ENVIRONMENTAL

RESEARCH

HIGHLIGHTING

INNOVATION BY WVU FACULTY

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Ruby Grand Hall

Erickson Alumni Center

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Welcome,

The WVU Office of Research and Economic Development, with sup-

port from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and 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 collaboration, this booklet contains brief abstracts of our facul-

ty’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

9three Solutions, Inc.

9three Solutions Inc. is

a new (December,

2012) high-tech corpo-

ration 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 Applica-

tions), Systems Integration (Automation, Controls, and Data Collection).

AbTech Industries

AbTech Industries is a full-service envi-

ronmental technologies and engineer-

ing firm dedicated to providing innova-

tive solutions to communities, industry and governments addressing is-

sues of water pollution and contamination. AbTech offers innovative solu-

tions for Stormwater Management, Oil & Gas Water Treatment and Indus-

trial Water Treatment. AbTech integrates its own native advanced tech-

nologies along with third-party technologies and systems to provide its

customers with the most effective and economical solutions.

Aces & Eights Corporation

Aces & Eights Corporation is an advanced technology,

services and solutions provider for U.S. Defense, In-

telligence, and Homeland Security and Law Enforce-

ment communities. We focus on providing a wide

range of services and solutions to the government in

support of national security on advanced technology

and current and future operational needs while inte-

grating the most cutting edge technology into our custom hardware and

software solutions.

Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences is a leader in the

development and manufacturing of ad-

vanced unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles. Aurora is headquar-

tered in Manassas, VA and operates production plants in Bridgeport, WV

and Columbus, MS; and a Research and Development Center in Cam-

bridge, MA. The mission of Aurora’s Research business sector and it’s

Research and Development Center (RDC) is to perform basic and applied

research supporting Aurora’s core business and product development

efforts in the areas of unmanned aircraft systems, small space systems,

and other flight vehicles.

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Acacia Environmental Group

Acacia Environmental Group LLC provides consult-

ing services and guidance on a wide range of envi-

ronmental issues, providing permitting, regulatory

compliance, strategic environmental planning and

specialized environmental compliance services.

AEG provides services to clients that include not only manufacturing and

industrial businesses, but also chemical and natural resources companies,

as well as trade organizations and state and local governments.

American Refining Group

Our refinery has a rated capacity of 10,000

barrels per day and processes 100% Penn-

sylvania 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.

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 Liq-

uid Discharge. We are uniquely positioned to

offer our clients complete integrated solutions through our vast depth and

breadth of technologies. Through our thermal engineering division, Aq-

uaChem ICD, we are one of 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.

BlueTree Allied Angels

BlueTree Allied Angels is a group of accredited

investors that invests in regional, early-stage

companies. Our members-only organiza-

tion 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. Although the membership works together as a group to efficiently

and effectively evaluate investment opportunities, each member makes

his or her own individual investment decisions.

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Bowles Rice Attorneys at Law LLP

Bowles Rice is a full-service, regional commercial

and defense law firm with 135 attorneys and

eight offices strategically located in West Virginia,

Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Virginia. Bowles Rice

holds an AV peer-review ranking by Martindale-Hubbell and the firm and

our attorneys are consistently ranked as leaders in nationally known legal

publications. With more than 90 years of experience, our key areas of

practice include energy law, banking law, litigation, employers’ liability

law, construction law and education law.

Clean Energy Fuels Corporation

Clean Energy is the largest

provider of natural gas fuel for

transportation in North Ameri-

ca, fueling over 30,000 vehicles each day at approximately 360 fueling

stations throughout the United States and Canada. With a broad customer

base in a variety of markets, including trucking, airport shuttles, taxis,

refuse, and public transit, we build and operate compressed natural gas

(CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling stations; manufacture CNG

and LNG equipment and technologies for ourselves and other companies;

and develop renewable natural gas (RNG) production facilities.

CONSOL Energy

CONSOL Energy, a publicly owned Pittsburgh-

based producer of coal and natural gas, is one

of the leading diversified energy companies in

the United States of America. Our premium

Appalachian coals are sold worldwide to elec-

tricity generators and steelmakers, and our Natural Gas Division has

grown from a pure-play coalbed methane producer to a full-fledged explo-

ration and production operation. We are a leading producer in the Marcel-

lus Shale and we conduct an active exploration program in the Utica

Shale.

D.A. Nolt Inc of PA

The D.A. Nolt, Inc. of PA Maximum

Containment Well Pad System ("Max

C Pad") is installed below the well

pad, and consists of a reservoir and control system for storage and man-

agement of spills and fresh water. The system has the capability to contain

all fluids that may occur or are produced at the well pad surface prevent-

ing them from getting into the ground water supply below. Based on your

configuration, the ―Max C Pad‖ system can capture 500K to 3.5M gallons of

fluid.

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DifTec

Over 20 years of experience in managing

multi-functional teams of innovation and

commercialization of new products and in

the design of electronic systems, in the service of our customers. Our

experience draws from many years in project management positions in

product development and marketing in areas such as lighting (LEDs),

telecommunications, power electronics, etc.

Downstream Strategies LLC

We have considerable background in

environmental science and policy, Geo-

graphic Information Systems, field

monitoring, watershed planning, chemistry, permitting, and acid mine

drainage treatment design. Our skills also include environmental econom-

ics and survey design and execution. We have an established track record

of managing successful projects from inception to completion. Down-

stream 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 in-

cludes field monitoring and remediation services.

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 manage-

ment systems. For more product information, navigate our electronic cat-

alog using the product buttons on the left.

EXDEL Services, LLC

EXDEL offer’s a diverse group of former

Business Leaders, Military Specialists,

Special Operations/Special Forces sol-

diers, Civilian Professionals and Law Enforcement officers with a wide va-

riety of experience, expertise and maturity in the field. EXDEL offer’s a

wide range of services including, Program and Project Management, Busi-

ness Development, Logistical support, Training and Education, as well as

Technology Solutions.

FBI Biometric Center of Excellence*

The BCOE (located in Clarksburg, W. Va.) is the

FBI’s program for exploring and advancing the

use of new and enhanced biometric technologies

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and capabilities for integration into operations. The FBI’s Science and

Technology Branch created the BCOE in 2007 to support its overall bio-

metrics mission, and the BCOE supports major programs and strategic

initiatives that comprise the FBI biometric portfolio of services.

Fenwick Technologies

Since 1994 Fenwick Technologies

has served federal, state and com-

mercial markets by providing large scale application development project

and staffing solutions. We provide superior service to our clients and a

caring workplace for our employees. Whether your need is to architect an

IT project, develop or implement an IT solution, our staff of talented

technology professionals are dedicated to completing your mission critical

projects and service needs on time and in a quality manner.

FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy’s 10 regulated distribu-

tion companies comprise one of the

nation’s largest investor-owned elec-

tric 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 and are dedicated to providing custom-

ers with safe, reliable and responsive service. FirstEnergy’s diverse gener-

ating fleet produces approximately 100 million megawatt-hours of electric-

ity 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 regula-

tory, financing, and licensing advice to help our clients maximize the value

of their IP. For more than a century, we have been inspired by the in-

ventive fearlessness of our clients and have only one mission in mind: to

help them become the technology legends of tomorrow.

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

we’ve been climbing the ranks of the nation’s 250 largest

firms for many years, according to The National Law Journal. Our lawyers

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provide a full range of legal services to public and private companies –

from family-run businesses to multinational corporations. We also repre-

sent charitable, medical and educational institutions both in the United

States and in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Geosyntec Consultants

Geosyntec is a specialized consulting

and engineering firm that works with

private and public sector clients to address new ventures and complex

problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infra-

structure. We deliver solutions through Geosyntec and our wholly-owned,

specialty affiliates (MMI Engineering, SiREM, and GSM Consultancy), with

a combined staff exceeding 800 engineers, scientists, and related tech-

nical and project support personnel.

HCS Technologies

HCS is in the business of building and research-

ing alternative energy and communications plat-

forms, 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 over-

seeing the implementation of a public

policy agenda for the state's four-

year colleges and universities. It is charged with oversight of higher edu-

cation 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 or-

ganization functioning as an engine of eco-

nomic change for growing a statewide, re-

gional and national high-tech business sec-

tor. We have established a multi-faceted approach to maximize econom-

ic development, commercialization and workforce development. Our de-

partments 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.

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Idea Foundry

Idea Foundry bridges the significant

gap between idea generation and via-

ble businesses by providing the neces-

sary support infrastructure. We provide: Skills and knowledge - experi-

enced 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 net-

work 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.

Innovation Management Technology Services (IMTS)

Innovative Management & Technology

Services, LLC (IMTS) is a small disadvan-

taged business and trusted partner to the

federal government and world-class inte-

grators. We maintain an active Top Secret

Facility Clearance, and are comprised of seasoned professionals - scien-

tists, technologists, engineers, and business analysts - that leverage

extensive industry experiences to deliver enterprise-level support in the

areas of Biometric System Support, Program Management Support, Sci-

ence & Technology Support, and IT Infrastructure Support.

KeyLogic

KeyLogic is an information technology

consultant that offers IT systems con-

sulting, knowledge management consulting, program management, sys-

tem engineering and development, and intelligence community support.

Lewis Environmental Services Inc.

Lewis Environmental (Lewis) has been a

leader in the environmental contracting

and emergency response industry since

1996. Headquartered in the Mid-Atlantic

Region with service capabilities east of the

Mississippi, Lewis has earned a reputation for producing the highest

quality services utilizing the safest approach possible. We work along-

side our customers, during planned remediation and emergency re-

sponse projects in an effort to maintain a healthy balance between in-

dustry and the environment. The combination of delivering safe, high

quality services and our commitment to satisfying our clients with pro-

fessional and cost-effective solutions, has enabled Lewis to steadily ex-

pand our capabilities and service territory in order to meet the increasing

needs of our customers.

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ManTech

ManTech is a leading provider of mis-

sion critical, advanced technology

solutions and technical services that include, but are not limited to: Sys-

tems Engineering & Integration, Technology & Software Development,

Enterprise Security Architecture, Intelligence Operations Support, Critical

Infrastructure Protection, and Computer Forensics. The ManTech Enter-

prise Integration Center (e IC), a part of ManTech Information Systems

and Technology, a subsidiary of ManTech International Corporation, is a

preeminent provider of high quality biometrics and Service Oriented Ar-

chitecture (SOA) information technology services.

Marcellus Shale Coalition

Founded in 2008, the Marcellus Shale

Coalition (MSC) works with explora-

tion and production, midstream, and supply chain partners in the Appala-

chian Basin and across the country to address issues regarding the pro-

duction of clean, job-creating, American natural gas from the Marcellus

and Utica Shale plays. We provide in-depth information to policymakers,

regulators, media, and other public stakeholders on the positive impacts

responsible natural gas production is having on families, businesses, and

communities across the region.

National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)*

NETL supports DOE’s mission to advance the nation-

al, economic, and energy security of the United

States. NETL implements a broad spectrum of ener-

gy and environmental research and development

(R&D) programs that will return benefits for genera-

tions to come: (1) Enabling domestic coal, natural

gas, and oil to economically power our Nation’s homes, industries, busi-

nesses, and transportation, (2) While protecting our environment and

enhancing our energy independence.

NEW-BOLD Enterprises, Inc.

NEW-BOLD Enterprises, Inc. is a small disadvan-

taged, woman-owned business founded in 1988

by Nancy Newbold. Since the beginning, we

have offered our clients excellence in perfor-

mance, responsiveness in customer service, and thoroughness in execu-

tion. Our Technical and Administrative support services are focused on

information management. We provide support in the following areas:

Information Technology; Administrative and Professional Support; Crea-

tions; and Ebooks.

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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 sys-

tems obsolete — delivering sustained, precise separation in a single pass.

NIOSH*

NIOSH provides national and world

leadership to prevent work-related

illness, injury, disability, and death by

gathering information, conducting scientific research, and translating the

knowledge gained into products and services, including scientific infor-

mation products, training videos, and recommendations for improving

safety and health in the workplace.

