After a long and very successful industrial career spanning over 4 decades, Russ Kunz joined the University of Connecticut in 1992 and was one of the most passionate and influential voices in energy and energy systems at the university. Russ not only was the principle investigator of numerous research projects and awards, he was also instrumental in the formation of the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center – since renamed the Center for Clean Energy Engineering – which remains today one of the premier academic facilities in the United States focusing on fuel cell technology. During his over 20 years at UConn, Russ contributed to a wide range of projects and touched the lives of young faculty and countless students. During this talk, we will share stories about Russ’ life and career at UConn, as well as discuss specific projects and concepts in recent years where he was an integral partner in our team. We will also discuss his influence on what we continue to do today.

More specifically, we will highly Russ’ contributions to electrolyte management in phosphoric acid fuel cells, and manipulation of physical and chemical properties in low temperature and high temperature PEM fuel cells.