A Chattanooga electrical engineer who developed a better way to detect power faults was recognized today as TVA's top engineer for 2017.
Theo L. Laughner, a 20-year power quality engineer at TVA, was honored by the TVA board today in Gatlinburg, Tenn., with the Ike Zeringue Engineer of the Year award.
Laughner's innovative engineering work – deploying a network of over 1,800 sensors and an automated fault location system – allows TVA to monitor power delivery better and respond to problems before service interruptions occur.
"Theo has distinguished himself as a leader and subject-matter expert in his field," said Mike Skaggs, TVA executive vice president for Operations. "He has committed his professional endeavors to helping ensure the quality of our power delivery to customers across the Tennessee Valley."
Laughner is now one of 10 finalists for the Federal Engineer of the Year Award, which will be presented Feb. 17 in Washington, D.C.
A 2000 graduate of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga with a degree in engineering, electrical concentration, Laughner, is a senior program manager for TVA's Power Quality group and registered professional engineer in Tennessee.