NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Eric Verploegen, who leads the MIT D-Lab Off-Grid Energy Group, joined MIT D-Lab in 2014 to expand its research efforts in the area of off-grid energy. He has a background in materials science and earned a doctorate in polymer science and technology from MIT in 2008. Prior to D-Lab, he worked on developing materials for solar cells and waste remediation systems for the oil and gas industry. He is passionate about helping organizations based in off-grid regions identify technologies, products and distribution strategies to increase energy access in their communities. He also enjoys playing pickup basketball and Frisbee.