The Energy Institute at The University of Texas at Austin will kick off the first installment in a new, ongoing lecture series designed to provide a platform for students and faculty to interact on energy-related issues.
The first lecture in the UT Energy Symposium (UT ES) will be held Thursday, Sept. 1, from 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. in Welch Hall (WEL) 2.308.
Carey King, a research associate in the Jackson School of Geosciences and a research fellow in the Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy (CIEEP), will open the lecture series with his presentation “Historical Energy Overview and Why There is No Consensus for the Future.”
On subsequent Thursdays throughout the semester, an expert from industry, government or academia will present a unique perspective on key technological, policy, regulatory or market aspects of the week’s topic. Lecturers also will discuss how the weekly topic relates to the future of energy on a global scale.
Each installment of the seminar lasts one hour, with 45 minutes dedicated to the guest lecturer’s presentation followed by 15 minutes of Q-and-A and discussion.
University students who register for the UT ES will earn one credit hour for the 15-week seminar course, which has no prerequisites and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines. The lecture series is also open to the public.
Energy Institute Director Dr. Raymond L. Orbach said the UT ES presents students an opportunity to hear from experts representing a broad spectrum of diverse perspectives on topical energy issues in an open, informal setting.
“These lectures will be informative, interesting and, at times, perhaps controversial, in that they will address some of the pressing issues in the world of energy today,” Orbach said.
“There’s a real hunger among students for credible information on energy issues,” Orbach added. “The Energy Institute is pleased to host this forum, which we hope will foster a community of like-minded interests on campus.”
Varun Rai, assistant professor in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and a CIEEP research fellow, is coordinating the UT ES and will serve as host for the series.
“This is a terrific opportunity for students,” Rai said. “Based on the response we received last spring during a handful of lectures, the symposium has great potential to grow into something truly special.
“Energy is one of those rare, multifaceted issues that affects each of us, every day of our lives,” Rai added. “We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from experts in the field of energy in an informal setting.”
Energy Institute at The University of Texas at Austin:
The Energy Institute at The University of Texas at Austin facilitates scientific research on the most pressing energy issues facing America today — issues vital to our nation’s energy security and economic strength. Through a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach with academia, government and private industry, the Energy Institute seeks practical solutions to real-world challenges — good policy based on good science.
For more on the Energy Institute, visit: http://energy.utexas.edu/.
