Wilbanks is considered an authority on applying social science and technological knowledge and perspectives to sustainable development issues - particularly in the areas of solving energy challenges in developing countries and understanding responses to climate change concerns.
He has managed ORNL's programs in developing countries since 1982 and is former president of the Association of American Geographers. He is the only individual to have received AAG honors, the National Geographic Society's Distinguished Geography Educator Award and the James R. Anderson Medal of Honor in Applied Geography.
Wilbanks joined ORNL in 1977 after serving on the faculties of the University of Oklahoma and Syracuse University.
He earned a bachelor's degree in social science from Trinity University and a master's and doctorate in geography from Syracuse.
Wilbanks and his wife, Kay, reside in West Knoxville. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.
ORNL is a multiprogram science and technology laboratory managed by UT-Battelle for the Department of Energy.
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