The College held its first seminar in its distinguished lecture series. We were honored to have Dr.
Dr. Terrence Chambers receives 2024 Distinguished Professor Award
Thu, 10/24/2024 - 8:37am
Dr. Terrence Chambers, a trailblazer in renewable energy research and education, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Distinguished Professor Award at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As the Donald & Janice Mosing BORSF Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Center, Dr. Chambers has established himself as a national and international expert in solar energy research. His work is devoted to ensuring the availability of clean, renewable energy for future generations.
Every year, the University recognizes exceptional faculty members through three Eminent Faculty Awards: 1- Distinguished Professor Award, 2- Dr. Ray P. Authement Excellence in Teaching Award, and 3- Leadership Service Award.
"I couldn’t be prouder of Terry’s remarkable accomplishments and his dedication to advancing engineering education, research, and workforce development," said Dean Ahmed Khattab. "His groundbreaking work in solar energy, focused on ensuring a future of abundant renewable energy, is making a significant impact. Terry has also made history as the first faculty member in the College of Engineering, and one of the few across the University, to receive all three of these prestigious awards, a testament to his exceptional contributions," Khattab added.
Dr. Chambers has been instrumental in advancing the University’s standing as a leader in alternative energy. Over his career, he has secured more than $57.9M in external grant funding, including $41.1M in just the last five years. Most notably, his leadership recently helped secure a $100M federal grant, the largest in the University’s history, as part of the Hubs for Energy Resilience Operations (HERO) initiative. His work has also led to the creation of the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab, a 1.1 MW solar energy research and training lab, a microgrid test facility and a green hydrogen test bed at the Cleco Alternative Energy Center in Crowley as well as the Green Hydrogen Center of Excellence, cementing the University's reputation as a key player in the renewable energy sector.
In addition to his groundbreaking research, Dr. Chambers is a passionate educator. He has developed several solar energy courses and a Renewable Energy minor, enhancing the University’s engineering curriculum. He created a solar technician training program offered through the College’s Continuing Engineering Education Program, designed to provide hands-on training and expertise for students and faculty alike. His efforts to build a state-wide solar energy training network are helping create multiple educational pathways, from high school apprenticeships to university-level engineering programs, ensuring that Louisiana remains at the forefront of the clean energy workforce.
Dr. Chambers’ students have gone on to achieve remarkable success, attending top graduate programs, teaching at leading universities, and working at prestigious national labs. His influence extends globally, with cooperative student exchange programs in Mexico, Brazil, and Chile, fostering international collaboration in energy research and education.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Chambers’ leadership has had a transformative impact on the University and the community. He played a key role in securing private funding for Antoun Hall, a state-of-the-art solar energy research and teaching facility, and he continues to lead significant renewable energy initiatives across Louisiana. His service on the Governor’s Climate Initiatives Task Force, contributions to the state’s Climate Action Plan, and consulting work with industry partners underscore his dedication to advancing clean energy solutions.
In summary, Dr. Chambers’ relentless pursuit of renewable energy research, his dedication to teaching, and his impact on both the University and the broader community make him an outstanding recipient of this year’s Distinguished Professor Award. His contributions to alternative energy are immeasurable, and his leadership continues to shape the future of sustainable energy.
Congratulations to Dr. Chambers and all the recipients of the 2024 Eminent Faculty Awards! More information on all honorees can be found here→