Daniel Tkacik
Executive Director, Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
Daniel Tkacik (pronounced Ta-chick) has been at CMU since 2009, having earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in CMU’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. As a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, Tkacik researched air pollution from combustion systems and helped advance the understanding of secondary organic aerosols–microscopic airborne particles that form from the oxidation of organic (i.e. carbon-containing) vapors. From 2013-2014, he served as a postdoctoral researcher, traveling around the United States measuring methane emissions from natural gas facilities to gain a better understanding of greenhouse gas emissions from the natural gas sector.
From 2014 to 2022, Tkacik joined CMU’s College of Engineering as a communications manager, leading the development of communications strategies and materials to elevate the stature and reputation of the College.
Prior to coming to CMU, Tkacik earned a B.S. in earth and atmospheric sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology, conducting research on the properties of cloud condensation nuclei and the effects of cloud properties on global climate.
Education
2013 Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
2010 M.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
2008 B.S. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology
Affiliations
Media mentions
Blue Sky News
Tkacik and Samaras quoted on CMU Energy Week
The Scott Institute's Daniel Tkacik and Costa Samaras were quoted in Blue Sky News about how CMU Energy Week brings together different sectors including universities, industry, government, nonprofits, and NGOs to address energy challenges.
Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
A letter from the directors
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras, Associate Director Valerie Karplus, and Executive Director Daniel Tkacik reflect on the past year.
CMU Engineering
CMU partners to reimagine energy in the region
Faculty from Carnegie Mellon University will collaborate with West Virginia University and University of Pittsburgh on a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines program.
Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
Scott Institute Directors’ Letter
Scott Institute directors Valerie Karplus and Daniel Tkacik provide a snapshot of this year’s work and their aspirations for the coming year.
Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
Reflections from COP28
Over the past two weeks, a record-breaking 70,000+ people convened in Dubai to attend the annual UN climate change conference from November 30 until December 12, 2023.
City & State Pennsylvania
The 2023 Energy & Environment Power 100
Scott Institute Executive Director Daniel Tkacik was listed in The 2023 Energy & Environment Power 100, recognizing him as one of the top people "making a different in the sector–and our future" in Pennsylvania.
Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
Tkacik Named New Executive Director
Daniel Tkacik has been appointed as the new executive director of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation.