Synertech Team

Larry Kinney is a cofounder, president and CEO of the Synertech.  He did undergraduate work in Physics and Philosophy at Davidson and Rhodes colleges and holds a PhD in Philosophy from Syracuse University, where his research included Bertrand Russell’s work in developing the foundations of mathematics and logic.  He has conceived and directed dozens of energy-related energy research, development, and demonstration projects.   Active in energy conservation research for over 30 years, he has broad experience in weatherization program operations, fenestration systems, energy-efficient refrigeration, lighting and daylighting technologies, air handling and conditioning systems, and controls.  He also has experience in energy efficiency program evaluation, from instrumentation design and analysis to policy research.  Larry has authored over 200 publications and reports to clients and is the co-holder of two patents in the daylighting area. (Email larryk@synertechsystemscorp.com) Full resume

Wyncia Clute is a research fellow and analyst with Synertech.  Wyncia holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Kirkland College, a Juris Doctor from the Syracuse University College of Law where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.  A skilled writer and dedicated environmentalist, Wyncia has worked on a variety of energy-efficiency projects and is a co-author of several Synertech publications on evaluating appliance efficiency and performing detailed energy audits of a variety of residential and institutional buildings in Indian Country and other locations.  In addition, she recently worked to expand the scope of a wind energy project sponsored by Xcel Energy for the Center for Resource Conservation in Boulder.  (Email wynciac@synertechsystemscorp.com) Full resume

Wyncia also owns and operates Wyncia's Scrap Bags, a cottage business through which she designs and produces unique bags and wearables from remnants, treasured scraps, and found textiles. 

In addition to its core staff, Synertech frequently forms teams with other energy professionals to undertake specific projects.  Brief backgrounds of two scientists who frequently work with Synertech follow: 

John Hutsonis a professional in both marketing and electronics design.  John holds a BSEE from the University of Rochester, an MBA from Yale and a MSEE at Santa Clara University. He has spent 24 years in electronics design including control and servo systems for high-performance video tape recorders, broadcast digital video servers, and GPS receivers.  Companies include Ampex, Accom, and Trimble Navigation. After obtaining an MBA at Yale, he spent four years as the product manager for high-end file server platforms at Network Appliance.  John is the holder or co-holder of five patents.

Ross McCluney recently retired as a principal research scientist at the Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida. Ross specializes in window energy performance and daylighting systems, both optical design and performance evaluation. He holds BA, MS, and PhD degrees in physics and has worked in the fields of optics, daylighting, and fenestration systems for over three decades. He chaired the fenestration technical committee of ASHRAE and has served as a technical consultant for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) for many years. Ross has worked on a number of projects with Larry Kinney and other members of the team over the last 25 years. He is the author of over 60 technical papers on a variety of subjects.  His textbook, Introduction to Radiometry and Photometry, is widely used in graduate courses in optics. He is also author and editor, respectively, of two textbooks, Humanity’s Environmental Future, and Getting to the Source, the latter being an anthology of essays by prominent environmental writers on environmental values. (Email rm@sunpine.us