March 11, 2011 - John Pappas has been named associate director of the Texas A&M Energy Engineering Institute (EEI), institute director Dr. Stephen A. Holditch announced recently.
"John has a solid grasp on the issues involving energy supply, demand and distribution," said Holditch. "With John’s leadership, I expect EEI to become a major force in the development and deployment of Energy Technology globally."
Pappas, who holds a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Texas, is also the Vestas director of the Texas A&M Wind Energy Center, the first center formed under the EEI. Pappas is a registered professional engineer and was previously employed as a principal investigator, program manager and director of business development at the Center for Electromechanics, one of the largest research institutes at UT-Austin.
Holditch also announced several other changes in the structure of the organization, including the appointment of Dr. Marcelo Laprea as assistant director, supply, and Mark M. Ellison as assistant director, corporate and government relations.
Laprea spent 24 years in academic positions as a faculty member of the petroleum engineering department at Universidad de Oriente in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. He also spent 13 years with petroleum consulting and service companies as an independent consultant. He was director of curriculum for the Network of Excellence in Training (NExT) for Schlumberger, Texas A&M University, University of Oklahoma and Heriot-Watt University prior to joining EEI. Laprea received his Master of Science and Ph.D. in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M.
Ellison previously held the position of director, corporate relations, for the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and associate vice chancellor for economic development for The Texas A&M University System. He also served as director of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund for the office of Governor Rick Perry. Ellison received his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Texas A&M.
The organizational changes are part of an effort to increase the EEI’s profile within The Texas A&M System, the state of Texas and among industrial partners. Maintaining EEI’s relevance by being in touch with industry needs is critical to the success of the institute. EEI’s goal is to be the go-to place for industry’s needs in fundamental research, applied research, demonstration and implementation.
EEI’s offices are located in suite 710 of the Richardson Building on the Texas A&M University campus. More information is available at http://energyengineering.org or by calling 979-458-1644.