PPG Industries

PPG Industries is a leader in its markets; is a stream-

lined, efficient manufacturer; and operates on the

leading edge of new technologies and solutions. It is

our vision to continue being the world’s leading coat-

ings and specialty products and services 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.

PrimeTime Life Sciences

PrimeTime’s experts provide assis-

tance at all phases of drug develop-

ment to our partners in the phar-

maceutical, biotechnology, and

medical device fields. With diverse

and in-depth experience, our team of scientists and regulatory affairs

specialists provides expert advice and services related to medicinal chem-

istry, nonclinical safety testing, manufacturing, clinical trial design, sub-

mission preparation and regulatory agency interactions to make a suc-

cess. We provide cost-effective and quality outsourcing solutions with our

experience in working with CROs in the United States, Canada, Europe,

and Asia.

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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.

Schonstedt Instruments

Our patented Heliflux® mag-

netic sensor technology is un-

surpassed for its environmental stability and ability to detect ferrous ob-

jects 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 quali-

ty control our instruments, provide repair services, design and develop

new products and manage communications with our customers, dealers,

and representatives.

SecurLinx

SecurLinx offers solutions that store, pro-

cess and share biometric template infor-

mation specific to the challenges of law enforcement, gaming and the

security industry. SecurLinx’ products have evolved out of our extensive

experience in the biometrics field, our relationships with Biometric Service

Providers and our work on behalf of the end users in law enforcement, the

gaming industry and government security services.

Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center

The mission of the Shale Gas Innovation and

Commercialization Center (SGICC) is to es-

tablish 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 develop-

ments, expanded uses for natural gas, and tools that support environmen-

tal and regulatory issues.

Steptoe & Johnson

Steptoe & Johnson is a business-focused

firm with particular strengths in energy,

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labor, employment, and litigation. For nearly a century, Steptoe & John-

son has demonstrated its commitment to quality, devoting personal at-

tention, experience, skill, and resources to client-focused service.

TechConnectWV

TechConnectWV is a coalition of profes-

sionals dedicated to growing and diver-

sifying West Virginia’s economy by ad-

vancing technology-based economic development (TBED). We serve

mainly as facilitators, enhancing awareness, increasing collaboration, and

raising the discussion of important issues to spur technology develop-

ment and commercialization in West Virginia.

TreMonti Consulting

TreMonti Consulting, LLC has extensive

experience in providing advice and assis-

tance to universities, governments and

companies, regarding intellectual asset management issues. We have

fully dedicated professionals with broad experience and in-depth

knowledge in all sectors and disciplines relating to intellectual asset man-

agement. We utilize state-of-the-art tools and methods in the manage-

ment and commercialization of a wide spectrum of intellectual property.

Triad Engineering Inc.

As a multi-disciplinary consulting firm, Triad

Engineering, Inc. (Triad) provides geotech-

nical and civil engineering, environmental

services, land surveying, construction testing and monitoring, drilling and

construction materials laboratory services, to a wide range of clients.

Established in 1975, we pride ourselves in being an employee-owned firm

with nearly 200 employees throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland,

Pennsylvania and Ohio.

URS Corporation

The URS Corporation offers a full range of pro-

gram management; planning, design and engi-

neering; systems engineering and technical assistance; construction and

construction management; operations and maintenance; and decommis-

sioning and closure services for federal, oil and gas, infrastructure, pow-

er, and industrial projects and programs.

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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 pro-

vide 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 equiva-

lent to the size of Texas.

U.S. Small Business Administration*

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

was created in 1953 as an independent agen-

cy of the federal government to aid, counsel,

assist and protect the interests of small busi-

ness concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain

and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small

business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building

America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's

global marketplace.

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. Today, Vision Shared

is a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing that mission and build-

ing on the successes to date. Vision Shared structures its activities to help

West Virginia achieve goals in four critical focus areas for economic devel-

opment success: entrepreneurship; education; workforce development;

and research and commercialization.

WV Angel Network

The West Virginia Angel Investor Network

seeks investment opportunities in two

sectors—companies seeking seed capital

(companies that do not have sales or may not have a completed or tested

product/service) and early stage capital (companies with sales near or

above $500k per year).

*These organizations were unable to attend due to the government shutdown.

15

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protec-

tion’s mission is to promote a healthy environment. The

WVDEP’s role is to protect the environment while leav-

ing room for a sustainable 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 ex-

traction of natural resources, and protecting the public from hazards of

pollution.

WV Jobs Investment Trust (JIT)

The West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust is a leading

venture capital firm made up of partners with exten-

sive management, operations and technology experi-

ence 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 Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The West Virginia Small Business Development

Center (WVSBDC) is a division of the West Vir-

ginia Development Office and is funded by the

State of West Virginia, the United States Small

Business Administration, and our Community

Colleges and Workforce Investment Board Part-

ners. 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.

If you need financial help and/or coaching, then you have come to the

right place.

The following companies expressed interest, but regrettably were unable to

attend:

All Clear Translations; America’s Natural Gas Alliance, Inc.; Brooks Consulting;

Cardno MM&A; CrossResolve; DOW Chemical Company; Eagle Manufacturing

Company; FBI CJIS Division; Greene Team Pellet Fuel Company; Hopewell

Ventures; I-79 Development Council; Innovosource; International Fisheries

Technology; J Craig Venter Institute; NASA IV&V Program; New England Bi-

olabs; New York City Department of Environmental Protection; Novartis; Open

Prairie Ventures; Praxair; Renewable Oil International; Saint-Gobain Crystals;

Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund; Troast Environmental Consulting;

Unimin Corporation; University Energy Partnership; U.S. Department of Ener-

gy.

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FACULTY RESEARCH

Multispectral Face Recognition

The Multispectral Imagery Lab at WVU, investigates the

advantages and limitations of matching (1) short wave

infrared (SWIR) face images to visible images under controlled

or uncontrolled conditions; (2) mid-wave infrared (MWIR) to

MWIR or visible images under variable conditions; and (3)

intra-distance near infrared (NIR) to NIR images and cross-

distance, cross-spectral NIR to visible images.

