Dr. Robert P. Taylor Download a high-resolution version

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Robert P. Taylor, professor of mechanical engineering at The University of Alabama, was recently certified by the U.S. Department of Energy as a qualified specialist in process heating assessments.

Taylor is the first process heating assessment specialist certified in the state of Alabama. These specialists are qualified for the role of energy savings assessment expert, and are available to assist the manufacturing industry in assessments under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Save Energy Now program.

Taylor serves as the associate director of the Alabama Industrial Assessment Center, which helps manufacturers in the state by providing a detailed report of energy-related recommendations. The Center operates in UA’s College of Engineering, and it is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to assist small and medium manufacturing plants in using energy more efficiently.

Manufacturers are urged to make use of the Center as assessment visits are at no cost to plants that qualify under the Department of Energy guidelines. Manufacturing facilities interested in assessments can contact Taylor at 205/348-5422 or by e-mail at btaylor2@eng.ua.edu. More information can be obtained from the Center’s web site at www.iac.ua.edu.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering classes. Today, UA’s fully accredited College of Engineering has about 1,900 students and nearly 100 faculty. In the last seven years, students in the College have been named USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, Goldwater scholars, Hollings scholars and Portz scholars.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.