Diane Graziano

EEE EAC member, Diane Graziano, graduated from Purdue decades ago, but her experiences at Purdue set the groundwork for a successful career.  Diane conducts decision science research with a focus on complex adaptive systems, supply chain, and energy analysis for diverse topical areas, including advanced manufacturing, commercial buildings, solar, hydropower, resilience, and health care. She is Argonne’s lead on the multi-laboratory strategic analysis team supporting the Department of Energy, Advanced Manufacturing Office. She is also co-leading Argonne’s critical materials agent-based modeling projects sponsored by the Department of Energy and the Defense Logistics Agency.

Diane earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge. Before joining Argonne, she worked in Research and Development at Amoco Chemical Company in areas of process development, design, economics, technical service, and commercialization of petrochemicals.

“I am honored and privileged to serve on the EAC and to have the opportunity to interface with the outstanding EEE researchers, students, and advisory committee members,” said Graziano.

Rob Threlkeld

Rob Threlkeld is the global manager of renewable energy for General Motors, leading the company’s commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. He manages GM’s growing renewable energy portfolio and develops future projects to support GM’s sustainability strategy.

As part of GM’s Sustainable Workplaces team, Threlkeld shares best practices for renewable energy procurement with internal and external audiences, offering solutions for large and small businesses alike to benefit from the use of renewables.  

Threlkeld is a board member of the American Wind Energy Association and involved in the Solar Energy Industries Association, two energy groups advancing the use of these renewable forms of energy. He also serves on the advisory board of Rocky Mountain Institute’s Business Renewables Center and supports the World Wildlife Fund and World Resources Institute’s Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles, organizations designed to help utilities and renewable energy providers meet rising demand. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers, the Engineering Society of Detroit, and the Solar Power International Education Council. This year, Energy Manager Today recognized Threlkeld as one of 50 top energy managers for driving GM and the energy management industry forward.

Threlkeld began his career at GM in 2000 as manager of the powerhouse and wastewater treatment plant operations at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio Assembly Complex. He holds bachelors and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is a registered Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Certified Energy Manager and Business Energy Professional.

When asked what it means to serve on the EEE EAC, Threlkeld responded, “[It’s] a communications platform addressing how technology and trends impact both industry and education so that Purdue EEE program develops the best engineers to lead the transformation.”