Thirimachos Bourlai

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

832-713-9773

Thirimachos.Bourlai@mail.wvu.edu

Organic and Nanocrystal Optoelectronics

My research interests include synthesis of colloidal

nanocrystals, organic material deposition and solution

processing, semiconductor nanofabrication, and

development of high-efficiency hybrid optoelectronic devices

for sensing, light emission, and solar energy conversion.

Andrew Cao

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

304-293-9684

xacao@mail.wvu.edu

Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions

The Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions

focuses on those technologies that promote responsible,

efficient energy utilization for transportation and prime

movers. The Center spans the gamut of technology

17

development, from fundamental combustion research through

large-scale demonstration. Currently, our researchers are

engaged in efforts to promote natural gas utilization, from

developing new combustion models and exhaust catalyst

formulations to working with companies for alternative fuels

compliance certification.

Dan Carder

CAFEE – Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

304-288-7919

Daniel.carder@mail.wvu.edu

Simulation & Modeling of Advanced Energy Devices and

Systems

Professor Ismail Celik is the director of the Computational Fluid

Dynamics & Applied Multi-Physic (CFD&AMP) research center

and the National Institute of Fuel Cell Technology (NIFT).

Research regarding turbulent reactive flows, turbulent

multiphase flows, environmental flows and energy system

modeling is performed by the CFD&AMP research center.

Partnerships with the Department of Energy, the National

Energy and Technology Laboratory (NETL) and industry

organizations has led the CFD&AMP center to engage in

research efforts such as: simulation, model validation and

design of gas turbine combustion systems, oxy-coal reactors

and bubbling flow reactors. Research towards the

implementation of fuel cell technology as an affordable,

efficient and clean energy source is performed by NIFT.

Multidisciplinary research is focused on the use of

nanotechnology fabrication techniques, advanced material

characterization and multi scale modeling of solid oxide fuel

cells. Professor Celik is also a participating member of the U.S.

-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) -Advanced Coal

Technologies Consortium (ACTC), serving as the U.S. theme 2

lead for the topical area of coal utilization. As part of this

18

effort, Dr. Celik leads a team of researchers in developing high

temperature oxy-coal combustion systems for the purpose of

producing industrially valuable chemical products at high

temperatures. These research efforts include CFD simulation

of high temperature oxy-combustion reactors, as well as the

design and construction of oxy-combustion reactors for

experimental studies. This very high temperature entrained

reactor (VHTER) could obtain operating temperatures over

2000°C, thus could be used for other emerging energy

technologies.

Ismail Celik

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

304-293-3209

Ismail.celik@mail.wvu.edu

Mechatronic System of Energy Harvester

By converting vibrational energy into electrical power, the

energy harvesting device can collect energy from different

surrounding environments. The ultimate goal of the energy

harvesting system developed in Mechatronic Research Lab

aims to provide an alternative power source for residential

areas. Currently, the developed device can successfully store

harvested power to a rechargeable battery module if a

consistent vibration source is available. Different operational

conditions have been investigated to optimize the harvesting

efficiency and to maximize the amount of harvestable energy.

Marvin Cheng

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

304-293-6732

Marvin.cheng@mail.wvu.edu

Revegetation of Damaged Soils

Work in my lab focuses on plant-soil-microbe interactions in

stressful soils. Beneficial microbes play important roles in

19

modifying soil environments. Rebuilding soil microbial

communities and selecting stress-resistant plant genotypes

are critical steps in reclaiming degraded soils.

Jonathan Cumming

Biology

304-293-5260

jcumming@wvu.edu

Construction Engineering and Management

Construction Operations Simulation

Applied Photogrammetry in Construction

Construction Surveying-Automation-Integration

Construction Safety and Health

Fei Dai

Civil & Environmental Engineering

304-293-9940

Fei.dai@mail.wvu.edu

Enabling Technologies for Rapid DNA Identification

Platforms

The research of the Interdisciplinary Research Team (IRT) 1 of

the current NanoSAFE program at WVU is focused on

hardware component development for rapid DNA and lab-on-

chip systems. This group is developing new lab-on chip

technologies based on coupled nanophotonic/microfludic

systems, as well as new methods of target isolation and

separation. Application areas include environmental

monitoring, chem/bio detection, and public health.

Jeremy Dawson

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

304-293-4028

Jeremy.dawson@mail.wvu.edu

20

Advancement of Bioproducts and Bioenergy Feedstock

from Renewable Resources

The on-going research in my lab focuses on densification of

biomass and investigation and development of advanced

biomaterials from wood. To improve the transportation

logistics and properties of using biomass for bioenergy

related applications, we evaluate densification of biomass,

torrefied biomass, and char, through compaction and other

related pre-processing techniques. We also have on-going

research projects that are investigating biofilms and

composites for sensor type applications, development of

renewable, biodegradable packaging materials, waste water

drainage systems through a layered wood chip pad system,

and cross laminated timbers from Appalachian hardwoods.

David DeVallance

Forestry & Natural Resources

304-293-0029

David.devallance@mail.wvu.edu

Computer Vision, Intelligent Video Monitoring, Image

and Video Analysis, and Biometrics

The WVU Vision Laboratory, http://vision.csee.wvu.edu/, is

focusing on core aspects of Computer Vision research. Those

include: (1) image and video understanding; (2)

multispectral image analysis; (3) intelligent environment

monitoring; (4) automated human behavior analysis; and (5)

target and scene recognition and analysis. Typical energy

and environmental applications of this research include, but

are not limited to, Automated Natural Environmental

Monitoring (e.g., for long distance fire detection, or unusual

human behavior), and Satellite Video Analysis (e.g., for

21

weather stability analysis, and identification of suitable wind

energy sites).

Gianfranco Doretto

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

304-293-9133

Gianfranco.doretto@mail.wvu.edu

Geographic Information Systems for Energy &

Environmental Applications

The WV GIS Technical Center provides direction, research and

development to users of geographic information systems,

including energy and environmental applications. Sample GIS

projects:

Energy GIS: National Carbon Sequestration,

Unconventional Resources, 3D Modeling.

Environmental GIS: Utility Environmental Impacts Studies,

Rare & Endangered Species Conservation Planning Tool,

Water Source Protection.

