Mario A. Medina, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate Professor
2135C Learned Hall
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 66045-7609
Ph. (785) 864-3604, FAX (785) 864-5631
mmedina@ku.edu

Ph.D.                    Mechanical Engineering - Texas A&M University
Area of Study:     Energy Systems
Specialization:     Thermal Analysis of Buildings
                             Transient Heat and Mass Transfer Modeling
M.S. , B.S.           Mechanical Engineering (M.S. Minor: Mathematics)

Professional Registration
State of Kansas  -  Mechanical Engineer

Work Experience

August  2005 – Present
Associate Professor - Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering. The University of Kansas.

1998 – August 2005
Assistant Professor - Architectural Engineering; Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering. The University of Kansas.

1993 – 1998
Visiting Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering. Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

1992 – 1993
Research Associate. Energy Systems Laboratory. Texas Engineering Experiment Station.

1989 – 1992
Research Assistant. Mechanical Engineering Department. Texas A&M University.
 

Related Experience 
10/02 – Present
Executive Board Member: West-Central Wind Research Consortium (W2RC)

August 2005 - Present
Advisor: Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

07/00 – August 2005
Chief Advisor: Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

09/98 – 07/00
Advisor: Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

09/98 – Present
Co-Advisor: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

06/94 – 08/98
Co-Advisor: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

11/93 – 10/97
Assistant Director: Industrial Assessment Center (IAC), (formerly EADC).

02/95 – 02/97
Executive Committee Member: Building Energy Institute, Texas Energy Coordinating Council

1994 – 1995
External Reviewer: National Science Foundation. Washington D.C.

12/94
Instructor: Institute for International Education. U.S. Agency for International Development.

11/94
Instructor: Texas Energy Extension Service. The University of Texas at Arlington.

1993 - 1994
Chairman: Center for Innovation and Teaching Excellence (a focus group sponsored by the National Science Foundation).
 

Funded Research/Projects

-Model Institutions for Excellence
Source: National Science Foundation.
Period: September 1, 1993 - June 30, 1994.
(Co-Principal Investigator)

-Experimental and Economic Evaluation of Radiant Barrier Technology in South Texas
Source: Texas Center for Energy and Mineral Resources.
Period: September 1, 1993 - December 31, 1994.

-Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) (Years 1- 4) formerly known as Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Center
Source: University City Science Center/U.S. Department of Energy.
Period: October 1, 1993 - September 30, 1997.

-LoanSTAR Energy Program (Loan to Save Taxes And Resources) (Years 1- 3)
Source: Energy Systems Laboratory/Texas State Energy Conservation Office.
Period: June 1, 1994 - August 31, 1997.

-Technical Assistance to Develop the State Agencies Natural Resources End-Use Data Base (SANRED) (Years 1- 2)
Source: University of Texas' Center for Energy Study/Texas Energy Conservation Office
Period: September 1, 1994 - August 31, 1996.

-Industrial Energy Technical Assistance to Two Mexican Universities
Source: University City Science Center/U.S. Department of Energy.
Period: September 1, 1996 - August 31, 1998.

-Establishment of the Center for the Enhancement of Building Energy Performance
Source: Custom Energy, LLC
Period: September 1, 1998 - August 31, 1999. (Principal Investigator by project reassignment from Dr. Clay Belcher)

-Development of a National Database of Energy Savings in Space Cooling and Heating Loads Produced by Radiant Barrier Technology
Source: Energy Research Center, Kansas Geological Survey.
Period: June 1, 1999 – August 31, 2000.

-Development of a Methodology that Utilizes the Second Law of Thermodynamics to Analyze Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
Source: Research and Public Service. The University of Kansas.
Period: July 1, 1999 – August 31, 2000

-Development of a Research Program in Phase-Change Building Materials (PCBM) for Energy Conservation and Management
Source: Energy Research Center. Kansas Geological Survey.
Period: June 1, 2000 – December 31, 2001

-Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Phase-Change Building Materials -- Phase I: Experimental
Source: GRF/SAUD.
Period: July 1, 2000 – December 31, 2001

-Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Phase-Change Building Materials -- Phase II: Modeling
Source: GRF/SOE
Period: July 1, 2000 – December 31, 2001

-Development of a Biofluid Warming and Infusion Device for In-field and Emergency Room Use to Prevent and Reverse Hypothermia in Trauma Patients
Source: GRF/SAUD
Period: July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002

-Development of Design Specifications, Details, and Design Criteria For Traffic Light Poles
Source: Kansas Department of Transportation
Period: July 1, 2002 – June 30, 2003

-Paraffin-Based Phase-Change Wall Panels (PCWP) for Building Applications: Mathematical and Computer Model Development
(Grant in Aid for Jennifer B. King)
Sponsor: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)
Period: July 2003 - June 2004

-Design Pressure Losses for As-Installed Flexible Ducts
(Grant in Aid for Amy L. Stadler)
Source: American Society for Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)
Period: July 2004 - June 2005

