Making the World a Little Cleaner
By Laura Spitznogle
Abbie Layne, '83 M.S., works for
the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown.
The mechanical engineering graduate is in charge of a fast-track
U.S. Department of Energy program that teams universities, research
institutions, major turbine manufacturers, and national laboratories
to improve the way electric power is produced.
Their goal-to develop a high-efficiency, ultra-clean gas turbine for power plants-is a response to the demand for clean, efficient, and affordable power in the U.S. and abroad. The new turbines are 60 percent efficient and have single-digit (in parts per million) nitrogen oxide emissions, levels that were unheard of eight years ago when the program began.
In January, Layne accepted a Bright Light Award presented by the Energy Department. The award recognized NETL's Advanced Turbine System Program as one of the department's five most consumer-orientated innovations developed since 1999.
Layne's program was selected for the award because the advanced turbine system results in decreased greenhouse gas emissions and a 10 percent reduction in the price of electricity.
Born in Wheeling, Layne moved around the country before coming to Morgantown to attend graduate school at WVU, where she thrived.
"I could spend more time with the professors in graduate school," she said. She remembers her advisor, Professor Eric Johnson, as "always there to answer any question." And she remembers Professor Richard Bajura as an excellent teacher.
She also gained teaching experience, "which was rare for a woman at that time in engineering and is especially valuable. Lecturing to students honed my presentation skills and taught me to be a confident leader." She said the teaching experience "was my first opportunity to grow as a professional."
After graduation, Layne worked as an engineering consultant for Island Creek Coal Company before becoming a mechanical engineer for the Energy Department. For the past 17 years, she has worked on combustion research, engineering systems analysis, petroleum engineering, and turbines for power generation.
Layne has authored over 100 publications on power generation, natural gas extraction, fracture mechanics, and geomechanics. Two papers won awards from national associations. She said her future research will focus on coal-fueled turbine power applications.
Her husband, Richard Layne, is also a WVU graduate ('80 M.D.) and is a professor in the WVU School of Medicine's geriatrics program. They have two children.