Conferences

2007 Management Conference Speakers

A. Michael Schaal	Richard D. Witt	Deborah L. Grubbe
Miles P. Drake	Manuel Junco	Susan Dio
Jim McIlvenny	Chris Ross	Alfred E. Wechsler
Charles E. Bayless	Philip W. Winkler	Hans-Joachim Leimkuehler
Linda Hicks	Allan Fowler	Alexis T. Bell
Dr. Uma Chowdhry	Dale L. Keairns, PhD	Eldon R. Larsen
Robert P. Wilson	Frank van Lier	Christine A. Dean
Paul F. Bryan	Douglas E. Kaempf

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A. Michael Schaal
Director Oil and Gas Division
Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting
Energy Information Administration

Abstract: The Outlook for Domestic Fossil Fuel Prices and Availability

Mr. Schaal is the Director of the Energy Information Administration’s Oil and Gas Division. His primary focus is on producing the oil and natural gas projections to 2030 as part of EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook. Mr. Schaal’s prior experience includes working as a professional engineer with Bechtel Corporation of San Francisco where he was involved in economic analysis, engineering, construction, and operations of first-of-a-kind facilities, and as a consultant with Energy Ventures Analysis, Inc. advising clients on natural gas and power sector issues. Mr. Schaal received his B.S. in electrical engineering from the California State University in 1986, and his Masters degree in Energy Economics from The Pennsylvania State University in 1995.

Miles P. Drake
Weyerhaeuser Company
Senior Vice President, Research and Development,
Chief Technology Officer

Miles P. Drake was appointed senior vice president, research and development and chief technology officer September 8, 2006. He will oversee a research department devoted to growing the core businesses, supporting Weyerhaeuser’s customers and creating new technical-based options for growth for the corporation.

Prior to joining Weyerhaeuser, Drake was with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., where he had served as vice president, research and development and chief technology officer since 2001.

Drake joined APCI in 1986 as a European technology manager based in London and held numerous other leadership positions. In 2004–2005 he served as chairman of the Industrial Research Institute, an organization of 200 global companies focused on enhancing the effectiveness of technological innovation.

Drake holds a Ph.D. from Bristol University School of Surface Chemistry and a BA in Natural Science from Cambridge University UK.

He currently serves as a board member of the Board of Chemical Science & Technology of The National Academies.

Jim McIlvenny
President, Asia Pacific & Greater China
The Dow Chemical Company

Abstract: Paradigm Shift? : In Search for Advantaged Sustainable Energy & Feedstock

Jim McIlvenny assumed additional responsibility as President of Dow Asia Pacific & Greater China in February, 2006.

McIlvenny, who had been Dow Greater China President since January 2004, broadened his responsibilities to embrace Dow’s presence across the whole region, capitalizing on the many synergies that exist across Asia Pacific while ensuring that the Company’s focus on Greater China remains just as sharp as it has been these past few years. McIlvenny is based in Shanghai, China.

Prior to being named President of Dow Greater China, he served as Business Vice President of Specialty Polymers, a portfolio of businesses providing a diverse range of products for applications in industries such as paints and coatings, water purification, transportation, construction, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

McIlvenny joined Dow in Australia in 1982, where he held a number of positions in Chemical and Performance Products in the areas of technical service, sales, marketing, and business leadership. From 1989 to 1998, he was involved in the commercial and business operations for Liquid Separations, beginning in Tokyo as the Business Manager for Separation Systems in Dow Pacific.

He moved to Midland, Michigan, to serve as the Director of Marketing, Sales and Service for Liquid Separations in Dow North America. In 1995, he became the Global Business Director for Liquid Separations, and as part of that role, he was named President and CEO of FilmTec Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company.

In 1998, McIlvenny was named President and CEO of Hampshire Chemical Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, then based in Lexington, Massachusetts.

McIlvenny graduated from the University of Sydney with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.

