Michael Ellis

Michael Ellis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech since 2012, with prior roles as Associate Professor and John R. Jones Faculty Fellow (2007–2012). His work spans fuel cell systems, energy modeling, and sustainable technologies.

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (1996)
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (1993)
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Tennessee (1985)

Research interests include fuel cell systems for building cogeneration, energy consumption modeling, industrial process analysis, and optimal hybrid energy system design. Recent work focuses on battery recycling processes, microbial fuel cells, and thermal stress characterization of membranes.

His 15 most recent publications highlight trends in battery recycling scalability, fuel cell durability, microbial energy conversion, and nanomaterials for energy applications. Key subfields include membrane stress modeling, microbial adhesion mitigation, and hybrid gas/electric system optimization.

• Excellence in Architecture Award (2006)
• Woodruff Teaching Fellowship (1995)
• Tau Beta Pi Member
• Multiple teaching awards at Virginia Tech (2000–2003)

As faculty advisor for the award-winning Solar Decathlon team (2002), he contributed to interdisciplinary energy projects. His work connects mechanical engineering with sustainable energy systems, focusing on practical implementations and material innovations.