Spring 2026 Newsletter

Message from the Director

As we move into spring, I am pleased to see the continued momentum across CSE3. This issue highlights many of our recent activities in pollution prevention and our strong engagement with manufacturing partners across North Carolina. These efforts remain a core part of what we do and reflect the real impact of our work in the region.

At the same time, I would like to highlight the growing research activities at the Center. Our faculty and students are actively working on projects in areas such as ocean wave energy, wind energy, and advanced cooling solutions for AI data centers. These efforts are helping us address emerging energy challenges while expanding opportunities for collaboration and external funding.

What makes CSE3 unique is how we connect applied research with industry needs. Whether through workshops, technical assistance, or research projects, we aim to develop practical solutions that support both sustainability and economic competitiveness.

We invite faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders to reach out to us to explore specific research partnerships, share ideas, or begin a conversation about how we can support your sustainability and competitiveness goals as we expand our activities.

Thank you for supporting CSE3.

Tarek Abdel-Salam, Ph.D.
CSE3 Director and Associate Dean for Research
Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering
East Carolina University

From the Editor

Dear readers,

Spring is finally here, and our campus is looking beautiful. We are excited to share the work being developed at the Center during this season. In this edition, you will learn more about our recent activities, including efforts to support student success, campus engagement initiatives, and our ongoing work with industry.

We also have several upcoming events, and encourage you to explore the final section of this newsletter for opportunities to participate and connect with our Center. One of our major upcoming events is the 2026 Sustainability Symposium: Industrial Solar and Clean Energy Solutions for Competitive Communities. Registration is now open, and we invite you to join us on campus for this important event in Eastern North Carolina.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of CSE3’s mission.

Marly Irby, PhD
Environmental Specialist – Pollution Prevention
Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering
East Carolina University

CSE3 Connects Engineering Students with Industry Opportunities Through MDI Information Session

The Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering (CSE3) hosted an industry engagement event for engineering students on February 11 at ECU’s Science and Technology Building. The session featured Multi-Dimensional Integration (MDI), a leading firm specializing in industrial automation and control systems, for an open information session focused on career pathways in the field.

Laina McInerney, Business Development Specialist at MDI, provided students with a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of industrial control systems and shared insights into the company’s work automating manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. The presentation highlighted key technologies, real-world applications, and the critical role controls engineers play in advancing operational efficiency across industries. Students also learned about internship programs, full-time positions, and long-term career development opportunities available at MDI.

Engineering students engaged in discussion during the Multi-Dimensional Integration (MDI) information session

This event reflects CSE3’s continued commitment to enhancing student success and strengthening connections between academia and industry. By facilitating direct engagement with industry professionals, CSE3 provides students with valuable exposure to in-demand technical fields, helping them better understand career pathways and equipping them with the knowledge needed to transition successfully into the workforce.

Through initiatives like this, CSE3 continues to expand its impact within the College of Engineering by creating meaningful opportunities that bridge education, industry needs, and workforce development.

On March 25, 2026, CSE3 hosted the Sustainability and Pollution Prevention in Manufacturing  workshop at East Carolina University’s Isley Innovation Hub. The event brought together a diverse group of industry professionals from across North Carolina’s manufacturing sector, including participants from organizations such as Bridgestone, Hyster-Yale, Novo Nordisk, Weyerhaeuser, BSH Home Appliances, Yamco, Fresenius Kabi, Clayton, Richfield, and Smithfield, along with representatives from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. This strong level of participation reflects the growing interest and need for practical, results-driven approaches to sustainability and pollution prevention in manufacturing.

A key highlight was the presentation by Pablo Núñez Hernández, CSE3 Environmental Specialist and expert in ISO 50001 and energy management systems, who provided an overview of the standard along with practical examples to help manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive continuous improvement. Participants also heard from Senior Environmental Engineer Myrna Pacheco of Bridgestone, who shared insights on conducting effective environmental audits and from Stephen Kelly, Senior EHS Manager at Hyster-Yale, who presented successful environmental stewardship strategies that have reduced costs and minimized pollution.

