Faculty Members Share Their Expertise with the Media
Several members of the College of Engineering’s faculty made local headlines this summer as they shared insights into their latest research initiatives and gave expert opinions on current events. From sustainability in engineering and cooling systems, to rebuilding New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, these faculty members were featured in coverage by major local media outlets, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, KYW 1060-AM and WTXF-TV (FOX). Read on to find a summary of the coverage and links to the original news articles.
Dr. Metin Duran, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology research group, discussed the results of a recent research project conducted on behalf of the Philadelphia Water Department with the Philadelphia Inquirer. Dr. Duran and his team of graduate and undergraduate students spent the summer investigating the best ways to convert fats, oils and grease from the wastewater treatment process into methane gas, which can eventually be harnessed as an alternative energy source for the region. He was also interviewed on “Greener Living Radio” a regional magazine radio show on WTIC 1080-AM in Connecticut.
Read the full story from the Inquirer.
Dr. Alfonso Ortega, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research and The James R. Birle Professor of Energy Technology, spoke with KYW 1060-AM and the Philadelphia Inquirer about the importance of data center cooling and the cooling of electronics during heat waves. The rising demand for computing power necessitates a more proactive approach to avoiding overheating and outages during the hot summer months.
Find the full reports from the Inquirer and KYW 1060-AM.
Dr. Stephen Jones, Associate Dean for Student and Strategic Programs, was featured on WTXF-TV (FOX) Philadelphia news and on KYW 1060-AM, sharing effective study tips for students as they return to school. Dr. Jones, a study skills expert, explained that developing effective study habits early can set the tone for the rest of a student’s education.
Click to watch the televised interview on FOX, or read the transcript of Dr. Jones’ KYW 1060-AM interview.
Dr. Robert Traver, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Villanova Center for the Advancement of Sustainability in Engineering, was interviewed on WTXF-TV (FOX) about the continuing post-Katrina reconstruction in New Orleans during the station’s coverage marking the fifth anniversary of the storm. He shared his opinion on the efforts made to rebuild the city and avoid future disasters. He also discussed the structural problems with the original design of the floodwalls, pumping stations, and levees and shared his insights about the reliability of the current system.