Gregory Elmes

WV GIS Technical Center

304-293-4685

Greg.elmes@mail.wvu.edu

Grid Technology Collaborative (GTC)

The Grid Technologies Collaborative (GTC) is an industry-

university-government integrated research and development

group that advances the state-of-the-art transmission and

distribution system level power electronics technologies.

Participants in the collaborative include industry partners and

researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National

Energy Technology Laboratory Regional University Alliance

(NETL-RUA) and the University Energy Partnership (UEP). The

22

GTC executes a comprehensive program of fundamental

research; technology development, simulation and modeling,

testing, and commercialization; and professional training for

the advanced grid technologies sector. Areas of investigation

include:

Modeling, simulation, and analysis

Power semiconductors and materials development

Circuit and device design, integration, and topologies

Advanced control, systems interface, and protection

Testing and turnkey systems integration

Deployment and operations

Parviz Famouri

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

304-293-9689

Parviz.famouri@mail.wvu.edu

Shale Gas and Oil Resource Assessment and

Characterization

Dr. Ebrahim Fathi is an expert in unconventional oil and gas

recovery. He has been heavily involved in developing new

laboratory measurement techniques quantifying fluid storage

and transport in organic-rich shale resources under dynamic

reservoir conditions. He 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. His 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.

He serves as a technical editor for the SPE journal and

received SPE outstanding service award 2013.

Areas of Specialization

Laboratory measurement and characterization of fluid

23

transport and storage in organic-rich Shales

Simulation and upscaling of flow, transport and reactions

in multi-scale heterogeneous porous media

Research Interests

Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells

Shale oil/gas reservoir characterization and simulation

CO2-enhanced shale gas and oil recovery

Ebrahim Fathi

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

304-293-2449

ebfathi@mail.wvu.edu

Proactive Electric Grid Resiliency Research

APERC, the Advanced Power and Electricity Research Center,

capitalizes on the challenge of change. Our focus is on

innovations in system-wide control using control agent

technology to ensure system reliability and availability. APERC

is working on a DOE Smart Grid demonstration project with

Mon Power. The project is known as the WV Super Circuit.

Ali Feliachi

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

304-293-9690

alfeliachi@mail.wvu.edu

Business Impacts of Law and Regulation on Energy

Markets

Joshua P. Fershee is Associate Professor at the West Virginia

University College of Law and is part of the Center for Energy

and Sustainable Development where he focuses his research

and teaching in the areas of energy law and policy, business

law, and entity governance. Professor Fershee's wide-ranging

research publications discuss hydraulic fracturing for oil and

gas, renewable energy programs in the transportation and

electricity sectors, climate policy, geothermal energy,

24

electricity infrastructure and reliability, environmental

enforcement, and corporate governance and ethics. His most

recent projects have focused on the economic,

environmental, and social issues and opportunities arising

from the increased use of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas

and have considered the role of shale oil and gas in the

broader U.S. and international energy mix.

Joshua Fershee

Law

304-293-2868

jpfershee@mail.wvu.edu

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Research addresses the development of electrochemical and

electron microscopy tools for understanding fundamental

processes and degradation mechanisms in solid oxide fuel

cells.

Harry Finklea

Chemistry

304-685-7697

Harry.finklea@mail.wvu.edu

Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks hold great promise for use in

applications such as environmental monitoring, protection of

borders/resources against intruders, and monitoring critical

infrastructure like bridges and power grids. Wide-scale

deployment of sensor networks has been inhibited primarily

by the inability to last for long durations on small power

sources, such as batteries and energy-harvesting systems.

This work focuses on greatly extending the lifetimes of the

sensor nodes by using ultra-low-power analog and mixed-

25

signal electronics to work cooperatively with the digital signal

processing of sensor networks. The energy-efficient

electronics have applications ranging from water-monitoring

systems to smart homes and even to consumer electronics

and biomedical implants.

David Graham

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

304-293-9692

David.graham@mail.wvu.edu

Energy and Land Development

Biomass plantings for energy development.

Use of wood waste for energy applications.

Natural resource-based business development.

Land and natural resource planning for energy

development.

Shawn Grushecky

Forestry & Natural Resources

304-293-9417

sgruchec@wvu.edu

Visual Computing for Smart Environment

Dr. Guodong Guo’s research areas: Computer Vision, Image

and Video Computing, and Biometrics. To be specific, his

research includes: (1) Human identification and human

description based on computational analysis of face and body

images, using different modalities, for security, law

enforcement, and surveillance; (2) Human age estimation via

face images; (3) Human gender and ethnicity classification in

face images; (4) Human facial expression or emotion analysis

and recognition; (5) Facial makeup analysis and digital anti-

aging; (6) Human action/behavior recognition from videos for

26

intelligent video surveillance; (7) Body mass index (BMI)

prediction from face images, which was reported by the New

Scientist Magazine in June 05, 2013; and (8) Social

computing and social network analysis using computer vision

and machine learning techniques.

Guodong Guo

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

304-293-9143

Guodong.guo@mail.wvu.edu

Technology Entrepreneurship and Enterprise

Development

This coursework initiative at WVU provides an introduction

to concepts, methods, and strategies involved in starting a

successful business that is based upon new technology,

products, and services. The course assists in identifying new

opportunities for existing markets, understanding how

investors look at technology companies, managing

intellectual property, financial and legal issues,

commercializing real technologies, and preparing a business

plan to guide the new enterprise.

Fonda Holehouse

Resource Management

304-685-6900

flholehouse@mail.wvu.edu

Reclamation in Central Appalachia: The Design of

Stable and Sustainable Landforms

My current research is exploring the potential for innovative

and alternative reclamation practices for disturbed lands,

primarily valley fills resulting from surface mining. We are

using geomorphic landform design principles to design

27

streams and storage (i.e., wetlands) in reclaimed systems.

This research includes the following: (1) conceptual

geomorphic landform designs completed for a permitted valley

fill; (2) the characterization of mature landforms in southern

West Virginia to inform design processes; and, (3) an

assessment of the hydrologic response. I have a background in

stream restoration, environmental fluid mechanics, and

hydrology.

