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New Endowed Chair to Enhance Alternative Energy Research |
| By
Tobin J. Klinger |
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Jun 10, 2003 |
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| Dr. Robert Collins |
The University of Toledo is poised to take a great leap forward in the field of alternative energy with the addition of a Penn State scientist who will serve as the Nippon Electric Glass (NEG) Endowed Chair in Silicate and Materials Science.
Dr. Robert Collins has accepted the position following a national search. Collins, currently a professor of physics and materials research at Pennsylvania State University, will arrive at UT Jan. 1, 2004, but will be involved in developing grant proposals immediately.
Collins will work alongside UT’s already well-established group of researchers and will play a critical role in the Northwest Ohio Partnership on Alternative Energy Systems by bringing to the table expertise in the area of “real-time” optical measurement of thin films during growth.
The NEG endowment was established in 1989 through a gift of $1.2 million.
“This will be a big boost to our work,” said Dr. Xunming Deng, search committee member and professor of physics. “[Collins] is a leader in the special optical techniques and developed a very useful phase diagram for growth of amorphous silicon and nanocrystalline silicon. His phase diagram is broadly used by researchers in this field.”
“There’s a great group already in place,” said Collins of his desire to join UT, specifically citing the work of Deng and Dr. Alvin Compaan, professor of physics, as a motivating factor. “With First Solar, United Solar and Energy Conversion Devices in the area, there are already important resources and outlets in place for developing quality collaborations.”
According to Peter Meyers, vice president of technology at First Solar, LCC, Perrysburg, Ohio, the addition of Collins could mean great things for businesses in the region.
“First Solar has had a long and productive history of collaboration with researchers at UT on technical issues surrounding thin-film photovoltaics, so we were particularly pleased to hear that Professor Rob Collins will be joining the staff at UT,” Meyers said. “Dr. Collins is an exceptionally talented individual who has contributed greatly to understanding the growth of thin films used in photovoltaics. We are confident that the addition of Dr. Collins to the UT team will further enhance the productivity of future collaborations between First Solar and UT.”
Dr. David Stern, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, agreed and said, “The focus on research in thin films is key to the larger collaborative effort joining the departments of physics and astronomy, chemistry and the College of Engineering at UT with colleagues at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Collins' addition to our faculty poises us to take the lead in a major initiative that will be of great importance to both universities and to economic development in the region.”
“This hire helps develop a critical mass of talent that puts UT in a strong position to compete for funding available through Gov. Taft’s Third Frontier Project and other national competitions,” said Dr. Frank Calzonetti, vice provost for research. “We certainly have one of the nation’s strongest university-based research groups in the area of photovoltaics, which puts us in a position of leadership as we develop research programs in alternative energy systems.”
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