Rod Larkins

Initiative for Renewable Energy & the Environment
(612) 624-6055
larki071@umn.edu

Rod Larkins serves as special projects director of the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment, a signature program of the Institute on the Environment. His primary responsibilities include stakeholder outreach and engagement, partnership development and strategic planning.

Larkins joined the U of M following a long and successful career with 3M, where he held positions of increasing responsibility in research management—with a focus on establishing new businesses.

During his career at 3M, Larkins was awarded two U.S. patents and earned numerous individual and team recognition awards. He finished his tenure as operations manager of government R&D contracts. In this role, he managed the opportunity development, proposal, administrative and compliance functions associated with 3M’s participation in federal- and state-funded contracts. He helped establish and execute government-funded programs related to fuel cells, composite electrical conductors, batteries, solar films, renewable fuels, high-temperature super conductors, and energy assessment and savings, among other areas. As an external advisory board member, he worked closely with IREE and the U of M.

Larkins graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1966 with Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry and microbiology. He and his wife live in Hudson, Wis., and have five grown children—one daughter and four sons. His hobbies include outdoor sports, volunteering, reading, gardening and cooking.

To invite Larkins to speak at your event, please contact Tracy Fallon.