Inaugural 2025 North American Hydrogen Engine Conference
May 1-2, 2025 | Riverside, CA
Keynote Speaker
Thomas Koch
Professor Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and CEO of Allianz Wasserstoff Motor
Prof. Dr Thomas Koch has been responsible for teaching, research and innovation in the areas of energy conversion and powertrain technology in stationary and mobile internal combustion engines at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) since 2013. His work has consistently focused on developing carbon-neutral energy carriers for the mobility sector. As part of this, he and his team initiated the refuels project, the innofuels activities next to others and participated in collaborative research centers, conducted energy research at the Helmholtz Association. Thomas Koch conducted numerous basic research projects and organized various conferences in the area of sustainable mobility. Additionally Thomas Koch supports the scientific associations wkm and iastec as member of the board and chairman of the associations.
Speakers
Tarek Abdel-Baset
Director, Business Development, Hydrogen Storage Systems, Forvia
Tarek Abdel-Baset serves as Director of Business Development for Hydrogen Storage Systems in North America within the Clean Mobility division at FORVIA, where he leads the company’s zero-emissions business development activities in the region. Tarek has extensive experience in product research, innovation, government collaboration, contract, and intellectual property development. Tarek joined Faurecia in 2022, bringing with him over two decades of automotive industry experience. Prior to his current role, Tarek served as Chief Engineer for Faurecia Hydrogen Storage Solutions. Before joining Faurecia, Tarek was an Advanced Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineer at Stellantis from 2020 to 2022 and held various positions at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), including Program Manager, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Storage Engineer, and Business and Policy Strategist. During his two decades at Chrysler, Tarek developed new features for the Advanced Development Engineering department, implemented research programs addressing hydrogen storage issues and built prototypes. Tarek also served as Chrysler’s representative to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Freedom Car Consortiums, aided as the industry co-chair for the Hydrogen Storage tech team and lead industry participation on the development of DOEs hydrogen storage targets for light duty vehicles. Tarek holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He is instrumental in FORVIA’s zero-emissions journey, supporting every activity that brings the company closer to becoming a leader in fuel cell systems in the region.
Presentation: Auto-qualified: A tier one’s role in scaling hydrogen for mobility
Todd Anderson
Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, PHINIA Inc.
Mr. Anderson has 30 years of Commercial Vehicle and Automotive Tier One experience in operations, engineering, and management. He joined Delphi Technologies in mid-2019 as Vice President responsible for the Fuel Injection Systems global diesel product line. After BorgWarner acquired Delphi Technologies in Oct 2020, he was responsible for the Fuel Systems Europe Region as Vice President / General Manager. When PHINIA was formed in July 2023, he became PHINIA’s Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Anderson holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University, Executive Education Certification from Harvard School of Business, and Executive MBA courses from Queen’s College, Charlotte, NC. On a personal note, Todd enjoys many hobbies including high-altitude mountaineering. He and his wife of 32 years have 5 sons and 5 wonderful granddaughters.
Presentation: Decarbonizing Mobility with Hydrogen: A Practical Option for Reducing Vehicle Emissions
Jason Bieneman
Manager and Head of Technology, Mahle
Jason is the Manager and Head of Technology for MAHLE’s North American Engine Components group and has been with MAHLE for over 25 years. He has authored technical papers in the fields of engine component development and Low Speed Pre Ignition research, and has helped develop industry standards for power cylinder component design and validation. He is currently responsible for a team of technical specialist that develop new power cylinder technology and support the application of MAHLE’s advanced technologies.
Presentation: Hydrogen fueled combustion engines are transitioning from the test lab to the marketplace
Mihai Dorobantu
Director of Technology Planning and Government Affairs, Eaton
Dr. Mihai Dorobantu is Director, Technology Planning and Government Affairs, Eaton Vehicle Group, responsible for setting technology strategy and technology program portfolio, and leads the advanced technology team. He directs relationships with government regulatory and funding agencies in the area of powertrain electrification, hydrogen, and aggressive CO2 and NOx emissions reduction. Previously, Dorobantu led the systems and controls groups at Eaton’s Innovation Center, and before that, at the United Technology Research Center, and started his career developing simulation tools for Comsol and The MathWorks. He holds a PhD from Stockholm University and Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. Currently, he serves on technology advisory boards focused on transportation at the National Renewable Energy Lab, National Transportation Research Center at Oak Ridge National Lab, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency and the 21st Century Truck Partnership.
Presentation: High Lambda combustion as a means to increase efficiency and mitigate NOx emissions
Michael Franke
Executive Vice President, Engine and Hybrid Powertrain Systems, FEV North America, Inc.