-Evaluation of PCM-SIP Concept on the Better Building Panels (BBP)
Source: Better Building Products, LLC.
Period: June 1, 2004 - August 2005

-Phase-change Frame Walls to Reduce Peak Demand, Shift Load, and Reduce Energy Use in the Coastal Areas of California
Source:  California Energy Commission
Period: January 2005 - December 2005

-Research and Development Services Associated with Waste Recycling and Conversion Technologies
Source:  Wanan International
Period: August 2005 - March 2006
(Co-Principal Investigator)

-Optimal Integration of Renewable and Phase Change Materials in Insulation Systems for the Reduction of Thermal Loads Across Building Walls and Ceilings
Source: National Science Foundation
Period: September 2005 - August 2008

-Evaluation of Radiant Barrier Technologies for Attic Applications Using a Dynamic Heat Transfer Simulator
Source:  Radiant Barrier Technologies, Inc.
Period: September 2005 - December 2005

Peer Reviewed Publications

• Medina, M.A. and Zhu, D., "A Comparative Heat Transfer Examination of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) with and without Phase Change Materials (PCMs) Using a Dynamic Wall Simulator."  In Progress.
  

• Medina, M.A. and Young, B., "Evaluating the Sensitivity of Attic Radiant Barrier Performance to Climate Parameters."  Submitted for peer review.  ASCE Journal of Energy Engineering. September 2005.
  

• King, J.B., Medina, M.A., and Zhang, M., “On the Heat Transfer Rate Reduction of Structural Insulated Panels Outfitted with Phase-change Materials.” Journal: Energy - The International Journal. Accepted for Publication - September 2005.
  

• Medina, M.A. and Young, B., "A Perspective on the Effect of Climate and Local Environmental Variables on the Performance of Attic Radiant Barriers in the United States."  Journal: Building and Environment.  In Press - July 2005.
  

• Zhang, Meng, Medina, M.A., and King, Jennifer, "Development of a Thermally Enhanced Frame Wall With Phase-Change Materials for On-Peak Air Conditioning Demand Reduction and Energy Savings in Residential Buildings." International Journal of Energy Research.  Vol. 29, No. 9, (2005) pp. 795-809. 

• Zhang, Meng, Medina, M.A., and King, Jennifer, "Phase-Change Frame Walls for On-Peak Demand Reduction and Energy Conservation in Residential Buildings: Development, Construction and Evaluation." Fourteenth Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates, May 17-19, 2004, Richardson, TX.
  

• Medina, M.A. , Frempong, Michael,  "Evaluation of Ceiling Heat Fluxes in Residential Buildings with Attic Radiant Barriers in Prevalent Climates Across the United States."  Architectural Engineering 2003 Conference: Building Integration Solutions September 17 - 20, 2003, Austin, TX.

• Medina, M. A., "On the Use of Equation Solvers, Interactive Software, and Hands-on Projects in Integrated Sophomore Engineering Courses." 2003 ASEE Annual Conference, June 22-25, 2003. Nashville, TN.
  

• Hernandez, M. and Medina, M. A., and Schruben, D. L., "Verification of an Energy Balance Approach to Estimate Indoor Wall Heat Fluxes Using Transfer Functions and Simplified Solar Heat Gain Calculations."   Mathematical and Computer Modeling. 37 (2003) 235-243.

• Kirsch, F. W. and Medina, M.A. "Cost of Implementation of Energy-Efficiency Measures in Specific Industries," The Journal of Energy and Development. Vol. 27, No. 2 (2002) pp. 285-298.

• Medina, M.A., "On the Performance of Radiant Barriers with Different Attic Insulation Levels," Energy and Buildings 33 (1) 2000, pp. 31-40.

• Medina, M.A. "Effects of Shingle Absorptivity, Radiant Barrier Emissivity, Attic Ventilation Flowrate, and Roof Slope on the Performance of Radiant Barriers," International Journal of Energy Research. Vol. 24, No. 8, (2000) pp. 665-678.

• Kirsch, F. W. and Medina, M.A. "Cost of Industrial Energy Efficiency: Its Effect Upon Their Implementation," The Journal of Energy and Development. Vol. 24, No. 1, (2000) pp. 83-108.

• Medina, M.A., "A Quasi Steady State Heat Balance Model of Residential Walls," Mathematical and Computer Modeling 30 (1999) 103-112.

• Medina, M.A., "Validation and Simulations of a Quasi Steady State Heat Balance Model of Residential Walls,"  Mathematical and Computer Modeling  30 (1999) 93-102.

• Medina, M.A. and Nutter, D.W., "A Semi-empirical Modeling Technique for Predicting Improved Performance of Water-cooled Chillers Used in Building Space Cooling Applications," ASME Paper No. RAES99-7621. April 1999.

• Gonzales, M.A., Medina, M.A., and Schruben, D.L., "Effects of Installing Economizers in Boilers Used in Space Heating Applications," ASME Paper No. RAES99-7608. April 1999.