Charles E. Bayless
President
West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Abstract: With oil and gas prices near an all time high--many question, "Where are we going?"

Mr. Bayless is President of the West Virginia University Institute of Technology, a regional Campus of West Virginia University specializing in Engineering, Nursing, Athletic Coaching, Printing and General Education. Prior to Dec 27, 1999 Mr. Bayless was Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Illinova Corporation, and its’ wholly owned subsidiary, Illinois Power Company, an electric and natural gas utility with more than half a million customers and approximately 4,500 megawatts of electricity generating capacity.

Prior to joining Illinova Corporation in June 1998, Mr. Bayless was Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Tucson Electric Power Company (UniSource Energy), from 1981 to 1989 Mr. Bayless was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Public Service Company of New Hampshire. Before that, he was employed by Consumers Power Company in Jackson, Michigan, first as an attorney, then as the Director of Nuclear Fuel Supply, and finally as the Director of Special Corporate Projects. Prior to that Mr. Bayless had summer jobs in line construction and at power plants at Kentucky Power and Pennsylvania Power and Light.

Mr. Bayless received his BSEE from West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1968. In 1971, he earned his MSEE, in power engineering, and in 1972 his law Degree, both from West Virginia University. He earned his MBA in 1977 from the Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Michigan.

Mr. Bayless and is a Board Member of Commerce Energy. Primary Energy Inc., Pike Electric, Thermon, Inc. and the Ontario Power Authority. He is past Chairman of the Board of Independent Wireless One, a past Board Member of Patina Oil and Gas, where he was Chairman of the Audit Committee, a past Board Member of Dynegy, where, he has been Chairman of the Audit Committee and of the Governance and Nominating Committee and a past Board Member of Trigen Energy Inc., EPRI and EEI. In 1993, Financial World awarded Mr. Bayless its CEO of the Year Bronze Medal. Also in 1993, the Wall Street Transcript named Mr. Bayless the winner of its CEO of the Year Bronze Medal. In 1995, Financial World awarded Mr. Bayless its CEO of the Year Silver Medal. He is Chairman of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Energy Committee and Chairman of the West Virginia Industrial Council.

Mr. Bayless’s involvement with the Boy Scouts of America is extensive. He is a member of the National Advisory Board, a past member of the National Board of Directors, a Member and past Chairman of the Philmont Ranch Committee; a Board Member of the Buckskin Council and past President of the Catalina Council. He was Support Chairman for the Boy Scouts of America at the 1999 World Jamboree (held in Chile), was Program Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America 1997 National Jamboree and led the Project 2005 team at the 2001 Jamboree. Mr. Bayless was Chairman of the National Venture Exploring Committee and he is a recipient of the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver and silver Antelope Award and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. Bayless is also past Chairman of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (a CEO Organization): a past Member of the University of Arizona Business School National Board of Advisors; a Member of the West Virginia University Engineering Academy; a past member of the Arizona Commission on Appellate Judicial Appointments, a past Board Member of the Public Utilities Reports, Inc.; and a past Board Member and Vice President of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Bayless is an inactive member of the Michigan and West Virginia Bar Associations; a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering and Eta Kappa Nu Electric Engineering honorary fraternities and a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity; an Eagle Scout.

Mr. Bayless is a native of Dunbar, West Virginia. He is married to the former Joan Schulter, a native of Allentown, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of one daughter Lisa and one son, Charles.

Linda Hicks
Vice President,
Corporate Technology and Manufacturing
Vertellus Specialties Inc.

Abstract: Break-through Energy Reduction Paradigms With Creative Cross Functional Efforts

Linda Hicks has 23 years of experience in the chemical industry through working at Vertellus Specialties Inc (formerly Reilly Industries). Although Linda has spent a couple years of her tenure doing commercial work as the Director of their Specialty Chemicals business, the majority of her career at has been spent within technology and manufacturing. Her current responsibilities include oversight for global manufacturing and Corporate technology including process improvement, process research, product development, and engineering design and construction. She is a member of the Vertellus Specialities Inc executive leadership team.

