Kari L. Gagner
Position: Communications Specialist & Event Coordinator

Responsibilities: One of the EERC’s newest additions, Gagner is responsible for the development and maintenance of the EERC’s public Web site, including its design, organization, and content; monitoring and analyzing EERC Web site traffic and providing statistical data to improve sections of the Web site; researching EERC news coverage and compiling quarterly media coverage summary reports; managing tracking, updating, and printing EERC marketing brochures; and writing copy for e-mail marketing campaigns, news releases, and event listings.

Personal: A native of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, she lives in East Grand Forks, Minnesota with her husband Danny.

Professional Background: Gagner holds a B.A. in Communications from UND. Prior to her position at the EERC, she worked at the Grand Forks Herald as the Online Consultant, where she was responsible for the implementation of online advertising, promotions, and partnerships, as well as developing plans and proposals for multiple online campaigns. Before that, she spent 2 years as a Product Test Coordinator at Gardening How-To Magazine, where she coordinated and oversaw the product testing process, identified product sales leads for product testing, and developed and implemented content for both the magazine’s Web site and weekly e-newsletters.

Quote: “The EERC has a work environment unlike any other. The people here are friendly, the atmosphere is positive, and the innovations that come out of this building are amazing. It feels great knowing I have a job that is not only fun, but that we are all working toward a common goal to make the Earth a better and cleaner place to live.”

Michael J. Holmes
Position: Deputy Associate Director for Research

Responsibilities: Holmes oversees fossil energy research areas at the EERC, including hydrogen production, advanced energy systems, and emission control technology projects involving mercury, SO₂, NO_x, H₂S, and particulate. He is currently the project manager on two large consortium projects (totaling $7.9 million) to perform long-term field testing of mercury control technologies at lignite-fired utilities.

Personal: A native of Mayville, North Dakota, he loves spending time with his wife and children and enjoys outdoor activities, especially hunting and fishing.

Professional Background: Holmes received an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from UND in 1986 and a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics from Mayville State University in 1984. Prior to his current position, he was a Senior Research Advisor at the EERC. He joined the EERC in 2001 after serving as a Principal Research Engineer at McDermott Technology, Inc. (MTI). At MTI, Holmes spent 15 years as a process development engineer for advanced energy systems in support of the operating divisions of McDermott International, including Babcock & Wilcox, Jay Ray McDermott Engineering, and Diamond Power Specialty Company.

Quote: “After living away from North Dakota and family for 15 years, the EERC provided an excellent opportunity to come back and work at a world-recognized research organization as well as be close to family. I really enjoy the family atmosphere the EERC provides while working on projects that focus on solving real-world problems facing the EERC’s industry partners.”

Corey R. Irion
Position: Contracts Officer

Responsibilities: Irion prepares, reviews, negotiates, and administers numerous types of agreements, including sponsored research agreements, cash-equivalent agreements, subcontract agreements, proposal teaming agreements, and confidentiality agreements in accordance with federal and nonfederal contractual requirements, government and university regulations and policies, and EERC policies. He also assists with intellectual property matters.

Personal: A native of Edgeley, North Dakota, Irion and his wife, Jess, have been married for 4 years. He enjoys downhill skiing, reading, hunting, and fishing.

Professional Background: Irion received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from UND in 2002. He then attended the UND School of Law and served as an extern to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals during his time there. In 2005, Irion completed his J.D. with distinction and was elected to the Order of the Coif. Prior to joining the EERC, he was an Associate Attorney with Pearson Christensen & Clapp, PLLP, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Quote: “Working at the EERC provides unique challenges and an environment that combines a business atmosphere and a world-renowned research institute.”

Madhavi I. Marasinghe
Position: Project Manager/Web Administrator

Responsibilities: At the EERC since 2001, Marasinghe is involved in developing databases, database-driven Web applications, and geographic information system (GIS) applications for EERC projects and internal systems. Currently, Marasinghe is working on creating a Web-based GIS for the PCOR Partnership which uses GIS technology to provide the partnership with a single point of access to a wide variety of interactive tools for evaluating CO₂ sequestration-related data, assessing potential CO₂ storage capacity, and identifying potential matches of sources with storage opportunities in the region.

Personal: A native of Sri Lanka, she and her husband, Kanishka, have a son and a daughter.

Professional Background: Marasinghe received a B.S. in Management Systems from the University of Missouri, Rolla, in 1998 and holds graduate certification in GIScience from UND. Before joining the EERC, she served as an Application Analyst in Information Systems at Altru Health Systems in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and as a Database Programmer Specialist in Computing and Information Services at the University of Missouri, Rolla.

Quote: “I love to be challenged at work, which is why I love working at the EERC. There is always something exciting going on at the EERC: new projects, the opportunity to meet new people, and learning about a variety of subjects.”

Brandon M. Pavlish
Position: Research Engineer

Responsibilities: Pavlish works on projects involving mercury control technologies, biomass for energy, and hydrogen production. Currently, Pavlish serves as the principal investigator for a project working on determining the feasibility of CO₂ capture for North Dakota utilities burning lignite.

Personal: A native of North Dakota, he and his wife, Heather, have two dogs and a cat. Pavlish enjoys hunting, fishing, and building things.

Professional Background: Pavlish received a degree in Chemical Engineering from UND in May 2006 and was then hired at the EERC. He worked as a student engineer intern at the EERC during his 4 years at UND. This cooperative internship provided him the opportunity to perform a broad range of engineering functions and participate in projects involving hydrogen production and mercury emission control technologies.

Quote: “Working at the EERC is a unique opportunity in the sense that you are not just working for a company, you are working for the world. By that I mean that you have the opportunity to work on projects which address the major issues the world is facing, including anything from water quality to new ways to produce clean and reliable energy. You are able to make a difference in the world while still working from a business point of view.”

Scott G. Tolbert
Position: Research Manager

Responsibilities: Tolbert’s work at the EERC focuses on hydrogen production and utilization. He also serves as a consultant to industry on the topics of electrohydraulic machinery and ISO certification. Currently, Tolbert is managing the design and construction of the National Center for Hydrogen Technology building and also works on coal gasification and gas cleanup technologies.

Personal: Tolbert and his wife, Mary, have three children. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.

Professional Background: Tolbert received an M.S. in 1990 and a B.S. in 1985 in Industrial Technology from UND. Prior to joining the EERC, he was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UND. In addition to teaching, he served as an academic advisor and an Assistant to the Dean. He has also provided his expertise as a consultant on electrohydraulic machinery and ISO certifications for several manufacturing companies.

Quote: “The true gem of the EERC is the wealth of knowledge that people are willing to share. It’s not a business model, but a way of life. People truly believe in what they do.”

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