Leslie Hopkinson

Civil & Environmental Engineering

304-293-9932

Leslie.hopkinson@mail.wvu.edu

Decision Support System for Reconstructed Watershed

My research deals with development of decision support

systems for reconstructed watersheds (such as reclamation

activities) using satellite remote sensing. I have developed

sophisticated models to evaluate effects of hydroclimatology

on evolution of watershed functions for sustainability of

reclamation strategies in the mining regions (such as in oil

sands of Canada).

Antarpreet Jutla

Civil & Environmental Engineering

304-293-9944

asjutla@mail.wvu.edu

Nanotechnology

I am interested in developing new bioelectronic materials and

field-deployable devices based on these materials for

applications in environmental sensing. As the NanoSAFE

Principal Investigator, I lead an interdisciplinary group of

scientists and engineers at WVU who are developing integrated

28

nanobiotechnological devices. I also work on advanced

electronic materials that are power efficient and may be used

in future logic circuits and data storage applications.

David Lederman

Physics

304-293-5136

David.lederman@mail.wvu.edu

WVU NanoSAFE

Nanotechnology Sensing Advances in Field and Environment

(NanoSAFE) is West Virginia University’s initiative for

nanoscale science, engineering and education. Statewide, this

effort also includes researchers at Marshall University and

West Virginia State University, and those involved with the

National Science Foundation's Research Infrastructure

Improvement 2010-2015 award, Bionanotechnology for Public

Security and Environmental Safety. NanoSAFE is fully aligned

with Vision 2015, the state’s science and technology plan, in

which research and innovation are key drivers of West

Virginia’s new, diverse and competitive economy. NanoSAFE

focuses on developing portable biosensing technologies for

specific pathogens, toxins, and nanoparticles based on rapid

DNA identification, bioelectronic and biophotonic integrated

devices, and monitoring of cellular function in chip-based

devices.

David Lederman

Physics/NanoSAFE

304-293-5136

David.lederman@mail.wvu.edu

Innovative Nano-layered Green Sorbents

We have developed, for existing conventional coal-fired power

plants, an innovative CO2 capture technology that will

potentially lead to 90% CO2 capture at a less than 35%

increase in cost of electricity for post-combustion capture. A

29

recently evolved nanotechnology (i.e., layer-by-layer nano-

assembly) has been applied to develop unique nano-layered

amine sorbents that can capture CO2 effectively and

efficiently. Our ultimate goal is to develop transformative

research in CO2 capture to reduce the impact of CO2 emission

on health, the environment, and the economy.

Bingyun Li

Orthopaedics

304-293-1075

bili@hsc.wvu.edu

Modeling, Optimization and Design of Energy Systems

My research interests are in the areas of process design and

optimization, model-based control and state estimation,

emerging energy systems and sustainable processes, and

smart manufacturing and smart plants. My current research

focuses on integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC)

plants with carbon capture as well as natural/shale gas

utilization processes.

Fernando Lima

Chemical Engineering

304-293-2353

Fernando.lima@mail.wvu.edu

Innovative Wastewater Treatment Technologies

Development of innovative wastewater treatment

technologies using green principles.

Utilization of mine wastes in wastewater treatment.

Sulfate and metal removal technologies.

Water reuse.

Lance Lin

Civil & Environmental Engineering

304-293-9935

Lianshin.lin@mail.wvu.edu

30

Real-time Tolerance Control Packages as a Prescriptive

Approach for Gas Drilling Operations

West Virginia’s steep, complex terrain and microclimatology

are prone to concentrate airborne contaminants in ways that

are unique to a given site. Current regulatory approaches for

gas drilling operations often favor proscriptive approaches for

health protection such as a fixed setback distance from a

residence to the drill pad. However, performance based

standards for air, light and noise would simply require

placement of continuous monitoring instruments near

sensitive locations for feedback and process control at the drill

site. Advantages include quicker responses to upset conditions

and much improved accountability. Performance based

regulatory approaches also provide incentives for technical

improvements in both the drilling process, monitoring and

control tools. These monitors require a plug and play package

that includes signal conditioning equipment and data transfer

ability to a display platform. This display platform would

approach the analysis as a quality control problem, addressing

tolerance limits rather than regulatory limits and interpreting

the data as either being stable or increasing toward the

tolerance limits.

Michael McCawley

Occupational & Environmental Health

304-293-8042

mamccawley@hsc.wvu.edu

Biomarker Discovery Using a Mass Spectrometry-based

Metabolomics Approach

The McFadden lab investigates the dynamic relationship

between adipocyte metabolite supply and physiological

adaptations characteristic of metabolic disease caused by

nutrient excess and weight gain. We utilize cutting-edge mass

spectrometry-based approaches to define the mechanisms

responsible for metabolic disease in overweight animal

31

models. We are currently screening large populations to

discover unique biomarker profiles in blood and urine

associated with the development of systemic insulin

resistance. Furthermore, we utilize novel, pharmacological

approaches to modify intracellular metabolism of lipids in vitro

to demonstrate proof of principle. Our metabolomics analyses

is a systems biology approach that provides new insights into

nutrient processing during chronic overnutrition.

Joseph McFadden

Animal and Nutritional Sciences

304-293-1883

JWMcFadden@mail.wvu.edu

Mapping Appalachian Forest Ecology

The Spatial Ecosystem Ecology Lab integrates tools of remote

sensing, GIS, and field-based measurements to map

ecological change in Appalachian forests. These integrated

tools are providing new windows into understanding the

impacts from agents such as gypsy moth defoliations,

Superstorm Sandy, acid rain and nitrogen deposition, surface

mining, or gas well drilling. Mapping these impacts on forest

ecology is focused on improving management of the many

ecosystem services provided by Appalachian forests, including

timber production, regulation of water quality and flooding,

recreation opportunities, and mitigation of global climate

change.

Brenden McNeil

Geology & Geography

304-293-0384

bemcneil@mail.wvu.edu

Multi-scale Modeling in Chemical Process Systems

We develop multi-scale modeling approaches for chemical

process systems, linking first principles with the industrial

32

scale. Our methods enable more efficient scale-up of existing

technologies as well as more efficient discovery of new

process chemistries. Most examples of our work can be found

in the power generation sector (carbon capture), but our

methods can be applied to any chemical process system.