The Center remains committed to creating spaces where professionals can learn from peers, exchange knowledge, expand their networks, and walk away with actionable strategies that can be directly applied within their organizations.

Student Recognition – Ash Davis

Creative Design and Communications Assistant

Ash Davis has demonstrated outstanding dedication and initiative in supporting CSE3’s outreach and engagement efforts. Through consistent contributions to event promotion and communications, Ash has played a key role in enhancing the visibility of the Center’s Pollution Prevention Program and related activities. Her creativity, reliability, and attention to detail have made a meaningful impact on the success of CSE3 activities throughout the year.

Supervisor Recognition – Marly Irby

CSE3 Environmental Specialist

Dr. Marly Irby has supervised Ash Davis since February 2025, providing strong mentorship and strategic guidance. Under her leadership, the center has strengthened its marketing and outreach efforts to support a robust calendar of events. Through a combination of structured direction, creative strategies, and a focus on continuous improvement, Marly has successfully guided student contributions that advance CSE3’s visibility and engagement across the region.

Earth Day Tabling Event

Join us on April 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. as we celebrate Earth Day on campus alongside ECU student organizations and campus departments at the mall. CSE3 will have a table where we will showcase the work we do to support sustainability and pollution prevention efforts across North Carolina. Stop by to learn more about our programs, connect with our team, and discover how we collaborate with industry and communities to promote environmental stewardship.

Webinar: April 9th, 2026
Industrial Energy Management: How much can you save?

In this talk, Dr. Cardenas-Lailhacar examines industrial energy management through a holistic lens, highlighting the close interplay between energy efficiency, productivity improvement, and waste management at both the plant and corporate levels. He will address a key question facing industry leaders today: how much energy and cost can realistically be saved, and how can those savings be achieved? Drawing on real-world examples, the presentation will show how innovation, supported by practical tools such as energy balances, baselines, emissions reduction strategies, and AI, can drive meaningful improvements to a company’s bottom line. The session concludes with a discussion of how energy management, innovation, and competition can contribute to achieving the global Net Zero 2050 goal.Attendance is free

Registration for this event has passed.

Research and Creative Achievement Week

East Carolina University will host the annual ECU Research and Creative Achievement Week from April 6–10, 2026, providing a campus-wide platform for students and scholars to showcase their research and creative work. The weeklong event highlights the depth and diversity of scholarship at ECU while encouraging collaboration and innovation across disciplines.

CSE3 will be participating in this event and will feature research presentation and posters presented by faculty and staff affiliated with the Center, highlighting ongoing efforts in sustainability and pollution prevention. We encourage you to visit our table on April 8th from 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m in the Main Campus Student Center Ballrooms to connect with our team and learn more about CSE3’s programs, research, and initiatives.

Dr. Tarek Abdel-Salam

College of Engineering and Technology, ECU – CSE3 Director and Associate Dean for Research

10:30 a.m. Presentation #CEN7: Integrated Renewable Energy Systems Research at ECU CSE3

This presentation showcases CSE3 research on improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and developing sustainable technologies such as renewable-powered desalination and low-carbon energy systems. The work aims to advance innovative solutions that enhance energy resilience and support sustainable water and energy use.

Dr. Randall Etheridge

College of Engineering and Technology, ECU – CSE3 Associate Director

09:10 a.m. Presentation #CEN3: Restoring North Carolina’s Largest Natural Lake: 10 Years of Community Engagement

CSE3 faculty and students are actively contributing to the restoration of Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina’s largest natural lake, which has faced challenges related to flooding and water quality. Since 2016, research efforts (guided by community needs), have focused on nutrient management, conservation strategies, and student-led design solutions.

