Patrick Phelan

Patrick Phelan is a Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU). He holds additional roles as a Senior Global Futures Scientist and Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Energy Efficiency. His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, thermal management, and energy efficiency, with notable contributions to solar energy, thermal transport processes, and industrial cooling technologies. Phelan has extensive administrative experience, including managing the U.S. Department of Energy’s Emerging Technologies Program and the National Science Foundation’s Thermal Transport Processes Program.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Tokyo Institute of Technology (1990–1992)
• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1990)
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1987)
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tulane University (1985)

Research Interests:

• Thermal engineering and heat transfer
• Sustainable energy systems and cooling
• Energy efficiency in buildings and industry
• Thermogalvanic systems and advanced materials
• Decarbonization and community benefit strategies

Professional Associations:

• Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Member, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Current Activities:

• Leading the ASU Energy Efficiency Center
• Contributing to the Energy for Rural Arizona initiative
• Advancing agricultural cold chain efficiency
• Teaching courses on heat transfer and energy systems (e.g., MAE 589, MAE 576)