David Mebane

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

256-690-3321

David.mebane@mail.wvu.edu

Sleep

My research team is focused on reducing morbidity and

mortality from sleep disturbance and deprivation. We focus

specifically on infants and young children who can not sleep

and breathe at the same time (obstructive sleep apnea). We

also assess postpartum sleep disturbance and the ongoing

daytime dysfunction that it causes.

Hawley Montgomery-Downs

Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience

304-293-1761

Hawley.Montgomery-Downs@mail.wvu.edu

Drug Discovery

We are interested in understanding the cellular and

molecular mechanism(s) of blood flow regulation to the

heart. Recently, we are now using models of coronary

disease (APOE knockout with high fat diet) to address the

signaling. The second area of major interest of this

laboratory is to define the role of adenosine in asthma in

relation to airway hyper-responsiveness, inflammation and

oxidative stress. Our overall goal is drug discovery related to

cardiovascular and lung diseases.

Jamal Mustafa

Physiology and Pharmacology

304-293-5830

sjmustafa@hsc.wvu.edu

33

Micro-Hydro Turbine System Development for Acid Mine

Drainage Applications

The poster will highlight research and development of a micro-

hydroelectric turbine (MHT) system development for

application to acid mine drainage systems. The MHT system

can produce electric power from the pressure head available in

acid mine drainage ponds to provide electric power from a

renewable resource to power the mine drainage treatment

systems.

Andrew Nix

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

304-216-4388

Andrew.nix@mail.wvu.edu

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 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

34

level of the cardiovascular system that growth/development

begins, and essentially all major diseases originate and/or

their complications target.

Tim Nurkiewicz

Physiology & Pharmacology

304-293-7328

tnurkiewicz@hsc.wvu.edu

A Probabilistic/Geostatistical Approach to

Environmental Soil Sampling

Soil surface processes that result in surface water quality

problems can spread to ground water, accelerating negative

environmental impacts and sometimes producing serious

health issues. Knowledge of the type of surface process/water

quality problem, and the associated probable spatial and

temporal distributions will allow delineation of the most

probable area to be remediated. This will dispatch valuable

resources (time, equipment, and people) to the right spot at

the right time.

Eugenia Pena-Yewtukhiw

Plant & Soil Sciences

304-293-2887

Eugenia.pena-yewtukhiw@mail.wvu.edu

Using Miscanthus Sinensis to Protect the Environment

while Producing Biofuel

Miscanthus sinensis is a known biofuel crop, but the

environmental benefits of planting this species are not well

known. Miscanthus might be used to increase the rate of

carbon sequestration, improve soil drainage/modify watershed

hydrology, reduce soil erosion, and provide aesthetic views

around buildings and large landscape areas, in addition to the

extra income derived from biofuel production. The growth of

Miscanthus sinensis var. Gigantus, a sterile (noninvasive)

35

variety, is being studied on marginal soils, and with low input

management.

Eugenia Pena-Yewtukhiw

Plant & Soil Sciences

304-293-2887

Eugenia.pena-yewtukhiw@mail.wvu.edu

Energy, Land Use and Water Law

My research focuses on the connections between energy, land

use and water law. Areas of interest include hydraulic

fracturing, local, state and federal authority to regulate land

use impacts, and water rights. I also research issues

pertaining to karst landscapes.

Jesse Richardson

Law

540-327-7508

Jesse.richardson@mail.wvu.edu

The Energy-Environment Nexus and Stable Isotopes

Sharma research projects focus on understanding

biogeochemical controls on shale gas production and stray

gas/water quality issues associated with shale gas

development in the Appalachians. Sharma directs the stable

isotope research facility and spearheads isotope research

efforts in Regional University Alliance developed Department

of Energy's National Technology Laboratory to address the

emerging energy issues of the region.

Shikha Sharma

Geology and Geography

304-293-6717

shikha.sharma@mail.wvu.edu

36

WVU Shared Research Facilities

WVU Shared Research Facilities (WVU SRF) provides

researchers with the opportunity to use cutting-edge

materials, computational modeling, high performance

computing equipment and science and engineering

instrumentation. WVU SRF are open to all, including

researchers at government laboratories and industries. Our

staff provide training, guidance, and assistance in operating

the instruments and perform routine maintenance. Among

our labs, we have Cleanroom facilities, Electron Microscopy

facilities, High Performance Computing facilities, Bio-Nano

Research facilities and Materials Fabrication and

Characterization facilities.

Website: http://sharedresearchfacilities.wvu.edu.

Lisa Sharpe, Don McLaughlin, Nathan Gregg, Huiyuan Li, Marcela Redigolo,

Kolin Brown, Weiqiang Ding, and Harley Hart

WVU Shared Research Facilities

304-293-6872

Lisa.Sharpe@mail.wvu.edu

Flexible Electronics for Sustainable Technologies (FEST)

The aim of FEST is to link the development of novel devices

and materials with emerging energy applications that require

enhanced reliability, mechanical flexibility, large-area, and low

-power consumption. Some of our current projects include

the development of: (1) additive manufacturing of electronic

and biological systems (2) large-area flexible platforms using

dip-pen nanolithography (3) mechanical reliability models for

electronic devices (4) flexible, stretchable, and active touch

sensors (5) unconventional energy harvesters based on rolling

motion and (6) biodegradable electronic devices.

Kostas Sierros

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

304-293-3420

Kostas.sierros@mail.wvu.edu

37

Biofuels and Bioenergy

My research focus is to use biomass from forest and

agricultural sources for bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts

using thermochemical conversion technologies. Gasification

technology for producing electricity and catalytic pyrolysis

technology for producing biochar and bio-oil are two

thermochemical technologies we are currently focusing on. My

lab has the capability of producing 10kW of electricity using

the gasification process and wood as feedstock. In addition,

my lab has capability to process any biomass, under controlled

pyrolysis conditions, to create biochar suitable for catalysts

development, land application, and biofiltration. Bio-oil is also

processed into low grade fuel. Moreover, my lab performs

proximate analysis, elemental composition analysis, light gas

composition analysis, moisture content in liquid fuel analysis,

pH analysis, viscosity measurements, and other related lab

testing. I would be happy to collaborate with industries in the

above two areas.