• Figueroa, I.E, Medina, M.A., Cathey, M., and Nutter, D.W., "Modification and Validation of a Universal Thermodynamic Chiller Model Used to Evaluate the Performance of Water-cooled Centrifugal Chillers," Proceedings of the Eleventh Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates, pp. 57-65, Fort Worth, Texas, May 1998.

• Medina, M.A., O'Neal, D.L. and Turner, W.D., "A Transient Heat and Mass Transfer Model of Residential Attics Used to Simulate Radiant Barrier Retrofits - Part I: Development," ASME Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Vol. 120, No. 1, pp. 32-38. February 1998.

• Medina, M.A., O'Neal, D.L. and Turner, W.D., "A Transient Heat and Mass Transfer Model of Residential Attics Used to Simulate Radiant Barrier Retrofits - Part II: Validation and Simulations, ASME Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Vol. 120, No. 1, pp. 39-44. February, 1998.

• Medina, M.A., O'Neal, D.L., and Turner, W.D., "Development of a Transient Heat and Mass Transfer Model of Residential Attics Used to Simulate Radiant Barrier Retrofits," ASME Solar Engineering: 1995 - Volume 1, pp. 253-264.

• Medina, M.A., Turner, W.D., and O'Neal, D.L., "Economic Evaluation of Insulation/Radiant Barrier Systems for the State of Texas," Proceedings of the Ninth Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates, Dallas, Texas, May 1994.

• Ashley, R., Garcia, O., Medina, M.A., and Turner, W.D., "Effect of Radiant Barrier Technology on Summer Attic Heat Load in South Texas," Proceedings of the Ninth Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates, Texas, May 1994.

• Medina, M.A., O'Neal, D.L. and Turner, W.D., "Effects of Attic Ventilation on the Performance of Radiant Barriers," ASME Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Vol. 114, No. 1, pp. 234-239.  November 1992.

• Medina, M.A., O'Neal, D.L., and Turner, W.D., "Effects of Radiant Barrier Systems on Ventilated Attics in a Hot and Humid Climate," Proceedings of the Eighth Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates, pp. 47-52, Dallas, Texas, May 1992.

• Medina, M.A., O'Neal, D.L., and Turner, W.D., "Radiant Barrier Performance During the Heating Season," Proceedings of the Eighth Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates, pp. 53-38, Dallas, Texas, May 1992.
  

Other Publications in the Open Literature

• -"Radiant Barrier Effectiveness Depends on Where You Live." Home Energy Magazine.  May/June 2003 Issue.
  

• -"Adequate Attic Venting." In Diagnostics Q&A Section of Home Energy Magazine. September/October 2001 Issue.

• -"Radiant Barriers, Performance Revealed." Home Energy Magazine.  September/October 2000 Issue.

• -"Assessing the Viability of Composite Retrofitting in Severe Environments." Proceedings of the Texas Section ASCE Spring 1999 Meeting.  Longview, Texas. April, 1999.

• - "Predicting Improved Chiller Performance Through Thermodynamic Modeling." Proceedings of the 20th National Industrial Energy Technology Conference. Houston, Texas. April, 1998.

• - "Overview of LoanSTAR Chiller Monitoring and Analysis of In-Situ Chiller Diagnostics Using ASHRAE RP-827 Test Method." Proceedings of the Cool Sense National Forum on Integrated Chiller Retrofits, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.  University of California, Berkeley, California.  September, 1997.

• - "Impact of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville's Industrial Assessment Center." Proceedings of the 19th National Industrial Energy Technology Conference. Houston, Texas.  April, 1997.

• - "First Year Analysis of Industrial Energy Conservation/Management of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Center." Proceedings of the 17th National Industrial Energy Technology Conference. Houston, Texas. April, 1995.

Patents

• “Phase Change Structural Insulated Panels and Walls.”  U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Filed: July 2003. Status: Pending.
  

Professional Affiliations

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) 

Academic Affiliations

Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.
Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Fraternity
Phi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society for Architectural Engineers
 

Honors and Awards

Elected to Phi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society for Architectural Engineers – 2002.

Nominated for the Meredith Docking Young Faculty Scholar Award - School of Architecture and Urban Design - 2001.

Appointed as Chief Advisor to Kansas Alpha:  Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society Chapter at the University of Kansas. July 2000.

"Outstanding Service Award" -- Office of Industrial Technologies, U.S. Department of Energy. August 1997.

Selected to Chair the Center for Innovation and Teaching Excellence focus group - National Science Foundation's Model Institution For Excellence Program - 1993 - 1994.

Elected to Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society - 1987.

Elected to Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society – 1987.

Other Activities

KU Women's Soccer Club Faculty Advisor.  The University of Kansas, 2001-Summer 2004

Historian: Kansas City Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers, 1999-2000.

Little League Soccer Coach: Kingsville Youth Soccer Association, 1997-1998; Kaw Valley Soccer Association, Spring 2005.