Linda joined the company in 1984 as a process engineer after earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Grove City College (Grove City, Pa.). Linda is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and serves on the Executive Advisory Committee of the Center for Chemical Process Safety.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Vertellus Specialties Inc is a specialty chemicals company focused on the manufacture of high growth, high-value products sold to the agricultural, nutritional, pharmaceutical, personal care and performance materials markets. The company has more than 700 employees in nine facilities across the United States, Belgium and China. Vertellus the world’s leading producer of pyridines and picolines used in the production of agricultural chemicals and the second largest global producer of vitamin B3.

Dr. Uma Chowdhry
Sr. Vice President & Chief Science & Technology Officer
E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.

Abstract: Fueling Our Future

Dr. Uma Chowdhry graduated with an M.S. degree in Engineering Science from Caltech in 1970 and a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from M.I.T. in 1976. She joined DuPont in 1977 as a research scientist in Central Research & Development at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware, where she spent the first 11 years of her career in various research and management roles. While her career at DuPont has primarily been in R&D management, she has also served as Business Manager & Business Director in electronic materials, & specialty chemicals.
For work ranging from catalysts to superconductors, she was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1996, & to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2003. For her contributions to the science of ceramics, Dr. Chowdhry was elected "Fellow" of the American Ceramic Society in 1989.

Dr. Chowdhry has served on several industrial advisory boards of Universities including M.I.T., U.of Pennsylvania, Princeton, & the U. of Delaware. She has been on the board of directors for the Industrial Research Institute, the national Inventors' Hall of Fame and the Laboratory Operations Board for the Department of Energy. Most recently she has been elected to serve on Sandia National Lab’s advisory board and on the Hydrogen technical advisory committee of the DOE. Dr. Chowdhry currently serves on the Committee for Science & Public Policy of the NAE & has been a member of the National Committee on Women in Science and Engineering sponsored by both the National Academies of Science and Engineering since 1999.

Richard D. Witt
Vice President, Developing Technologies
Eastman Chemical Company

Abstract: Industrial Gasification: From Concept to Reality

Richard D. Witt earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Clemson University, and an M.B.A. from East Tennessee State University. Witt joined Eastman Chemical Company in 1980 and served until 1988 as a process engineer. In 1988, Witt was named engineering manager for the chemicals from coal expansion project and in 1993 the project manager for Eastman Chemical Company’s spin from Eastman Kodak. In 1994, Witt served as staff assistant to the president, Tennessee Eastman Division. From 1995 to 2001, he served in various engineering positions, including Director, Worldwide Engineering and Construction. He was then named Vice President, Worldwide Operations Support, where he served until appointed to his current position in 2005.

Witt currently leads the United Way of Greater Kingsport Campaign Cabinet. He is active with the American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee and the United Methodist Church.

Manuel Junco
Senior Vice President,
Downstream

Abstract: EPC Contractors: Changing with the Industry

Manuel Junco serves as Senior Vice President, Downstream Operations for the Energy & Chemicals Division of Fluor Enterprises, the engineering, procurement, and construction unit of Fluor.

Mr. Junco has more than 31 years of experience in project management, office operations, process design, utilities and offsites, plant operations, and plant engineering and maintenance. Active in a variety of professional and civic organizations, Mr. Junco is involved in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and with the Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund.

Mr. Junco’s 26-year tenure with Fluor has included a variety of positions including process engineering and project management of several projects in the U.S. and Europe.

Mr. Junco holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has attended business management programs at the Thunderbird International School of Management and an Executive Management Program from the Wharton School of Business. He was also named to the Advisory Board to the Dean of Engineering at Georgia Tech and a Distinguished Alumni.

Chris Ross
Vice President
CRA International, Inc.

