UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 26, Page 11
April 4, 1996
Robert Birkmire named director of energy institute

     Robert W. Birkmire has been appointed director of the Institute
of Energy Conversion, succeeding T.W. Fraser Russell, Allan P. Colburn
Professor of Chemical Engineering, who has served as director for 16
years.
     Russell is returning to chemical engineering as a full-time
faculty member but will continue to serve the institute as chief
engineer.
     During the past five years, Birkmire has been instrumental in
expanding the thin film photovoltaic programs at the institute and has
attracted an increasing number of graduate and undergraduate students
to participate in the institute's research programs.
     Birkmire, a graduate of Lowell Technological Institute with
master's and doctoral degrees in physics from the University of
Delaware, joined the institute staff as a research associate more than
17 years ago. He became an associate scientist in 1980, a manager in
electronic materials in 1983 and served as acting director in 1993. In
1995, he also was appointed a professor of physics.
     During Russell's tenure as director, despite a fourfold decline
in federal support for photovoltaic research, he developed an
effective research organization that raised more than $24 million in
industrial, federal and state support, plus funding for a laboratory
facility.
     Under his direction, the research program was reorganized to
concentrate on developing, implementing and analyzing laboratory
experiments that provided essential information for the manufacture of
large-area photovoltaic modules. This integrated approach encompassed
materials synthesis, process equipment design and operation and device
design and analysis, allowing institute engineers and scientists to
make significant contributions to thin film photovoltaic technology.
This resulted in 23 patents and several hundred technical
publications.
     During Russell's tenure more than 50 master's students and 20
doctoral students were granted degrees for solar cell research at the
institute. Undergraduates also have participated in institute
projects.
     More than 50 professionals active in today's photovoltaic
industry received their training in photovoltaics at the institute.
     The institute collaborates closely with the University's Center
for Energy and Environmental Policy, and this cooperative effort has
led to an effective working relationship with the Delaware
congressional delegation, the Department of Energy and the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
     The Institute of Engergy Conversion was designated as a
University Center of Excellence for Photovoltaic Research and
Education by the Department of Energy in 1992, an award only given to
two institutions nationally. The institute is the only center
supported by the NREL.
     Russell, who also chaired the Department of Chemical Engineering
from 1986-1991, has received the University's excellence in teaching
award, the Francis Alison Faculty Award and several major national
awards, including election to the National Academy of Engineering.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure