Vasilis M. Fthenakis | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Greek and American |
| Occupation(s) | Chemical engineer, environmental scientist, author and academic |
| Academic background | |
| Education | Diploma, chemistry MS., chemical engineering PhD., fluid dynamics and atmospheric science |
| Alma mater | University of Athens Columbia University New York University |
| Academic work | |
| Institutions | Columbia University |
Vasilis M. Fthenakis is a Greek American chemical engineer, environmental scientist, author and academic. He is a senior research scientist, adjunct professor, and founding director of the center for Life Cycle Analysis at Columbia University.[1][2]
Fthenakis is most known for his research on the environmental sustainability of photovoltaic energy technologies and for demonstrating the feasibility of solar energy as a solution to meet US energy demands while addressing climate challenges.[3] His publications comprise journal articles and books including Electricity from Sunlight: Photovoltaics Systems Integration and Sustainability and Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy: Evolution, Grid Integration and Impact. He has received awards such as a Certificate of Appreciation from the US Department of Energy in 2006,[4] the Brookhaven National Laboratory's Certificate of Recognition in 2015, the 2018 IEEE William Cherry Award,[5] and the 2022 Karl Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit from the International Solar Energy Society.[6]
Fthenakis is an elected Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the International Energy Foundation, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.[7] Additionally, he has served as Editor-in-Chief of Green Energy and Sustainability,[8] Section Editor-in-Chief of Energies,[9] and associate editor for Progress in Energy.[10]