Abstract: Terra Incognita: A Navigation Aid for Energy Leaders

Chris Ross specializes in strategy and organization assignments in the worldwide petroleum industry, where he has 40 years of experience. He leads CRA’s firm-wide natural gas initiative. Based successively in Europe, Africa, and the United States, he has extensive global experience helping international, national and independent oil company clients develop a shared sense of strategic direction, and execute the strategies. He has also led major transformation assignments resulting in massive reductions in costs. Mr. Ross has authored many articles providing insight into important changes in the petroleum business, including virtualization, social responsibility, and the 21st century shift in shareholder value creation from Return On Capital Employed to growth. He is co-author of the book on leadership of energy companies: Terra Incognita – A Navigation Aid for Energy Leaders. Formerly, Mr. Ross was a Vice President of Arthur D. Little, and prior to that was with British Petroleum Company. He received a BS in Chemistry with Honors from London University and completed the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School.

Philip W. Winkler
Manager, Government Contracting and Licensing
Corporate Technology Partnerships
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Since 1996 Mr. Winkler has been responsible for obtaining outside funding and for the contract management of research and development (R&D) projects that are of strategic interest to Air Products. Specifically, Mr. Winkler leads a team that is focused on the sales, marketing, and contract administration of Government-funded research projects ranging from $100,000, one-year efforts to demonstration/commercial projects valued at over $1 billion and requiring five to ten years to complete. The scope of his responsibilities extends to DOE’s Clean Coal and other large projects, which include a significant number of subcontractors. Key customers include the Department of Energy, NIST/Advanced Technology Program and the Department of Defense. Recently, Mr. Winkler has taken additional responsibility for the licensing of several technologies to third parties.

Mr. Winkler’s team also provides Government contracting consulting to several of Air Products’ business areas that sell products and services to the Government. His duties also extend to all lobby activities related to Air Products’ Government-funded research programs. Within his current capacity, Mr. Winkler has developed a close working relationship with senior Government officials, Congressional staff and members of Congress.

As Manager, Cryogenic Refrigerants and Systems from 1990 to 1996, Mr. Winkler was responsible for the sales and marketing of cryogenic helium refrigeration systems, operating services and cryogen supply for the Superconducting Super Collider project. Mr. Winkler developed the winning bid strategy and led the proposal effort for the SSC Sector Surface Refrigerator System, a $200 million sale-of-equipment project.

From 1987 to 1990 Mr. Winkler was Business Manager, Diamond Coatings, Corporate Science and Technology Center, where he defined and championed a start-up business based on diamond coatings that was successfully spun off from Air Products.

From 1981 to 1987 Mr. Winkler was Manager, Contract Development, Contract Research, where he developed and negotiated more than $6 million of R&D contracts with the U.S. government in the areas of advanced materials, cryogenics and combustion technology.

Prior to joining Air Products in 1981, Mr. Winkler worked for several companies in the field of air pollution control equipment and systems in various functions including process engineer, pilot plant engineer, project engineer, and product manager.

EDUCATION

George Washington University, 2004, Master’s Certificate-Government Contracting
Rutgers University, 1975, M.B.A.
Stevens Institute of Technology, 1971, B.E., Chemical Eng.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Mr. Winkler is a fellow, past member of the board of directors, and Chair, Governemnt Relations Committee of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; past treasurer of the Coalition for the Commercial Application of Superconductors; a member of the board of directors of the Coal Utilization Research Council; a member of the board of directors of the Linear Collider Forum of America; a member of the Cryogenics Society of America; a steering committee member of the chemical industry Vision2020 partnership; and a member of the National Contract Management Association.

