Angolano, McBee join Hamm Institute to fill key roles
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Media Contact: Cody Cramer | The Innovation Foundation at OSU | 405-613-2838 | ccramer@okstate.edu
The Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University has announced Jason Angolano and Dara McBee have joined its team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason and Dara to our team,” said Ann Bluntzer, Hamm Institute for American Energy executive director. “Their combined expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to drive forward our mission of fostering innovation and energy security.”
Angolano is the new Hamm Institute laboratory director as part of the The Innovation Foundation at OSU. In this role, he will oversee lab operations, coordinate grant writing and the solicitation of research opportunities. Angolano brings extensive experience from his previous position at Baker Hughes, where he served as senior engineering manager within the Hamm Institute’s facility.
“The facilities have a proven track record of taking early technology development and maturing it to a viable product,” said Angolano. "We also have been able to support business as it continues to grow."
At Baker Hughes, Angolano was responsible for lab and facility operations and played a key role in developing relationships with companies, universities and customers to address energy needs through cutting-edge technology. He also managed a diverse portfolio of testing projects that ranged from early technology discovery to final production validation.
The Hamm Institute’s laboratory is dedicated to advancing applied research in energy, with critical equipment to support important works in areas such as geothermal and carbon capture. It is the only lab in the world with configurable wellbores, enabling researchers to leverage this unique space to advance free-market energy solutions and test new technologies in support of the Hamm Institute’s mission and OSU’s land-grant initiative.
Already underway, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education is expanding its capabilities within a flexible, plug-and-play laboratory where large equipment can be manipulated in a controlled environment to simulate varied conditions—ideal for advanced environmental monitoring research. By opening spaces typically reserved for a select group of researchers and engineers, this facility encourages broader engagement and inspiration. Its use ensures that OSU remains at the forefront of innovation for years to come, supporting our land-grant mission to serve the community.
“Since it's construction less than a decade ago, the Hamm Institute has remained the most high-tech facility in the state of Oklahoma for doing groundbreaking innovative applied research,” said Dr. Jamey Jacob, OAIRE executive director.
“OAIRE has been a participant in the facility since the day it opened and we are excited to continue our energy research in this facility, bringing emerging aerospace technology such as advanced autonomy and electrified aircraft to the energy sector.”
Dara McBee joins the institute as the new director of strategy and operations. McBee will support strategic initiatives, manage key projects and oversee external communications. She comes to the institute with a comprehensive background in the energy sector, having previously served as senior director of communications at the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board.
At the OERB, she led advertising, media relations and public relations efforts for the nation’s largest voluntary oil and natural gas education and land restoration program.
“I am excited to see Ann’s team expand with such exceptional talent,” said Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of The Innovation Foundation. “Jason and Dara bring critical skills that will enhance our ability to execute the Hamm Institute’s vision for a safer and prosperous energy future.”