Name John Fabel | ||
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it s a good thing trees are made of wood by john fabel i
John Fabel (born 1962) is an American inventor, entrepreneur, industrial designer and educator.
Contents
- it s a good thing trees are made of wood by john fabel i
- Early life and education
- Career
- Personal
- References
Early life and education
Fabel is the son of the author and theologian Arthur Fabel, and the brother of anthropologist and global health program developer Elizabeth Fabel.
Fabel attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He also studied at the University of East Anglia, through the Climatic Research Unit (CRU).
Fabel’s undergraduate thesis investigated a method for using dendro-climatological methods to evaluate the impact of acid rain on forest tree growth. Fabel’s graduate thesis examined the interscale relationships between spatial patterns of natural and social systems, and implications for design and decision making.
Career
Much of the focus of Fabel's work has been on developing technologies, innovation strategies and entrepreneurial mechanisms to address climate change and related issues of sustainable development.
Fabel has founded several companies, NGO’s and initiatives, including the ecotrek company (which uses recycled polymer materials to create products), Qteros, a cellulosic biofuels company, and Community Vision, which worked with rural US communities on land-use planning and design.
Fabel holds or is named on a number of patents ranging from structural engineering to microbial genomics. Fabel's work is held in the collection of several museums, including the Smithsonian. From 2001 to 2011 Fabel and his work was included in the "Invention at Play" exhibit at the National Museum of American History.
Fabel is used as an example of a creative thinker in Daniel Pink’s book “A Whole New Mind” and in the booklet for the recently created “Invention” Merit Badge of the Boy Scouts of America.
Fabel has contributed to the design and development of many products, from backyard blimps to backpacks. He has twice been the recipient of Backpacker Magazine’s “Editor’s Choice” award.
Fabel has founded the bicycle and materials development company Sylvan Cycles, which makes bicycles and other products from high-performance bio-composite materials, using low-carbon footprint manufacturing processes. Fabel has consulted on a number of ventures and initiatives.
Fabel has held positions and taught at Hampshire College, The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Marlboro College, and Amherst College, where he has taught innovation and entrepreneurial skills to both students and faculty.
Personal
Fabel is married to architect Mary Kraus; they have one daughter. Fabel lives at Pioneer Valley Cohousing Community in Amherst, Massachusetts, USA, of which he is a founding member.