Michael Franke is Executive Vice President, Engine and Hybrid Powertrain Systems, responsible for hybrid powertrain development including internal combustion engines and fuel cells for automotive, commercial and industrial applications. Since joining FEV more than 25 years ago, Michael held various positions in engineering, program management and business unit management. He has been instrumental in creating new capabilities and expertise for FEV in engine and powertrain development to support customer projects from concept to series production. Michael has a Diplom-Ingenieur degree from the University of Applied Sciences in Aachen Germany.
Presentation: Hydrogen ICE – Near-term low-carbon Fuel Technology for Commercial Applications
John Gibble
Chief Engineer, Volvo Group in North America
John Gibble serves as the Chief Engineer for Volvo Group in North America. John earned his degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from West Virginia University. His master’s thesis focused on developing and verifying an in-use emissions testing system. With over 22 years of experience in heavy-duty powertrain development, John is instrumental in the strategic planning and successful execution of powertrain solutions. His expertise encompasses the advancement of diesel engines, the development of hydrogen combustion engines, and the introduction of transmission, axle, and aftertreatment technologies. Additionally, John is dedicated to the application of hydrogen fuel cells and electromobility.
Presentation: Volvo Group’s Pathways to Sustainable Transport Solutions
Thomas Howell
Segment Leader for Conventional Powertrain, AVL North America
Tom Howell is the Segment Leader for Conventional Powertrain at AVL in North America. He is responsible for strategy and project delivery for AVL’s North American business related to internal combustion engines, transmissions and hybrids in all market sectors. During his 8 years at AVL, he has led projects ranging from technology proof of concept to production engine development. Prior to AVL, Tom was Director, New Technology at Jacobs Vehicle systems for 5 years and with Ricardo for 15 years in UK and USA with positions of increasing responsibility. Tom holds a Bachelors and Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London, UK.
Presentation: The Role of Lubricant Formulation in Controlling Pre Ignition Phenomena in a H2 ICE
Brent Keppy
ENGINEERING MANAGER, Bosch
Brent Keppy is the Manager of Powertrain Systems Engineering for Bosch North America, overseeing advanced engineering activities and government-funded projects related to combustion and engine technologies. With over two decades of experience in diesel engine fuel injection and combustion development, he has managed a wide range of projects for both on and off-highway vehicles, specializing in engines ranging from 2 to 15L in size. Additionally, Brent manages all hydrogen ICE project teams at Bosch, leveraging his expertise to address new emission regulations in the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1994.
Presentation: Building the Bridge to a Hydrogen Future: H2E’s Path to Success
Johannes Lorenz
Sales & Marketing Director, NPROXX
Johannes is the Marketing and Sales Director at NPROXX. Johannes specializes in the conceptualization, development and production of advanced hydrogen storage solutions using complex CFRP products. Leading the sales and marketing team he works with NPROXX customers and partners on a range of innovative and ground-breaking H2 storage solutions in the automotive, road transport and rail industries.
Presentation: Cummins NPROXX Solutions: Delivering Fuel Storage Today & Tomorrow
Fabian Ruch
Tenneco Technical Center, Burscheid, Germany
Fabian Ruch has worked at Tenneco since 2011, transitioning from analysis engineering to software development with a focus on hydrogen technologies. After earning his Ph.D. in 2023, he now manages Design and Analysis, supporting innovation in hydrogen combustion solutions. Fabian contributes to advancing future mobility systems through design and technology leadership.
Presentation: Dedicated Power Cylinder Unit (PCU) for Hydrogen Combustion Conditions
Seema Santhakumar
Hydrogen Market Development Leader, AMERICAS, Baker Hughes
Seema Santhakumar is the Hydrogen Market Development Leader for the Americas at Baker Hughes, where she drives early engagement, business development, and the strategic positioning of the company’s hydrogen solutions. With over 16 years of experience at Baker Hughes, Seema has held key roles in digital initiatives, strategic marketing, corporate development, and leadership in clean energy solutions. Before joining Baker Hughes, Seema was a Senior Consultant at Accenture, specializing in digital transformation for major energy companies. She holds a Bachelor’s in Physics, a Master’s in Computer Applications, and an MBA from Rice Business School. Beyond her professional achievements, Seema is a committed advocate for women in energy, actively participating and mentoring through Women+ in Hydrogen and the Houston Women’s Energy Network. She also contributes to the entrepreneurial ecosystem by judging business plan competitions, mentoring startups, and serving as Executive in Residence at YGC in Austin.
Presentation: Innovation to spark hydrogen and low carbon fuels adoptions
Tobias Schoeffler
Lead Engineer, Daimler Truck of North America (DTNA)
Dr. Tobias Schoeffler is a lead engineer in engine R&D at Detroit Diesel Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America, and ultimately owned by global Daimler Truck Group. Over the last ten years, Dr. Schoeffler has coordinated several global engineering projects in the field of combustion engine and aftertreatment technologies for the commercial vehicle sector. He specializes in leveraging different technologies for a variety of engine concepts and fuels, such as Diesel, natural gas, and hydrogen (H2). Dr. Schoeffler holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany, and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany.
