Expert Details
Expert in Li-ion technology, from brine ponds to cell manufacturing
ID: 738638
Massachusetts, USA
Expert is a consultant to battery, nanotech, and chemical industries for product development, processes, and program design, laboratory to market. He specializes in Li-ion intercalants, electrolytes, ionic liquids, and nanomaterials. He is well-versed in patent reviews, proposal preparation, and industry white papers for VC and investment groups, and has served on advisory boards of 4 battery and nanotech startups.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 1980 | Degree: PhD | Subject: Physical Inorganic Chemistry | Institution: University of Rhode Island |
| Year: 1974 | Degree: MS | Subject: Physical Inorganic Chemistry | Institution: University of Virginia |
| Year: 1972 | Degree: MS | Subject: Thermodynamics | Institution: St. Michael’s College |
| Year: 1969 | Degree: BS | Subject: Chemistry/Mathematics | Institution: University of Vermont |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2010 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: Principal & Owner | Department: Sole Proprietor |
Responsibilities:Consultant to battery, nanotech, and chemical industries for product development, processes, and program design, laboratory to market. Specializing in Li-ion intercalants, electrolytes, ionic liquids, and nanomaterials. Patent reviews, proposal preparation, and industry white papers for VC and investment groups. Served on advisory boards of 4 battery and nanotech startups. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2007 to 2010 | Employer: Boston-Power Inc | Title: Director & Principal Scientist | Department: Electrochemical Technology |
Responsibilities:Responsibilities included selecting equipment and defining work instructions for electrode slurry preparation; qualifying next-generation and 2nd-source battery chemicals; writing specifications for materials and QC test methods; and providing high-level technical intelligence to Marketing and Production teams. Reported to VP, R&D. Worked on-site with Chinese & Taiwanese manufacturing partners; reduced slurry processing time over 50%, allowing 4 batches/day output Technical resource/liaison for Manufacturing and Laboratory teams performing quality control and analytical/post-mortem investigations Chose cathode and electrolyte salt/additive candidates for new high-capacity Li-ion battery |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1997 to 2004 | Employer: Kerr-McGee Stored Power LLC (now Tronox) | Title: Senior Manager | Department: R&D |
Responsibilities:Product champion: headed programs from conception to marketplace. Led a scientific/engineering team in the development and scale-up of battery materials. Liaison between R&D, production, sales/marketing, management, and customers. Prepared and implemented $2.3 million annual budget. Reported to Vice President, Special Products. Provided technical expertise in establishing Avestor joint venture; led design team for US Avestor R&D facilities and mapped out 50-person staffing requirement Project leader: defined process for novel high-capacity MnO2 in alkaline batteries; best performing cathode material with 60% profit margin, growing sales; 3 patents Created strategy for future Avestor battery materials; followed up with development programs for cathodes and electrolytes; 3 patents. Established collaborations with academics and outside companies. Obtained critical pre-publication data, early commitment to K-M cathode material Transformed disenfranchised scientists and engineers into over-achieving R&D team by motivating through communication and multi-project assignments |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1993 to 1997 | Employer: Covalent Associates | Title: Senior Scientist | Department: |
Responsibilities:Principal investigator/program leader for the development of lithium rechargeable battery cathode and polymer/liquid electrolyte materials. Authored proposals for competitive SBIR funding programs; awarded over $1 million in DoD and DoE contracts; supported 4-person research group |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1990 to 1993 | Employer: Cyprus Foote Mineral Co. (now part of Albemarle Corp.) | Title: Manager | Department: R&D |
Responsibilities:Administrative department head with project responsibility. Developed new lithium chemicals business, with technical, marketing, and sales accountability. Redesigned manufacturing procedure for LiOH•H2O. Eliminated Li loss, resulting in 6% profit increase and reduced environmental exposure |
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Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| The Electrochemical Society |
| Publications and Patents Summary |
|---|
| More than 55 scientific papers in refereed journals and trade publications 7 patents on cathode compounds for Li-ion and alkaline batteries; 1 on battery pack design Over 50 technical presentations at regional, national, and international conferences |
Additional Experience
| Training / Seminars |
|---|
| High Performance Leadership and Juran Quality training Completed several business-related short courses. Topics included economics, communications, technology strategy, marketing, statistical experimental design, negotiations, conflict resolution, and R&D team management. Semester courses: accounting, microeconomics, finance, and quantitative analysis (Pace Univ., White Plains NY) |