Dr. John A. Barkanic
Dr. Barkanic has earned academic credentials in Chemical Engineering (B.S., M.S.) from Penn State University and Chemistry (Ph.D.) from Lehigh University.
His portfolio of academic strength has consistently provided insight to solving problems in manufacturing science, energy efficiency and sustainability.
While at Air Products, Dr. Barkanic developed enabling microelectronics processing technology with fluorine-based plasma chemistry. He was twice awarded Corporate Honors for technical contributions in the field of applied chemistry. The work led to international recognition with over fifty journal and trade publications, presentations and domestic and international patents. Today, the technology is an adopted production process for microelectronics manufacturing and represents hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue.
As a founding principal of the Emerging Technology Applications Center (ETAC) at Northampton Community College (NCC), he has accumulated nearly thirty years of experience working with hundreds of manufacturers to improve operational efficiency and reduce their environmental foot-print through various pollution prevention initiatives, and more than twenty years of experience in energy efficiency and alternative energy. He has conducted numerous energy assessments for evaluating alternative energy opportunities and full-facility energy audits.
He has completed certification training in energy efficiency through the PA Department of Environmental Protection and in alternative energy through the scholars program with the PA Sustainable Energy Fund. These certifications include wind, solar thermal and photovoltaics. He has taught in the Northampton Community College Energy Efficiency Certification program.
For nearly thirty years, he has taught as Adjunct Faculty in the Mathematics Department of DeSales University. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, currently serves on an Advisory Board for Lehigh Valley Manufacturers, acts as a technical reviewer for Ben Franklin Technology Partners and serves on an Advisory Committee to the PA Department of Energy.
Robert J. Barkanic, P.E.
Robert is a professional engineer, having earned his M.E. in Engineering Science and his B.S. in Structural Design and Technology from Pennsylvania State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with over 35 years of experience in the energy and environmental industry.
Robert has worked as an engineer and engineering manager for the Bechtel Power Company, has worked for the PA Department of Environmental Protection including serving as a Deputy Secretary of the Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance in the Administration of Governor Tom Ridge. He recently retired from Talen Energy, the spin off company from PPL Corporation, where he was responsible for all environmental matters for the corporation as well as being the director of the regulatory office for Talen Energy’s retail electric and gas operations.
Presently, as the President and Managing Director of the Barkanic Group, he consults on energy regulatory and legislative matters and renewable energy opportunity analysis. His work in renewable energy involves both behind the meter and grid scale projects.
Robert is currently an adjunct faculty member at Penn State University, where he teaches solar project development and financing in their Global campus program.
Preston (Pete) Roberts (Technical Consultant)
Pete earned his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University and B.S. in Physics from The Pennsylvania State University
Pete has more than thirty-four years of experience in HVAC, industrial processes, and applied research and development and technology deployment. Over twenty years experience managing marketing, technical services, and applied R&D at a Fortune 50 electric utility for the industrial and commercial sectors. Winner of two R&D Magazine “R&D 100” Awards. Holds one Patent.
Affiliations: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE); American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): Materials Research Society (MRS); Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA)
Eugene Hoffman
Gene has over 30 years experience in manufacturing processes, electronics maintenance and plant maintenance. He has served at ETAC for over 20 years on environmental and energy projects.
RETS Electronics School, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
Cindy Young
Cindy provides project coordination and support. She manages and monitors project and departmental budgets, schedules testing for the ETAC laboratory and coordinates outreach initiatives.
