The Turbomachinery Laboratory, a center of the Texas A&M Engineering & Experiment Station (TEES) and part of The Texas A&M University System, has named John A. Pappas its interim director.

Pappas is director of strategic initiatives for TEES, where he is responsible for business development and marketing, operations analysis and managerial and administrative support. As interim director of the Turbo Lab, Pappas will manage operations at the laboratory and oversee the Lab’s support staff who plan and execute the Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia, Asia Turbomachinery & Pump Symposium and other professional development initiatives.

Pappas has served as interim director for TEES’ Texas A&M Energy Institute and Texas A&M’s National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing. He was also director of the Texas A&M Wind Energy Center.

Pappas holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and is a registered professional engineer. He was part of the executive management team of the Center for Electromechanics at the University of Texas where he developed high-speed, high-power generators and power systems, as well as drive trains for wind turbines. Pappas has served as program manager, director of business development and principal investigator on numerous projects, attracting tens of millions of dollars in external funding.

Pappas’ previous positions in private industry, in the federal government and as a principal in a successful start-up company have led to a wide range of experiences, including research and development, organization management and business development.

“I am happy to join the Turbo Lab staff in this capacity as the search continues for a long-term director,” Pappas said. “The faculty and students at the lab, the staff in the symposium office, the symposia advisory committees and other Turbo Lab supporters have worked together to make a tremendous impact on the turbomachinery and related industries. My goal is to ensure the Lab has the support it needs to continue doing great work.”

Dr. Dara W. Childs retired this month from the director post after more than three decades with the Turbo Lab. The search for a permanent director is underway.

The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Turbomachinery Laboratory makes a vital impact on turbomachinery and related industries through research, education and professional workforce development. Visit turbolab.tamu.edu for more information.