The OxEon Energy team has more than 30 years of experience in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC/SOEC) development and a diverse background in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and skilled technicians.
Dr. S. Elango Elangovan
Chief Scientific Officer
Elango is responsible for solid oxide device development to meet current and future customer and market needs. He has over 30 years of technology management experience in the field of electrochemical ceramic membrane technology focusing on solid oxide fuel cell, solid oxide electrolysis devices and hydrogen transport membranes. He has directed numerous government and privately supported projects in these areas. He is also the lead scientist in materials development to improve performance and lifetime of these devices.
He received his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in Materials Science and Engineering, his M.S. from the California Institute of Technology, and his B.S. from the Indian Institute of Science.
Other interests include pencil art and family time.
Joseph Hartvigsen
Chief Executive Officer
Entering the solid oxide systems field from a defense aerospace simulation background, Joe's work was initially focused on detailed multi-physics simulations of SOFC stacks. He also applies analytical models to stack operation and ceramic manufacturing processes used in the fabrication of fuel cell components.
Joe earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University and his M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University of Science and Technology. His graduate research was conducted at the Ames Laboratory of the DOE on the topic of "The preparation of silicon nitride by pyrolysis of iminopolysilanes."
Joe has powerful (MW) friends in high (elevation) places around the world. From his home-based business he has produced hundreds of micro-hydro and small-hydro turbines which are currently generating many megawatts of clean power for happy customers worldwide. To recharge, Joe maintains antique Caterpillar tractors, which he and his brothers use to raise wheat on their Aspen Hollow ranch in the mountains of Idaho, a family heritage he hopes to teach his grandchildren.
Jessica Elwell
Chief Operating Officer
Jessica's diverse career spans multiple industries, including recreational equipment, specialty chemicals, weapons systems, renewable energy, and aerospace propellant production. She made history with the OxEon Team in 2013, managing the development of solid oxide electrolysis for NASA's Perseverance Rover's MOXIE system, generating oxygen on Mars.
Jessica briefly led engineering and quality at Nammo Defense Systems before returning to OxEon in 2021. Her focus now includes business system development and workforce growth, aligning with a transition away from fossil fuels and advancing space fuel production.
She serves on the Boards of the United States Hydrogen Alliance and the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association. She is also a founding member of Women Who Succeed, mentoring young women in Utah, and actively supports small businesses through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.
Ask an OxEon Expert how we can help with:
Ruggedized Hermetic SOEC Stacks Hydrogen/Oxygen/Syngas Production (SOEC)
SOFC Stacks for Power Generation (SOFC)
Systems Development Support
Supporting Technologies for Liquid Fuel Production (Fischer Tropsch or Plasma Reformer Technologies)