Division of Energy and Innovation

We shape a sustainable future, elevating its status as Houston's premier public research university.

As the innovation engine of the economic dynamo of the southern US, the University of Houston recognizes that society is on the cusp of a more sustainable future. Through the cutting-edge training, education, research, entrepreneurship and innovation that takes place here, the Division of Energy and Innovation ensures UH’s place as the leading public research university in Houston.

9

Micro-Credential Programs

296+

Technologies

30+

Research Projects

The Energy University®

At the University of Houston, we don’t just study energy — we shape its future. Located in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic energy hubs, we are surrounded by industry leaders, innovative startups, and forward-thinking organizations. This unique position fuels our multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts in engineering, science, policy, and business to drive transformative solutions.

Our commitment spans research breakthroughs, cutting-edge education, and deep community partnerships. Whether improving existing systems, exploring new technologies, or shaping future talent, we are committed to tackling tomorrow's toughest energy challenges.

More About Energy

 

The Spirit of Innovation

At the University of Houston, innovation doesn’t stop at discovery—it accelerates toward impact. We believe that great ideas deserve more than a whiteboard or a lab bench. They deserve to scale, to solve real-world problems, and to shape industries. That’s why UH is deeply invested in the full innovation lifecycle—from ideation and prototyping to licensing, venture creation, and market expansion.

Our approach is agile and inclusive. We bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners to turn potential into progress. Whether it’s a faculty invention, a student-led startup, or a cross-disciplinary collaboration, we provide the tools, mentorship, and infrastructure to move ideas forward.

More about Innovation

Meet Division Leadership & Support

Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Ph.D.
Vice President of Energy and Innovation

Dr. Ramanan Krishnamoorti is the Vice President of Energy and Innovation at the University of Houston. During his tenure at the university, he has served as the Interim Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, Chair of the UH Cullen College of Engineering’s Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department, Associate Dean of Research for Engineering, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with affiliated appointments as Professor of Petroleum Engineering and Professor of Chemistry. He has also served as a federal expert witness and testified in front of Congress on carbon management, the energy transition, and topics of chemical safety and public health. Krishnamoorti obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and his doctoral degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University. 

Suryanarayanan Radhakrishnan, Ph.D.
Managing Director

Dr. Suryanarayanan Radhakrishnan is the Managing Director of UH Energy. He has been a professor of practice in the Decision and Information Sciences at the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business from 2010 to 2024 teaching Undergraduate, MBA and Executive MBA courses. Prior to joining the University of Houston, he had worked for 36 years at Shell holding various responsible jobs mostly in Planning, Strategy, Marketing and Business Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (from Osmania University), a master's degree in Industrial Engineering (from Oklahoma State University) and a PhD in Business (from UH).

Research, Student Success and Stakeholder Engagement

Centers & Institutes

Center for Carbon Management in Energy (CCME)

Charles McConnell

Executive Director

cmcconnell@uh.edu

832-922-5799

 

 

Energy Transition Institute (ETI)

Joseph Powell, Ph.D.

Aspire Initiative Endowed Executive Director

JBPowell5@uh.edu

713-743-6556

Debalina Sengupta, Ph.D.

COO & AVP, ETI

Subsea Systems Institute (SSI)

Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Ph.D.

Director

ramanan@uh.edu

713-743-4307

Andy Chang

Program Director

kachang3@uh.edu

713-743-5331

Institute for Ecological Resilience (IER)

Vacant

Executive Director

Matthew Abernathy

Program Director

msaberna@uh.edu

713-743-8094

Vacant

Research Liaison Officer

Texas Industrial Energy Efficiency

Gary Gildert, Ph.D.

Executive Director, External Relations and Tech Transfer

grgildert@uh.edu

713-743-0747

Education Team

Deidra Pernell, Ed.D.

Executive Director, Educational Programs

dpernell@central.uh.edu

713-743-4132

Saiyid Kamal

Innovation Instructor & Advisor

szkamal@central.uh.edu

713-743-6556

Meimei Xu, Ph.D.

Instructional Designer

mxu10@uh.edu

713-743-2877

Research Team

Aparajita Datta, Ph.D.

Energy Policy Associate

adatta3@Central.uh.edu

713-743-2439

Ram Seetharam, Ph.D.

Program Executive Director, Repurposing Offshore Infrastructure for Continued Energy (ROICE)

rvseetharam@uh.edu

Paul Doucette

Hydrogen Program Officer

pbdoucette@uh.edu

Marketing & Communications Team

Binita Roy

Writer and Editor

broy@central.uh.edu

713-743-1696

Noah Hester

UI/UX Manager

nrhester@uh.edu

713-743-2325

Brenda Cruz Wolf

Communications Manager

bcruz@Central.UH.EDU

Business Team

Sandra Bazan

Division Business Administrator

SMejia@central.uh.edu

713-743-4236

Niurka Tamayo

Department Business Administrator

ntamayo2@uh.edu

713-743-2118

Maria Banda

Administrative Assistant

mlbanda2@uh.edu

713-743-2058

Juan Alzate Meza

Research Administrator

jpalzate@Central.UH.EDU

713-743-0654

Kavon Samie

User Services Specialist 3

Information Technology

kesamie@central.uh.edu

713-743-5935

 

Events Team

Fard Rollock

Director, Events

ffrolloc@central.uh.edu

713-743-8317

Marcos Villarreal

Assistant Director, Events

mavill32@central.uh.edu

713-743-3303