People

Co-Advised Students and Post-Docs

• Jack Prout (2024-current), B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2024) . Currently: Graduate Researcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Project title: “Improvements in PCM Heat Transfer Device Characterization.” Co-advised with Dr. Allison Mahvi.
• Payton Bartow (2024-current), B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2023) . Currently: Graduate Researcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Project title: “Experimental Test Loop for PCM Heat Exchanger Validation.” Co-advised with Dr. Allison Mahvi.
• Aidan Rigby (2021-current), B.S. & M.S. Nuclear Engineering, Cambridge University, UK (2020). Currently: Graduate Researcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Project title: “Low-Temperature Thermal Storage for High-Temperature Thermodynamic Power Cycles.” Co-advised with Dr. Ben Lindley.

Alumni

• Matt Tuman (2024), M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Thesis title: “Real-Time Simulation of a Parabolic Trough Solar Field.” Currently: Research Engineer, ATA Engineering, San Diego, CA.
• Sammie Lundin (2024), M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Thesis title: “Control Optimization of the Intelligent Building Agents Laboratory.” Currently: Engineer, Slipstream, Madison, WI.
• Willy Huang (2024), M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Thesis title: “.” Co-advised with Dr. Allison Mahvi.
• Laith Abdulmajeid, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2023). Thesis title: “Modeling and Control of the Intelligent Building Agents Laboratory (IBAL)”. Currently: Engineer, Ford Motor Company, Palo Alto, CA.
• Brian White, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022). Thesis title: “Thermodynamic Cycle Modeling of Integrated Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor and Concentrating Solar Power.” Currently: Thermal Systems Engineer, Milwaukee Tool.
• Una Baker (2020-2023), Postdoc, B.S. Physics, University of Loughborough, UK (2016), M.S. & Ph.D. Nuclear Engineering, Cambridge University, UK (2020). Currently: Specialist, Nuclear Energy Agency, Paris, France. Co-advised with Dr. Ben Lindley.
• Gabriel Soto-Gonzales (2020-2022), Postdoc, B.S. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, University of Miami (2015), M.S. & Ph.D. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Cornell (2020). Currently: Researcher, Idaho National Laboratory. Co-advised with Dr. Ben Lindley.
• Samuel Springate, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2021). Thesis title: “Real-time Analysis and Optimization of Dispatchable Concentrated Solar Power Systems with Thermal Energy Storage.” Currently: Thermal Engineer, SpaceX.

******

• Andrew Fernandez (2024), B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Project title: “Hybrid Power Plant Dynamic Modeling in a Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Testbed.” Currently: Peace Corps.
• Michael Mehl (2024), B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Project title: “Seawater mining modeling in WaterTAP.” Currently: Manufacturing Engineer, AMTEC, Janesville, WI.
• Grace Stanke (2022), Undergrad Researcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Project title: “Modeling of a Multi-Effect Distillation Plant in a Integrated Energy System.” Co-advised with Dr. Ben Lindley.
• Toby Raza (2022), B.S. Nuclear Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Project title: “Modeling of a Supercritical Steam Rankine Cycle for IES Applications.” Co-advised with Dr. Ben Lindley. Currently: System Operator, National Grid, Boston, MA.
• Tyler Lee, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Faustin-Prinz Scholar (2023). Thesis title: “Analysis of Concentrating Solar Power Plant Operations for the Creation of Effective Training Tools.” Currently: RISE Internship, Fraunhofer Institute, Germany.
• Aryan Patel, B.S. Mechanical Engineering (2023). Project title: “Off-Design Modeling of Supercritical Steam-Rankine Power Cycles.” Currently: Graduate Student, Stanford University.
• Jack Tuohy, B.S. Mechanical Engineering (2023). Project title: “Characterization of Solar Flux Profiles on High-Temperature Solar Absorbers.” Currently: Dynamic Environments Engineer, United Launch Alliance, Denver, CO, USA.
• Jamie Wolpert, Project title: “Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Data Collection and Analysis.” Currently: Undergraduate Student, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Lukas Desorcy, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022). Project title: “Battery SOC testing and analysis.” Currently: Graduate Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Kenny Franzese, Project title: “Siting of a Nuclear-Solar-Desalination Integrated Energy System.” Currently: Undergraduate Student, B.S. Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Rob McPherson, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022). Project title: “Case Studies for Real Time CSP Plant Dispatch Optimization.” Currently: Graduate Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• John Steinbergs, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022). Project title: “Monte-Carlo Modeling of Solar Flux for a Solar Receiver Lifetime Application.” Currently: Graduate Student, Penn State University.
• Matt Tuman, B.S. Engineering Mechanics, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022). Project title: “Identification of Optimal Operating Practices in CSP using a Data Clustering Approach.” Currently: Graduate Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Sammie Lundin, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022). Project title: “Case Studies in Battery Dispatch Optimization Considering Degradation Factors.” Currently: Graduate Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Ben Bates, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022). Project title: “Dynamic Power Cycle Model for Model Predictive Control Applications.” Currently: Graduate Student, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
• Jacob Kerkhoff, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2021). Project title: “Concentrating Solar Cavity Receiver Modeling for Generalized Geometries.” Currently: Aerospace Analysis Engineer, ATA Engineering.
• Jacob Wenner, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2020). Project title: “Dynamic Model of a Thermal Generator for Power Hardware in the Loop Validation.” Currently: Graduate Student, UW-Madison.
• Brian White, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2020). Project title: “Design and Operations Optimization of a Nuclear-Solar Integrated Energy System.” Currently: Graduate Student, UW-Madison.
• Laith Abdulmajeid, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2021). Project title: “Development of a Performance Correction Model for Real Time Power Plant Optimization.” Currently: Graduate Student, UW-Madison.

In Memoriam

Matthew J. Mullin, ESOL PhD Student, 2021-2023. Remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and keen intellect. Research: Learned Productivity Under Variable Solar Conditions Education: B.E. Mechanical Engineering, Stony Brook University, NY