Sustainable Food Waste-to-Energy Systems

Authors

Thomas Trabold Associate Professor and Department Head, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology. Thomas A. Trabold is an Associate Professor and Department Head of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Dr. Trabold's primary research focus is in development of alternative energy technologies, including fuel cells, bio-fuels, and food waste-to-energy processes. Prior to joining RIT, he had 20 years of experience in industrial research and development at General Electric, Xerox, and most recently in research and demonstration of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems for advanced zero-emissions vehicles at General Motors. In the latter position, he was a Professional Technical Fellow and Laboratory Group Manager, with responsibility for engineering research activities in the U.S. (New York and Michigan) and Germany. Dr. Trabold has a strong record of accomplishment in sustainable energy research, with more than 100 technical publications and 50 U.S. and international patents. Callie W. Babbitt Associate Professor, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology. Dr. Callie Babbitt is an Associate Professor in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Her research group focuses on developing and applying tools to understand and manage the life cycle implications of emerging technologies. Specific focal areas are consumer electronics, nanomaterials, photovoltaics, and lithium ion batteries, and food waste-derived biofuels. These sectors represent complex sustainability challenges, as they are characterized by rapid development, adoption, and evolution; high potential for environmental impact across all life cycle stages; and a lack of comprehensive data that can be used to accurately quantify potential environmental impact. Dr. Babbitt is a recognized expert in environmental assessment of emerging technologies, and was awarded an NSF CAREER Grant in 2013.