Allison Mahvi and Mike Wagner Named Co-Directors of the Solar Energy Laboratory

The UW-Madison Solar Energy Laboratory (SEL) has announced that Allison Mahvi and Mike Wagner will serve as the lab’s new Co-Directors, continuing SEL’s long tradition of collaborative leadership and impactful research.

“We are honored to serve in this role and excited about the future of the lab,” Mahvi and Wagner shared in a message to the SEL community. “Supporting student research, professional development, and a strong sense of community will remain at the center of SEL’s mission.”

Recognizing Greg Nellis’ Leadership

Mahvi and Wagner step into the role following the leadership of Professor Greg Nellis, whose tenure as director helped strengthen the lab’s collaborative culture and support generations of students and researchers. They expressed deep appreciation for Nellis’ dedication to fostering a vibrant, student-centered research environment and ensuring the lab’s continued success.

Continuing SEL’s Collaborative Tradition

Under the new co-directorship, Mahvi and Wagner plan to continue and refine practices that have long defined the Solar Energy Laboratory. These include:

• The SEL Seminar Series, which fosters technical exchange, builds communication skills, and connects researchers across groups.
• Co-advising and cross-group collaboration, supporting interdisciplinary research and enriching student development.
• Strong ties across the broader research community, including collaborations among SEL, ESOL, LET+S, CEL, IRC, and THL students through shared discussions, events, and research spaces.

The lab will also continue investing SEL resources to support research equipment, facilities, and student work, while exploring new ways to enhance research capabilities and the overall student experience.

Building on a Historic Foundation

The Solar Energy Laboratory has a rich history that stretches back to the pioneering work of researchers including Farrington Daniels, Bill Beckman, John (“Jack”) Duffie, Sanford Klein, and John Mitchell. Beginning in the 1950s, their groundbreaking work helped establish SEL as a global leader in solar energy systems analysis and design. Their influence continues today through the tools, methods, and educational approaches developed within the lab, which remain foundational to the field.

Looking Ahead

As Mahvi and Wagner begin their tenure as co-directors, they see SEL’s future as one built on its longstanding strengths: collaboration, mentorship, and impactful research.

“We are excited to build on this strong foundation and work with the SEL community to ensure the lab continues to thrive and innovate,” they wrote. “Together, we look forward to advancing meaningful research in solar energy, buildings, cryogenics, thermal-hydraulics, and multiphase fluids.”