RECENT PRESENTATIONS

ILC Cryogenic Plants - Supplying Refrigeration Services vs. Supplying Refrigeration Equipment; Linear Collider Forum of America Meeting; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL; 17 October 2006
Chemical Industry Vision2020 Technology Partnership-An Opportunity for Chemical
Companies, Presented at the Suburban Tri-State Chapter of the Commercial Development and Marketing Association, Somerset, NJ, 8 June 2004.
Perspectives on Government Contract R&D, presented at the AIChE Spring Meeting – New Orleans, Loiusiana, Session (29) - Panel Discussion-Leveraging DOE Chemical IOF Funding, 27 April 2004Perspectives on an Infrastructure for the Hydrogen Economy, Presented at the Clearwater Coal Conference - Keynote Panel: Hydrogen From Coal Is Here, Clearwater, Florida, 20 April 2004

Allan Fowler
Vice President, West Virginia Operations
Dow Chemical Company

Allan joined Dow in 1973 and from 1973-1993, he held various leadership positions in Research and Development and Human Resources. In 1993 he was named Director of Compensation and Benefits for Dow North America and in 1996 was named Global R&D Director for Engineering Sciences/Market Development. In 2000, he was named Director of New Jersey Operations and assumed his West Virginia position in June 2003.

Allan is a Board of Directors member of the Chemical Alliance Zone, Charleston Area Alliance (CAA), Mid-Atlantic Technology Research and Innovation Center (MATRIC), the West Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, and West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA). He is also a Board of Trustees member for the University of Charleston and Thomas Memorial Hospital. In addition to these positions, Allan also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the University of Florida and the Chemical Engineering Advisory Council at Texas A&M University as well as Past-Chair of the Chemical Engineering Technology Operating Council for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Allan received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Tri-State University in 1973.

Frank van Lier
Operations Manager
The Lubrizol Corporation

Frank has been employed by the Lubrizol Corporation in various capacities since 1980. Experience includes stints in process development, environmental and plant operations. Most recently Frank helped launch a fledgling new organic growth business within Lubrizol and had project lead responsibilities for a series of new product launches in the area of controlled release technology. Frank now leads a team in corporate operations with responsibility for new product development, process improvement, capacity planning, sourcing and logistics for the “small molecules” portfolio of products on a global basis.

Frank has a Bachelor in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a Masters in Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University.

Frank is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE). He is a past Chair of AICHE’s Management Division and has been active in their programming activities for several years.

Deborah L. Grubbe, PE
Vice President
Group Safety and Industrial Hygiene
BP plc

Deborah Grubbe is Vice President – Group Safety and Industrial Hygiene for BP plc. Based in London, she is accountable for providing global safety leadership in all business areas: exploration and production, refining and marketing, gas, and renewables. Formerly, Deborah was employed by DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, where she held corporate director positions in safety, operations and engineering. Her many assignments have included capital project implementation, strategic safety assessments, manufacturing management and human resources.

Deborah is the Chair of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Visiting Committee for Advanced Technology. She has served as a consultant to the Columbia Shuttle Accident Investigation Board, and is a member of the NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. She is a member of the FIRST Robotics Executive Advisory Board, and has worked with the National Academy of Sciences as a member of the oversight committee for the Demilitarization of US Chemical Weapons Stockpile. Deborah is a member of the Board of Directors of American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and is a Director for its Management Division. She is a former member of the Business Management Advisory Committee of Wilmington College. Deborah currently serves as a member of the Purdue University School of Chemical Engineering New Directions Executive Committee. She was the first woman and youngest elected member on the State of Delaware Registration Board for Professional Engineers (1985-1989). During her tenure on the State Board, she was the Chair of the Law Enforcement and Ethics Committee. She is active with the Society of Women Engineers, and is a former board member of the Women in Engineering Program Advocates Network (WEPAN). Deborah has been featured in the books “Engineer Your Way to Success” and “Journeys of Women in Science and Engineering – No Universal Constants.”

She has been active in the Delaware community; as former president and board member of the Chesapeake Bay Girl Scout Council, and currently sits on their Northern President’s Advisory Council. Deborah is also a board member of the Delaware Zoological Society. She is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity and served as Province President for Eastern Pennsylvania. Deborah is a past board member of the YWCA of New Castle County and the Delaware State Board of Pharmacy. In 1994, Deborah was named an outstanding Chemical Engineering Alumna by the Purdue University School of Chemical Engineering, and is a recipient of the 1986 Trailblazer Award from the Delaware Alliance of Professional Women. In 2002, she received the Purdue Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award, and was named Engineer of the Year in Delaware.

