News & Events Press ReleasePITT-BRADFORD APPOINTS ACTING DIRECTOR OF ENERGY INSTITUTE
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has appointed Dr. James T. Cobb Jr., an associate professor emeritus of the University of Pittsburgh with extensive experience in energy research, as acting director of its new Energy Institute. “Dr. Cobb has all of the attributes we had hoped to find in a director – extensive knowledge in the energy field, practical, ground-level experience in the industry and enthusiasm for potential renewable energy options,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. Cobb has been a faculty member of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Pitt-Oakland since 1970. He earned his Master of Science and doctorate degrees in chemical engineering from Purdue University and a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His current research involves the development, evaluation, demonstration and commercialization of wood- and grass-energy projects. He consults with a number of agencies and companies on projects related to biomass energy and has published numerous articles on turning biomass into gas. “Guiding the Energy Institute is a fine opportunity for me to be part of an exciting program with great potential,” Cobb said. “I’ve been impressed with the extent and quality of the energy-related activities of the faculty and students, and the enthusiastic support for the Institute from local industry and agencies.” Alexander said, “The future success of the Institute will depend upon our ability to take advantage of existing expertise on our campus and in the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Engineering and transfer these assets and resources to energy industries in our region. “Dr. Cobb’s previous role as a faculty member in that School and his relationship with the chemical engineering professors there will make that job easier.” In his role as acting director, Cobb will work to develop the institute, which will foster the study of both traditional fossil-fuel applications and renewable energy sources for the benefit of student learning, commercial projects and the regional economy. Possible projects include creating biodiesel fuel or lubricants from plant oils; gasification technology; experimental wind turbines; and converting municipal solid waste into energy. “The faculty has already given me a long list of significant new educational and industrially-oriented projects to help them with,” Cobb said. Students will be able to participate in faculty research with possible industrial applications. In addition to involving students in research, Cobb will assist faculty in developing an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree program in energy technology. Finally, the institute will work to build the energy workforce through the university’s petroleum technology program and professional land management agent training.
program that provides students with petroleum industry basics as well as fundamental writing, math, chemistry, geology, physics and engineering in preparation for work in an oil field.
services, the land agent training is a 40-hour course that introduces theories and principles of geology, law and negotiation.
gifts from the American Refining Group and Halloran Philanthropies.
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