Energy research symposium sponsored by Lehigh chapter of American Institute of Chemical Engineers

At a time when society is using energy at an ever-increasing rate, scientists and engineers are searching for new and better resources for the future.
Lehigh’s student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers is hosting an Energy Issues Symposium on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. The event, which will take place in Packard Auditorium, will focus on a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding the challenges and opportunities presented in new energy resources.
The symposium will feature five speakers:

• Dr. John Chen, professor emeritus of chemical engineering and mechanical engineering and mechanics, former chair of the chemical engineering department, and former dean of the engineering college will present Current Energy Trends. Chen, also the 2006 president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), is a frequent speaker at Lehigh urging the campus to consider the future of energy.


• Dr. Jeffrey Siirola, Technology Fellow in the Eastman Research Division of Eastman Chemical Company, will discuss Carbon Management. Siirola is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and was 2005 President of AIChE.


• David J. Taylor is the Vice President of Energy Businesses at Air Products and Chemicals. He is responsible for the global sale of equipment and the management and development of Air Products’ businesses in the energy sector. He has been a member of the company since 1980 including five years in Singapore where he started up the company’s industrial gas business in that location.


• Thomas Mutchler is the General Manager of Worldwide Equipment at Air Products and Chemicals. Mutchler took part in Air Products’ 2008 Hydrogen Tour which visited automakers all over the country to demonstrate the use of hydrogen vehicles and fueling technologies that could soon be commercially available.


• Dr. Albert Wurth is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Lehigh University. His area of interest is American public policy and political economy with an emphasis on the environment and technology. He has collaborated with the engineering college in the past to discuss the political ramifications of finding new energy resources.

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Packard Lab Auditorium (PA 101)
Admission: Free and open to the public

— Christine Rapp