Deborah was born in suburban Chicago and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with Highest Distinction from Purdue University. She received a Winston Churchill Fellowship to attend Cambridge University in England, where she received a Certificate of Post-Graduate Study in Chemical Engineering. She is a registered professional engineer in Delaware. She is married to James B. Porter, Jr., of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

Susan Dio
Works General Manager, BP Texas City Chemicals

Abstract: Addressing the Upcoming Challenges in U.S. Refining

As Works General Manager at BP Texas City Chemicals, Susan is accountable for the safe, compliant and efficient operation of the Aromatics business in Texas City.

Susan’s career with BP started in 1984 at the Green Lake Texas Acrylonitrile plant. While at Green Lake, Susan held a wide variety of roles in process engineering, project management, turnaround management and production management. Following the BP-Amoco merger, Susan held the position of PTA (purified terephthalic acid) Area Manager in Decatur, Alabama. She has also held the position of Executive Assistant at BP’s St. James Square office in London. Most recently, Susan was the Commercial Manager at the BP Texas City Refinery. She is a Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of Mississippi, and a registered professional engineer.

Off the job, life is very busy with her husband Larry and their two teenage sons Travis and Taylor. She is an active member of the Advisory Council to the Texas A&M Engineering Department, and the Rotary Club of Texas City.

Alfred E. Wechsler
TIAX LLC

Dr. Wechsler retired from Arthur D. Little, Inc. in July 2000 as Senior Vice President, International. He has continued as a technology and management consultant with several organizations and currently is an independent consultant to TIAX LLC focusing on technology development and innovation in the fuels, chemicals and materials areas. During his 40-year tenure at Arthur D. Little, Inc. Dr. Wechsler has had extensive international leadership experience in research and technology development and management, environment, health and safety, and management consulting. Areas in which he led Arthur D. Little’s technology work included: development of cryogenic and high temperature insulations and composites; design and development of lunar surface and space experiments during NASA’s Apollo and Skylab programs; biomedical research and instrument development for the National Cancer Institute; and risk assessments for hazardous chemicals and preparation of environmental impact assessments for government and commercial clients. He was Chief Professional Officer of Arthur D. Little, Inc. during the 1980’s, responsible for the quality and content of the company’s consulting work worldwide. During the 1990’s he focused on technology and management consulting for energy, chemical and other technology based companies in the Asia Pacific region.

Dr. Wechsler received his BS, MS and ScD degrees in Chemical Engineering from MIT. He is a Fellow of the AIChE and the AAAS and a member of the ACS. He has been a Director of the AIChE, Chair of the National Program Committee; Program Chair of the 5th World Congress of Chemical Engineering; Chair of the AIChE Chemical Engineering Technology Council and Trustee of the AIChE Foundation. He has served on Advisory Boards of Chemical Engineering Depts. at several universities and a Board member for several non-profit environmental and educational organizations.

Hans-Joachim Leimkuehler
Director of Process Design, Bayer Technical Services\

Abstract: Innovations for a Sustainable Future

Hans-Joachim Leimkuehler is director of Process Design in Bayer Technology Services since 2003. In this position he is responsible for evaluation, development and overall optimisation of chemical processes. Dr. Leimkuehlers group executes projects concerning energy saving, debottlenecking and product quality enhancement for Bayer and other chemical and pharmaceutical companies. His special interest is the development of new efficient and sustainable processes.

Dr. Leimkuehler joined Bayer in 1989. He started in the Engineering Division as a project manager in various capital projects in Europe, since 1995 as a group leader for the engineering of polymer plants. In 1997 he moved to the Process Technology Division and was responsible for process modelling and simulation of entire chemical processes.

