USMMA Alternative Power Program

ABOUT OUR TEAM..

Douglas Brown

TITLE: APP Program Director (& Engineering Professor)
EMAIL: BrownD@usmma.edu
PHONE: 516-773-5555

APP PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Starting in the Spring of 1998, Captain Brown has been running “ever-evolving” elective courses for students interested in the broad range alternative energy technologies. The focus has been to design and construct a system that combined renewable wind and PV panel electrical power to electrolyze water and make hydrogen fuel in highly efficient, zero emission fuel cell generators. Successive student teams have contributed additional design and “hands-on” efforts to build what is now arguably the must fully integrated, broadest base of alternative energy technologies, system in the nation. The APP system includes a Hydrogen Solar Home, three photovoltaic systems, a wind generator, electric vehicles, and a fuel cell powered boat. Doug continues to direct the activities of the APP.

BIO / WORK HISTORY:
Doug is a 1969 graduate of the USCG Academy, and he holds three graduates degrees from Harvard and NYIT and a US Merchant Mariner Chief Engineers License. Following 20 years service as a Coast Guard Engineering Officer and as a Program Manager in the Environmental Protection and Merchant Marine Safety Offices, Doug lived in Singapore for two years as Project Engineer for an AT&T’s cable ship construction project. Captain Brown has been an Engineering Professor at Kings Point the last 14 years.

Gregory Sachs

TITLE: APP Program Manager (& Engineering Instructor)
EMAIL: SachsG@usmma.edu
PHONE: 516-773-5549

APP PROGRAM MANAGER:
Building upon the strong foundation laid by Doug Brown, Greg & Doug founded the APP based on a vision of changing the way our country and industry uses energy. As the Program Manager Greg's duties include: Detailed design, manage individual projects, system assembly, acquire funding & pursuit of grants, teach applicable electives, manage data acquisition system, coordinate research, & formulate conclusions, publish / disseminate findings, maintain laboratory watch schedule, write system operating procedures, coordinate curriculum development, maintain website.

BIO / WORK HISTORY:
Greg graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy in 1999. He attended Navy Nuclear Power School, & over the course of four years held several management, teaching & supervisory positions as a nuclear engineer at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. With the intent to pursue renewable energy & sustainability, Greg left the nuclear industry & began pursuing self-guided research in this area, building upon his engineering & management background. During this period Greg renewed his Coast Guard Engineering License & sailed "deep-sea" out of the Port of New York. Greg returned to the USMMA as an adjunct professor, initially for the purpose of assisting with various ongoing hydrogen & alternative energy projects. Greg then co-founded the USMMA Alternative Power Program, assumed the position of APP Project Manager, & was subsequently hired full-time as a member of the teaching faculty. Greg has since been promoted to APP Program Manager, whilst instructing as an electrical engineering professor. Greg is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Engineering & Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, & is committed to building and realizing a vision of energy sustainability in the maritime industry, the United States, and the world.

Thomas Bussi

TITLE: APP Program Technician (& Machine / Steam Shop Director)
EMAIL: BussiT@usmma.edu
PHONE: 516-773-5175

APP PROGRAM TECHNICIAN:
Tom, an absolutely vital member of the APP team, is an intense worker with the knowledge and ability which allows us to truly deliver on our projects. As the Program Technician, Tom’s duties include: Project fabrication & construction, daily coordination of student efforts, stand system watches, preventive and reactive maintenance, conduct laboratory tours, maintain program facilities and assist the Program Manager.

BIO / WORK HISTORY:
Tom enlisted in the US Navy in 1983 under the auspices of the Nuclear Power Program and sailed on the USS Eisenhower (CVN-69). While sailing for 4 ½ years on one of the worlds biggest warships, he was assigned to Auxiliaries Division and responsible for Steam Catapults, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration plants, Machine Shop, Hydraulic shop and O2 N2 production shop. After 6 years of Active Duty, Tom joined the USMMA as the Steam Lab technician and Assistant Machine Shop Instructor. He also joined the Navy Reserves and is currently assigned to Naval Sea Systems Command Surgemain Program as Deputy Enlisted Coordinator and is a Chief Petty Officer. Tom is a member of the American Society of Engineering Educators and a member and Bulletin editor of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers NYC/Long Island Chapter. He teaches the Machine Shop classes and Alternative Power Program electives at the USMMA. His personal military awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (with silver star) and various service and campaign awards.

Updated 29 November, 2006. G.Sachs