In this edition of Faculty Spotlight: Industrial Partnerships, the UW–Madison College of Engineering Office of Corporate Relations features insights from Professor Sage Kokjohn. With expertise in detailed modeling and experimentation, Professor Kokjohn investigates the mechanisms of controlling high-efficiency energy conversion systems. His research interests include turbulent combustion model development and identifying new approaches to achieve reliable, high-efficiency energy conversion. Over his career, Professor Kokjohn has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers in the field of energy research. In this interview, he discusses his experiences, challenges, and approaches to building productive industrial collaborations, offering a candid look at how successful academic-industry partnerships take shape.
Q: Could you describe your primary research focus and how it connects to industry needs?
A: “The bulk of what I do is related to internal combustion engines. About half of my work is simulation driven and half of it is experimental. Generally, we’re working on tool development for industrial partners or government agencies, meaning computational fluid dynamics tools that can be used for engine design or a pre-competitive assessment of technologies. Right now, most of that work is fuel-related for sectors that are difficult to electrify, like heavy duty, off-highway and marine. Partners are interested in how new fuels would impact engine design and how our tools would need to change to accommodate that.”
Q: Are these simulation tools used beyond internal combustion?
A: “Yes, I do battery work as well—mostly simulation. For example, together with Eric Kazyak, we do simulations of thermal runaway in batteries using tools developed for internal combustion engines. If a battery gets hot and starts to outgas, how does it go into full thermal runaway? What causes ignition? Those are questions we address, using methods developed for engines.”
Q: How do you approach collaboration with other faculty members?
A: “All of the ERC faculty collaborate substantially. For example, David Rothamer and I work together on many projects, and I also collaborate with Scott Sanders, Mario Trujillo, and others. Each ERC faculty member brings unique expertise that allows us to address complex problems.”
Q: What do you see as the keys to successful industry collaboration?
A: “We have a large network of people we’ve built relationships with, and that helps a lot—especially during the contracting phase, which is often difficult. Having relationships at the technical level is the key to getting through those challenges. Also, talent development—sending students to Caterpillar or John Deere creates a cycle where our graduates go to work in industry and return for guidance, keeping partnerships strong.”
Q: What advice do you have for new faculty seeking external funding and industrial partnerships?
A: “It’s all about building relationships that take substantial time on both sides. Industry and university both have constraints. Setting clear expectations is vital, especially because sometimes partners expect consulting-style work, which isn’t well suited to the university setting—our projects are better suited for graduate students and long-term research rather than quick, short-term fixes.”
Q: How do you navigate contracting and negotiation with industry partners?
A: “I always try to set the stage where things will move slowly and make sure partners are aware of that. Good relationships help manage expectations and smooth the process. Often, I’m not closely involved in administrative back-and-forth, but I set expectations early.”
Q: What roles do consortia, like DERC, play in your outreach to industry?
A: “Consortium work gives us industry feedback, and a broad sense of what partners are interested in. It also offers students experience presenting to industry and building relationships. For member companies, it’s a low-cost way to assess and recruit students before hiring them.”
Q: Have federal funding priorities affected your approach to industry collaboration?
A: “I’m always pursuing all funding sources.” Changes in federal funding may shift the specific problems we address, but they don’t change our pursuit of industry partnerships. Strong industry relationships are always crucial, because federal projects often require industry support, and for research to have an impact, it needs to translate into industrial products or tools.”
Thank you to Professor Sage Kokjohn for sharing his time, experiences, and candid perspectives on building successful university-industry partnerships. His insights offer a valuable roadmap for faculty and partners seeking to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
Join us in January for the next Faculty Spotlight, where we will explore Wisconsin’s nationally recognized Center for Quick Response Manufacturing. Learn how this distinctive program is helping manufacturers cut lead times and boost innovation through close collaboration with University of Wisconsin–Madison experts.