Dr. Leimkuehler holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Karlsruhe in Germany.

Alexis T. Bell
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California

Abstract: Research Opportunities for the Synthesis of Chemicals from Non-Traditional Feedstocks

Alexis T. Bell received his Sc.D. degree from M.I.T. in Chemical Engineering in 1967. That same year he joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley in 1967, where he currently holds the title of Full Professor. From 1979-1981 he served as the Assistant Dean of the College of Chemistry, from 1981-1991 as the Chairman of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and from 1994-1999 as Dean of the College of Chemistry. Professor Bell is also a Faculty Senior Scientist in the E. O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He is the Editor of Catalysis Reviews and Chemical Engineering Science, and he serves on the editorial board of a large number of other journals. He has also served on numerous committees of the American Chemical Society, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Council for Chemical Research, and the National Research Council. The results of his research have been published in over 500 articles appearing in refereed journals. He has received many honors for his research contributions. These include the Curtis W. McGraw Award for Research, given by the American Association of Engineering Education; the Professional Progress, R. H. Wilhelm, and William H. Walker Awards, given by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; the Paul H. Emmett Award in Fundamental Catalysis and the Robert Burwell Lectureship, given by the North American Catalysis Society; ACS Award for Creative Research in Homogeneous or Heterogeneous Catalysis; Michel Boudart Award for the Advancement of Catalysis, given by the North American Catalysis Society and the European Federation of Catalysis Societies; and the Giuseppe Paravanno Award for Excellence in Research in Catalysis, given by the Michigan Catalysis Society. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and has received an honorary professorship from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He has also presented eleven named lectures at various universities and research institutes.

Professor Bell is known for his research in the field of heterogeneous catalysis and is recognized as one of the leaders in applying in situ spectroscopic techniques in combination with isotopic tracer techniques to the study of catalyzed reactions. Of particular note have been his investigations of the mechanism of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the synthesis of methanol, the selective catalytic reduction of NO, the oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, and the direct conversion of methane to oxygenates. This work has led to an identification of the elementary steps affecting catalyst activity and selectivity, and their relationship to catalyst structure. He has also been engaged in understanding the connections between catalyst synthesis and structure. His work has revealed the role of structure-directing organic cations on the synthesis of zeolites and the effects of synthesis conditions on the structure of supported metal oxides. He has been involved, as well, in the development and application of theoretical techniques for predicting the dynamics of surface reactions on metals, and the adsorption, diffusion, and reaction of molecules in zeolites. This work is providing a basis for understanding the relationships between catalyst structure and the dynamics of elementary processes at a fundamental level.

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Robert P. Wilson
Managing Director, Clean Energy Unit
TIAX, LLC

Abstract: Alternative Fuel Scenarios in the Automotive Sector (2010-2025)

Dr. Wilson, a Managing Director in TIAX’s Clean Energy Unit, has broad experience solving alternative fuel and emission control problems associated with automotive and stationary engines, power plant boilers, and industrial furnaces. He has worked on new combustion technology for diesel and spark-ignition engines, burners, rocket motors, furnaces, and gas turbines.

At TIAX, Dr. Wilson recently completed an in-depth long range forecast of gas-to-liquid (GTL), biodiesel, and other alternative fuels for the automotive sector. He also led a DOE-sponsored investigation of coal-based fuels for power generation and diesel engines. Dr. Wilson received his B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from the University of California, San Diego. He is a member of the Combustion Institute, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Dale L. Keairns, PhD
Technical Fellow
SAIC

Dr. Keairns has over 38 years experience in industry. As a Technical Fellow with SAIC since 1999, he has provided support for the Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) fossil fuel program initiatives. This work has included the development of technology plans for the next generation of coal based energy systems, analysis of advanced technology research and demonstration projects, systems analysis of fuel processing concepts, and technical support of on-going development and demonstration projects. Formerly, Dale was employed by Westinghouse where his responsibilities included technical and financial responsibility for R&D, business planning and a commercial business. He led the development and commercialization of energy, environmental and chemical processing technology at the Westinghouse Science and Technology Center. Accomplishments have been realized through multidisciplinary project teams and effective relations with private and government customers in the U.S. and the international community.

