2017 Distinguished Lectures
This program is designed to bring nationally recognized experts from academia, industry, and government to Notre Dame to discuss best practices, new technologies, and policy developments in energy. Lectures focus on topics most important to faculty and students at Notre Dame.
During 2017, the following lectures were hosted by ND Energy:
Coherent X-ray Scattering Studies of Dynamic Crystal Surfaces featured Dr. Carol Thompson of Northern Illinois University. She described the new developments in x-ray studies and the Argonne-NIU collaboration, which is exploring how coherent x-ray studies can be applied to studies of crystal growth.
Research Directions and Opportunities at Argonne National Laboratory, presented by Dr. Brian Stephenson from Argonne National Laboratory, provided an overview of Argonne, focusing on activities in materials science, chemistry, and x-ray science, and outlined opportunities for engagement between Argonne and the faculty, students, and leadership at Notre Dame.
Designing Smart Cities: Mayors Taking Action brought together Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-South Bend, IN) and Mayor Jim Brainard (R-Carmel, IN) for a conversation about how the U.S. can meet its climate goals through action on a local level. Both have committed their municipalities to new “smart city” designs, creating walkable cities, promoting bike riding, and switching to hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles.
Sandia Materials Science Overview and Research Interests was presented by Dr. Michael Valley, Senior Manager, Materials Science R&D Group at Sandia National Laboratories. He discussed Sandia’s Materials Science Research Foundation (MSRF) that promotes expertise across a broad spectrum of materials and encourages collaborations with academia to conduct revolutionary research.
Making Cents Out of Solar was presented by Dr. Prashant Kamat, Rev. John A. Zahm Professor of Science in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Radiation Laboratory, and Concurrent Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He shared the history of his nearly thirty years of research in developing nanomaterials for cleaner and more efficient light energy conversion, as well as his vision for future research in photovoltaics.
Concentrating Solar Power, presented by ND Energy’s associate director Dr. Subhash L. Shinde. He shared his knowledge gained from working at Sandia National Laboratories and addressed the different Concentrating Solar Power technologies and plants currently operating in the United States. He also discussed research and development activities to increase efficiency and reduce cost and risk.
For more information or to get involved, contact Anne Berges Pillai, Education and Outreach Associate Program Director, at 574-631-9106 or apillai@nd.edu.