Michael Plumley returned to Sloan Auto Lab in 2012 to begin PhD research. His current research objective is to improve diesel engine efficiency by optimizing lubricant formulation in particular parts of the engine using state of the art modeling and experimental techniques. He earned master's degrees from MIT in Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in 2005, and graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy in 1998. His academic service includes visiting faculty assignments at Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Connecticut.