Kaushlendra Singh

Forestry & Natural Resources

304-376-7135

Kaushlendra.singh@mail.wvu.edu

Post-mining Land Use Development in West Virginia

Mining and reclamation have been ongoing since the 1940s.

Reclamation can produce lands suited for pasture, hay land,

farming, wildlife habitat and forestry. Many reclaimed lands

are not used for their intended purpose and are under-

utilized or mismanaged. Some lands have been taken over

by invasive or aggressive plants, which restrict the land’s

use. Land is a permanent resource and can provide multiple

benefits. We propose two alternate uses of the land that are

sustainable and deliver income to landowners. Reforestation

with native hardwood tree species can be done when soil

materials are suitable and when existing vegetation is

38

controlled. Biomass crops such as switchgrass, Miscanthus

and Arundo can also provide long-term income prospects

with little input.

Jeff Skousen

Plant & Soil Sciences

304-293-2667

jskousen@wvu.edu

Electric Power Systems

The Power Systems Research group within the Lane

Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

addresses recent problems in the smart electric transmission

and distributions systems including cloud computing, cyber

security, stochastic optimization, demand response, microgrid

modeling and simulation, and data mining applications to

power systems. Currently, this research is funded by Milsoft,

NSF, DOE, AEP, which support two faculty, eight PhD students

and three Masters students.

Jignesh Solanki

Computer Science & Electrical Engineering

304-293-5071

Jignesh.solanki@mail.wvu.edu

A Planning System for Examining Future Development

Scenarios

We have developed a planning system to examine future

development scenarios on downstream aquatic resources. The

Watershed Futures Planner enables us to answer ―what if‖

questions with regard to energy development (oil/gas

extraction, mining), residential growth, and transportation

construction/infrastructure. Our system integrates data

management, statistical and process modeling, results

39

summary and visualization, and decision support into a

comprehensive analytical tool.

Michael Strager & Todd Petty

Resource Management

304-293-6463

mstrager@wvu.edu

Hydraulic Fracturing Shale Gas

I am a reservoir geoscience engineer with diverse experience

in reservoir geoscience and characterization, pore- and field-

scale simulations. My main research interests are on flow and

transport through porous media, enhanced oil recovery, and

hydrocarbon recoveries from unconventional resources.

Ali Takbiri

Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering

304-293-3973

altakbiri@mail.wvu.edu

Impacts of Climate Change on Crop Productivity

My long term research goals are to understand the impacts of

climate change on plant productivity including vegetative and

reproductive growth and to improve sustainability of

ornamental crops under stress conditions utilizing

biotechnology. Current research objectives are to investigate

(1) molecular mechanisms of drought stress response under

elevated CO2 and temperature, (2) the effects of various light

spectra on plant growth and development, (3) the role of

volatile molecules during various stress conditions, and (4) the

impacts of nutrients in the growing media and supplied media

on plant physiology.

Nicole Waterland

Plant & Soil Sciences

304-293-2969

nlwaterland@mail.wvu.edu

40

Sedimentary Basin Studies

I use sedimentology/stratigraphy, sedimentary petrology,

geochemistry and geochronology to elucidate

paleoenvironmental, tectonic and climate processes that

control patterns of clastic basin fill. More information is

available on my webpage: sites.google.com/site/

amyweislogel/home/projects.

Amy Weislogel

Geology & Geography

304-293-6721

Amy.weislogel@mail.wvu.edu

Neural Control of Movement in Health and Decease

The focus of our Neural Engineering Laboratory is to study the

coordinated action of neural, muscular, and skeletal systems

controlling goal-directed and stereotypic movements. We use

brain machine interface (BMI) approaches that span computer

science, engineering, physiology and neuroscience fields to

study healthy and damaged brain functions with the goal of

developing rehabilitation devices.

Sergiy Yakovenko

Exercise Physiology

304-293-7316

seyakovenko@hsc.wvu.edu

Behavioral Phenotype of PDE4A Knockout Mice:

Implications in Anxiety, Alcoholism, and Memory Loss

Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), one of the 11 PDE enzyme

families hydrolyzing cyclic nucleotides, is critical for controlling

intracellular cAMP concentrations and plays a role in the

mediation of a variety of CNS functions. However, the

contributions of its individual subtypes (PDE4A-D) remain

41

unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the

behavioral phenotype of mice deficient in PDE4A (4AKO).

Compared to the WT controls, 4AKO mice displayed anxiety-

like behavior and, consistently, increased levels of

corticosterone. They also showed reversal of beta-amyloid

peptide 1-42 (Abeta42)-induced memory deficits and

depressive-like behavior. Further, 4AKO mice exhibited

decreased ethanol intake and preference. These novel findings

help characterize the functional roles for PDE4A in anxiety,

Alzheimer’s disease-associated memory loss and depression,

and alcoholism. The results identify PDE4A as a potential new

target for these disorders.

Hanting Zhang

Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry

304-293-1488

hzhang@hsc.wvu.edu

Sustainable Resource Management Under Risk and

Uncertainty

My research uses optimization tools to manage forest

sustainably for multiple objectives such as economic returns

and ecosystem services. Risk and uncertainty are present in

forest growth, timber market, and resource policies. Forests,

as the largest carbon sink on this planet, play a critical role in

mitigating the impacts of climate change. Thus, the forest

carbon cycle involved in forest management activities is a

focal point of my research.

Mo Zhou

Forestry & Natural Resources

304-293-5827

mozhou@mail.wvu.edu

42

NOTES:

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43

“Excel in research, creative

activity, and innovation in

all disciplines.”

—Goal 2, WVU 2020 Strategic

Plan for the Future

NOTES:

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44

Hosted by Linking Innovation, Industry and

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

lindsay.emery@mail.wvu.edu

Made possible from the support of the

Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation,

the WVU Research Office, and the

STEM & Business Deans