2019 O’Donnell Award in Technology Innovation: Terrence F. Alger II, Ph.D.
Southwest Research Institute’s Terrence Alger Awarded for Engine Innovations
Terrence F. Alger II, Ph.D., of the Southwest Research Institute is the recipient of the 2019 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Technology Innovation from TAMEST (The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas).
Dr. Alger is a true innovator whose work on vehicle engines is already resulting in lower levels of pollution and better fuel economy. He developed a technology known as Dedicated Exhaust Gas Recirculation, or D-EGR®, where exhaust gas from the engine is given back to the fresh air being drawn into the engine, cooling the air. This technology improves fuel economy up to 15 percent while also increasing engine performance. Dr. Alger’s work will help lead to a more sustainable transportation future and willmake a big difference in how clean and efficient everyday cars are on the road.
“Dr. Alger loves to solve difficult problems,” says Adam Hamilton, P.E., President and CEO of Southwest Research Institute. “While he’s still mid-career, he has 23 patents and numerous other awards. He continues to innovate on a daily basis.”
Dr. Alger is a director in the Powertrain Engineering Division at Southwest Research Institute. Learn more about Dr. Alger and his discoveries.
“The TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards highlight the groundbreaking research taking place in Texas,” says TAMEST President Gordon England. “The discoveries by these researchers are advancing science and improving lives. TAMEST is proud to celebrate Dr. Alger for his achievements.”
Interview opportunities with Dr. Alger are available. Please contact:
Tim Martin, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Corporate Communications
Southwest Research Institute
(210) 522-2255
Research Highlights
The impacts of Dr. Alger’s work are visible on all advanced vehicles across the international market, including conventional and hybrid vehicle architectures. He is the technical lead for an international consortium which includes participation of all major, high volume automobile manufacturers. This consortium under his leadership has pioneered multiple technical breakthroughs such as cooled exhaust gas recirculation to reduce the environmental impact of the transportation of people and goods. More specifically, he has been the principal inventor on numerous technical innovations in high dilution combustion, controls, and advanced ignition systems that have enabled improvements in fuel consumption and reductions in engine-out emissions. These same innovations have also formed the foundation of and/or inspired knowledge discovery which has led to the development of other advanced engine technologies across the research industry.
2019 TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards Recipients:
- Medicine: Ralph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D., Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern
- Engineering: Hal S. Alper, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
- Science: Julie Pfeiffer, Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Technology Innovation: Terrence F. Alger II, Ph.D., Southwest Research Institute
Over $1 million has been awarded to more than 50 recipients in the categories of medicine, engineering, science and technology innovation since the inception of the O’Donnell awards in 2006. The awards are named in honor of Edith and Peter O’Donnell, who are among Texas’ staunchest advocates for excellence in scientific advancement and STEM education. Read moreabout the 2019 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards recipients.
The recipients will be honored during the O’Donnell Awards dinner and reception on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at the TAMEST Annual Conference: Neuroscience and Brain Health. The conference takes place January 14–16, 2019, at the Horseshoe Bay Resort outside of Austin, Texas. Media are encouraged to attend the ceremony and the conference.
About TAMEST:
TAMEST (The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas) is the state’s premier scientific organization, bringing together Texas’ best and brightest scientists and researchers. TAMEST membership includes all Texas-based members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the state’s Nobel Laureates.
