Founding Director Robert (Rob) Cox focuses on advancing research in grid resiliency and energy utilization through data-driven methods, resulting in improved energy management across building systems. He serves as Executive Director of the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) and The Duke Energy Distinguished Scholar in Power Engineering Systems at UNC Charlotte, where he previously held positions as Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Assistant Director for the Energy Management Research Vertical, and Associate Director of EPIC. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he brings extensive research experience through the National Science Foundation’s Industry / University Cooperative Research Center for Sustainably Integrated Buildings and Sites, working closely with leading industry partners including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Ingersoll Rand, Duke Energy and Atrium Health.