SIUE School of Engineering Hosts 2nd Energy Symposium
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE) is hosting its second annual SIUE Energy Symposium at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Dunham Hall Theater. The day will focus upon energy topics, and awareness of alternative and clean energy sources.
“We have focused on creating an annual fall event to become the top-of-mind institution when people talk about energy and sustainability topics in the Greater St. Louis area,” said Serdar Celik, PhD, professor and graduate program director in the SOE Department of Mechanical Engineering. “We hope to increase understanding of regional and global energy issues, and promote awareness on various energy topics.
“A year ago, we received extremely positive feedback from faculty, students, community members and industry professionals. It was quite productive for students. They shared their knowledge and exchanged ideas with the professionals. They also were able to make corporate sector contacts. Some of those students are now working in the energy sector.”
The afternoon begins with a poster session featuring presentations on alternative energy resources, followed by comments from SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD.
The featured event at 2:30 p.m. is the hydropower vs. wind energy debate. The debate is open to the public, and individuals from different fields including political offices, higher education administration, representatives from Chambers of Commerce, and energy professionals from the corporate world are invited to attend to promote awareness on energy topics. Representatives from higher education, alternative energy, corporate leadership, public utilities, energy consultants and environmental agencies will serve as debate judges.
“With the increase in both global population and industrialization, and our changing habits in consuming energy, the need for sustainable energy has become quite evident in the past two decades,” Celik said. “Increasing energy consumption brings the challenges of energy supply and demand, energy security, and environmental concerns. Awareness is the first step to managing these challenges for a greener and safer future.”
A networking hour closes the day.
For more information, contact Celik at scelik@siue.edu.
Photo: Serdar Celik, PhD, professor of mechanical engineering in the SIUE School of Engineering.