Dale currently serves as President-Elect for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He has served as an instructor in the University of Pittsburgh chemical engineering department, the program for technical managers at Carnegie Mellon University, and continuing education courses. He received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from CMU and his B.S. in chemical engineering from Oklahoma State University. He is the author of over 150 publications.

Eldon R. Larsen
Professor of Engineering
Chair, M.U. Graduate Council
Marshall University

Dr. Eldon Larsen is a Professor of Engineering at the Marshall University Graduate College (MUGC) where he coordinates the Master of Science and Engineering Degree program. Dr. Larsen has taught Project Management courses since 1994 in industry and university settings and is a PMI-certified Project Management Professional. Dr. Larsen is Chair of the Marshall University Graduate Council.

Dr. Larsen worked 16 ½ years for Union Carbide Corporation (UCC; now part of Dow Chemical). At UCC he led a major effort to develop and implement Project Management for Research and Development. As a result of his efforts at implementing project management for Research and Development, he received an individual “Chairman’s Award,” the highest award an individual could receive at UCC.

Dr. Larsen received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University. He has a Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.

He is currently Past Chair of the Management Division of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He also is currently serving again as Chair of the Charleston (WV) section of AIChE. He is the President and CEO of the West Virginia/Ohio Valley Chapter of the Project Management Institute. He is Chair of the Planning and Organizing Committee for the 2007 AIChE/ACS Management Conference 2007.

Christine A. Dean
Vice President, Forestry and Timberlands R&D
Weyerhaeuser Company

Abstract: The Forest Biorefinery

Christine A. Dean is the Vice President of Timberlands Technology for Weyerhaeuser Company. Based in Federal Way, Washington Christine is responsible for providing global leadership for forestry and environmental research for the company’s Timberlands related business activities.

Christine holds a bachelor of science degree from Flinders University, South Australia and a Ph.D. in quantitative genetics from the University of Queensland. Formerly, Christine was employed by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia. Christine’s research background was in forest breeding strategy and selection efficiency including working on integration of clonal and biotechnology information into operational forestry practices. Christine joined Weyerhaeuser Company in 1993 as a research scientist and became a business technical director in 1999.

Paul F. Bryan
Vice President - Biofuels Technology
Chevron Technology Ventures LLC

Abstract: Diversifying Liquid Transportation Fuels through Biofuels and other Unconventional Sources

Paul Bryan is currently Vice President - Technology for Chevron Biofuels. In previous assignments during 12 years with Chevron, he has been an R&D Engineer, an R&D Team Leader, and most recently, Manager of Chevron's R&D Alliance in Perth, Western Australia. He also has 8 years of experience outside Chevron in industry (Cargill, Union Carbide) and academia (MIT, Colorado School of Mines). His educational background includes degrees in chemical engineering from Penn State (B.S.) and UC-Berkeley (Ph.D.), and a post-doc in applied thermodynamics at the Ecole des Mines - Paris. He has been active in a variety of industry and professional organizations, including the Separations Division of the AIChE, the North American Membrane Society, the Gas Processors Association, and the Gordon Research Conferences.

Douglas E. Kaempf
Program Manager, Industrial Technologies Program
U.S. DOE

Douglas Kaempf is in the Federal Senior Executive Service and holds the position of Program Manager of the Industrial Technologies Program within the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. As Program Manager, Mr. Kaempf manages the Federal investment in the industry sector. His portfolio includes projects in energy efficient process technologies research and development, industrial technology assistance and energy assessments, and technology deployment. Mr. Kaempf has over 30 years of process industry experience, including twelve years in the electric power industry. Mr. Kaempf earned a Master of Science degree in Technology Management from the University of Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University.