Tom is a senior engineer within the Systems & Engineering Analysis Directorate at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). Since joining NETL in 2003, he has specialized in exploring the innovative pathways for responsible use of fossil fuels through the design and evaluation of novel energy systems.

In his current role, Tom is responsible for examining a wide range of energy topics and technologies, as far reaching as electric grid and infrastructure reliability, renewable and fossil electricity generation integration, and opportunities for advanced fossil technologies such as modular systems.  Additionally, Tom leads NETL’s research into producing Rare Earth Elements from coal and related materials.  He is also the lead engineer on the Department of Energy’s partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, working to transform the energy infrastructure of the Steel City into a model of a resilient and sustainable 21^st Century energy system. The latter work has resulted in several awards and award nominations, most recently from the Federal Laboratory Consortium.

From 2012 to early 2014 he worked for U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) on a Legis Congressional Fellowship, advising Senator Manchin on energy issues and helping to develop policy initiatives that provide a path to environmental stewardship and economic growth. He returned to NETL shortly thereafter.

Prior to his work in the energy sector, Tom worked in the Dot.Com sector.  He is a registered professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and received his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Delaware in 1996.  Tom’s other accomplishments include earning a Certificate in Public Leadership from the Brookings Institution, being recognized as a “Green Instigator” by the Green Building Alliance for his work to reinvent how Pittsburgh uses energy, and receiving a 2009 Bronze “Excellence in Government” Award for “Outstanding Professional Employee” in recognition of his invaluable work on alternative fuels.