Thomas Cassel

Thomas Cassel, also known as Tom Cassel, is a prominent figure in the field of engineering entrepreneurship. He serves as the Director of the Engineering Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Pennsylvania, a position he has held since the program's inception in 1999. His academic career began after a 20-year tenure in entrepreneurial business leadership, which included significant roles in energy technology ventures.

Background and Career

• Education: Tom holds a BSc, MSc (mechanical engineering), and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He has also completed studies at Harvard Business School.
• Early Career: He started his career with the U.S. Peace Corps, working on UNICEF-sponsored water supply systems in Lesotho. He then joined Bechtel Corporation, focusing on advanced electric power technologies.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: In 1978, he launched his first startup providing advisory services for energy technology investments. This company grew significantly and was eventually acquired by Reading Company, where he became a division president and later founded Reading Energy Group, pioneering waste-fueled power plants.
• Achievements: Under his leadership, Reading Energy Holdings developed advanced power facilities with capital costs exceeding $600 million before selling to multinational corporations in the mid-1990s.

Awards and Recognition

Tom has received several accolades for his contributions to education and entrepreneurship, including:

• S. Reid Warren Award for Teaching (2003)
• D. Robert Tarnall Distinguished Alumnus Award (2005)
• Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching (2007)

Personal Life

Tom resides in Moorestown, NJ, with his wife Chris. They have three sons and six grandchildren.

For more details about his professional background, you can refer to his LinkedIn profile here .1