2018FLEX

Thad Druffle
Theme Leader Solar Manufacturing R&D
University of Louisville


Dr. Thad Druffel is currently the Theme Leader for Solar Manufacturing R&D at the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research at the University of Louisville. His current research is focused on developing materials and processes for roll-to-roll manufacture of devices for renewable energy. Through this work he has mentored post-doctoral, graduate, undergraduate and high school researchers that has resulted in several publications, patent applications, presentations, collaborations and funding. He is the founder of Bert Thin Films, LLC, which is pursuing commercialization of some of the research being conducted at the Conn Center. He served on the technical advisory board at Svaya Nanotechnology, founded by a former student developing products based on large area deposition of nanoparticles. Prior to this he was vice President of Applied Research and Development at Optical Dynamics Nanotechnology, leading a research and development group in the area of optical nanocomposite thin films. This research led to several successful commercialized products including equipment, processes and chemistry. Experienced as the principal investigator in grants from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy and State of Kentucky as well as industry-sponsored research. Background includes research and development topics in both Mechanical and Chemical Engineering and has been involved in projects ranging from solar and water facilities in Africa to corporate research and development of cutting edge technologies. Collaborators include researchers from the University of Louisville as well as regional Kentucky and international universities and industrial partners. He developed and instructs a class in Engineering Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. He is a Professional Engineer in Kentucky (Mechanical Engineering lic #22550).

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