Thomas Trabold, Ph.D.

Associate Research Professor

Dr. Thomas Trabold is an Associate Research Professor at RIT, with primary research focus in development of alternative energy technologies in the Center for Sustainable Mobility, including fuel cells, batteries, alternative non-petroleum fuels and electric drive trains. In addition to these research responsibilities, he has previously advised M.S. students in mechanical engineering and will begin advising students working toward Ph.D. degrees in Sustainability in the Fall 2010 semester.

Dr. Trabold has over 20 years experience in industrial research and development, ranging from nuclear thermal-hydraulic systems for submarines and aircraft carriers at General Electric and Lockheed Martin, to coating processes and associated unit operations for photoreceptor manufacturing at Xerox corporation, to 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 experimental research, as evidenced from his over 60 technical publications and various invited lectures at international technical conferences. He also has contributed to development of significant intellectual property in his industrial research roles, resulting in 16 issued U.S. and Chinese patents, and 50 patents pending. Dr. Trabold holds B.S and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University.