Two students in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University have earned fellowships through the National Energy Technology Laboratory’s University Turbine Systems Research Program. Kevin Luo of Morgantown, W.Va., and Eric Fabozzi of Buffalo, N.Y., will begin their fellowships in May.

The UTSR program addresses key technologies needed to enable the development of advanced turbines and turbine-based systems that will operate cleanly and efficiently when fueled with coal-derived synthesis gas and hydrogen fuels. These fellowships are considered an investment in educating tomorrow’s developers of clean, efficient and affordable power production.

Luo has worked for General Electric Transportation for the past two summers as an intern and will have the opportunity to work for General Electric Power and Water this summer as a fellow.

“I’m excited to start my third summer at GE,” he said. “Since thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine engines are my area of interest, getting a firsthand look at an industrial setting related to the topic is a great opportunity.”

Luo is a graduate student in mechanical and aerospace engineering, working in turbine thermal barrier coatings under the guidance of Andrew Nix and Edward Sabolsky, assistant professors of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Luo will be working under the direction of Kathleen Morey, manager of coatings and nondestructive evaluation development. His fellowship will take place in Schenectady, N.Y.

Fabozzi, a mechanical and aerospace engineering dual major, who will complete his undergraduate degree in May 2014, will be working with Siemens Power Generation, in Orlando, Fla.

“I anticipate that I will come out of this with a great deal of knowledge regarding the gas turbine field as well as pertinent experience that will transfer over in years to come,” he said. He will be working under the direction of Jae Um, in aerodynamics.

“This marks the third year in a row that WVU has successfully placed students in positions in the gas turbine industry through the UTSR fellowship program,” Nix said. “These fellowships make our students more marketable and provide valuable experience, whether they are continuing their studies or moving on to professional positions.”

-WVU-

dar/04/30/13

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CONTACT: Mary C. Dillon
304-293-4086; mary.dillon@mail.wvu.edu