Presentation: Shaping the Future of Hydrogen: The Essential Role of Collaboration
Matthew Sheehan
Principal Fuels Consultant, Chevron Technology Center
Matt Sheehan has 28 years industry experience, 19 of those with Chevron. His responsibilities include fuels product strategy, expertise on fuel specifications and performance, and coordination of our industry committee activities. Matt is on the Coordinating Research Council Board of Directors and is Section Chair for ASTM D02.A0.01 for Gasoline and Gasoline-Oxygenate Blends. Previously, Matt served as Biofuels Technology Commercialization Manager where he developed the integration of renewable fuels processing in our refineries. He also has extensive experience in product line management and regulatory policy.
Presentation: Lower Carbon Heavy-Duty Transportation Fuels
Christopher Sharp
Institute Engineer, Southwest Research Institute
Mr. Sharp is an Institute Engineer in the Powertrain Engineering Division at Southwest Research Institute. He received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1990, and he has been at SwRI for the past 34 years, where he has been involved in numerous programs related to technology demonstration and integration of advanced aftertreatment systems on diesel and natural gas engines for on-highway and nonroad engines. In addition he is involved in the development of methods and procedures to measure low level emissions from advanced technology engines. He is currently leading efforts, under way at SwRI since 2014, to demonstrate technologies for achieving very low heavy-duty on-highway and nonroad tailpipe NOX emission. Mr. Sharp is an SAE Fellow and has twice been awarded the John Johnson Award for Outstanding Research in Diesel Engines.
Presentation: The H2-ICE Consortium Class 8 Demonstration Truck – Development and Emissions Performance
Bart Sowa
R&D Manager, Mobility, GTI Energy
Bart is a research and development manager at GTI Energy, a leading non-profit research and training organization that develops, scales, and deploys innovations that support low-carbon, low-cost energy systems. Bart is focusing on decarbonizing the transportation industry by helping fleets, equipment manufacturers, and technology developers evaluate new technologies through pre-production demonstration projects. He is managing projects showcasing technologies and vehicles such as a hydrogen-fueled switcher locomotive, developing a blueprint for the Houston-to-Los Angeles hydrogen corridor, hydrogen-fueled terminal tractors, hydrogen-fueled Class 8 regional haul tractor, mobile liquid hydrogen fueler, and more. Bart has over 20 years of experience in the mobility and energy industries; before joining GTI Energy, he worked for International Motors and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Presentation: H2LA – Houston to Los Angeles Hydrogen I-10 Corridor Planning
Aleš Srna
Engineering Science, Senior Member of Technical Staff, Sandia
Dr. Aleš Srna is Principal Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), responsible for hydrogen combustion research at the Sandia Heavy-Duty Optical Engine laboratory. Tightly collaborating with industry partners, Dr. Srna uses optical and laser-based diagnostics to close the knowledge gaps about in-cylinder processes to improve efficiency and decrease emissions of large on- and off-road engines. On the topic of H2-ICE, Dr. Srna is addressing the aspects of in-cylinder mixture formation, mitigation of pre-ignition and abnormal combustion, and enabling ultra-lean operation. Dr. Srna graduated in 2018 from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at UNSW Sydney before joining Sandia in 2020.
Presentation: Towards conceptual understanding of pre-ignition mechanisms in H2-ICE
Imon Uduehi
General Manager, Alternate Fuels & Fuel Delivery Systems, Cummins
Imon Uduehi currently serves as Cummins Global General Manager for Alternate Fuels and Fuel Delivery Systems. Imon has 18 years of experience at Cummins across various fields, including manufacturing, operations, supply chain, strategy, and sales. Through his leadership, Imon’s team is positioning Cummins to successfully support customers through the energy transition. He is building on the foundation for expected growth in hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICE), driving product vision and profitability, and improving the overall performance of the fuel delivery systems business. Imon also represents Cummins as a founding member of the Hydrogen Engine Alliance North America. Imon is a recipient of the Cummins Chairman’s Award and Business Impact Award, as well as the Amazon Continuous Improvement Award. He is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, and sponsor, and is also a practitioner of Lean principles with certifications related to his background in supply chain. Imon resides in Tennessee and is described as an avid learner. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in manufacturing technology from Purdue University, as well as an Education Specialist (EdS) degree from Tennessee Tech University, where he is currently a PhD candidate in program planning and evaluation.
Presentation: Cummins H2-ICE for powering toward Destination Zero