Dr. Jinbo Chen

College of Engineering and Technology, ECU – CSE3 Director of Energy Efficiency

11:10 a.m. Presentation #CNE9: Development of a Calibrated Supercritical CO2 Densimeter using Raman Spectroscopy

This research addresses current limitations in CO₂ densimeters, including calibration inconsistencies, hardware differences, and sparse data, particularly near the critical point, where errors can range from 10% to 28%. Accurate CO₂ density measurements are essential for processes involving energy, combustion, and turbomachinery. The study aims to develop a highly accurate and calibrated CO₂ densimeter focused on measuring densities near the critical point.

Pablo Nuñez, MSc.

College of Engineering and Technology, ECU – CSE3 Environmental Specialist

Poster: Analyzing the Thermal and Mechanical Effect of Rebar Heating on Bridge-Structures under Internal Thermal Loading

This study presents a comprehensive simulation-based analysis aimed at enhancing the serviceability of bridge decks in cold climates by preventing ice formation through the application of an electrical power heat source (EPH) within transversal rebars.

Marly Irby, Ph.D

College of Engineering and Technology, ECU – CSE3 Environmental Specialist

9:45 a.m. Presentation: Assessing 2 by 6 Southern Yellow Pine Lumber Flexural and Tensile Properties with Nondestructive Techniques

This study evaluates the mechanical properties of Southern Pine lumber using nondestructive testing techniques (NDT) and validates the results with destructive testing. It highlights how vibration-based methods can accurately estimate key properties such as modulus of elasticity and tensile strength. The findings demonstrate the potential of NDT to improve lumber grading, structural performance, and efficiency in evaluation processes.

Online Technical Course: Industrial Energy Management: Reducing Costs and Improving Performance

Participants will gain practical skills to identify and quantify energy savings opportunities in boilers, HVAC systems, chillers, and compressed air systems. Through concepts, real examples and engineering calculations, attendees will learn how to evaluate system performance, estimate cost savings, and apply energy balance methods to support efficiency improvements.

We encourage you to register now for free for a limited time available through April 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (EST), and to share this opportunity with others who may benefit from the training.

• Date: May 5th and May 6th, 2026
• Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each day
• Location: Microsoft teams.

A certificate will be awarded upon completion.

Registration for this event has passed

Instructor: Dr. Cristian Cardenas-Lailhacar

About the Instructor

Faculty in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida (UF). He is also the Assistant Director of both the Industrial Training and Assessment Center, and the Mobile Energy Laboratory.

Industrial Solar and Clean Energy Solutions for Competitive Communities

Sustainability Symposium held at East Carolina University in 2018

The Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering (CSE3) at East Carolina University is hosting the 2026 Sustainability Symposium in partnership with the NCSU Clean Energy Technology Center and the NC Sustainable Energy Association. The event is focused on practical clean energy solutions for manufacturing and regional communities.

The event is focused on practical clean energy solutions for manufacturing and regional communities. The event will bring together manufacturers, utilities, solar developers, local governments, economic development leaders, and university researchers to discuss real-world strategies that improve competitiveness while reducing energy costs. Topics will include industrial solar deployment, energy efficiency and process optimization, energy storage, and the role of clean energy infrastructure in supporting economic growth and site development across North Carolina.

• Date: May 18th, 2026
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST
• Location: East Carolina Heart Institute, Greenville, NC

Attendees may self-report professional development hours to the Board of Professional Engineers.

The deadline to receive a refund for registration is Friday May 8, 2026.

Prices range from $75.00 to $110.00 (price depends on options selected during registration)

Registration for this event has passed

Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing

• Date: June 1, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (EST)
• Location: Greenville, NC (Venue: TBA)

CSE3 invites you to join us for the in- person workshop  Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing  where we’ll explore strategies to strengthen sustainable supply chains, evaluate the cost-benefit of pollution prevention initiatives, and identify financial pathways to support implementation. The event will also provide information regarding technical assistance available to help manufacturers improve performance and reduce costs.

This event is made possible through an EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) grant supporting industry professionals in the manufacturing sector. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate. Attendance is free, and lunch and snacks will be provided.

Registration for this event has passed

For all events, accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Contact the ADA coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at (252) 737-1018 or ada-coordinator@ecu.edu.