Have some ideas about what UCF should be exploring in the area of energy research? Then plan on attending UCF’s Blue-Ribbon Panel on Energy Research meeting 2-4 p.m. March 29 in the UCF Global Building, Room 101.

The university established the 15-member panel last year to strategize how UCF energy-related research can help meet the rapidly increasing demand for clean and economical energy. The panel is charged with:

  • Creating an inventory of all the energy-related research underway at UCF
  • Studying current and emerging research trends in the field
  • Exploring current and future funding opportunities from public and private agencies
  • Determining community partners’ research needs
  • Recommending how to enhance UCF’s capacity to conduct innovative research

    • Elizabeth Klonoff, vice president of research and dean of Graduate Studies, will kick off the meeting and introduce keynote speaker, David Walsh, a member of UCF’s Board of Trustees and an advisor to various clients in the energy industry.

    Walsh has a long history of experience related to energy. He was president and CEO of Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas Inc., where he was responsible for the Western Hemisphere electric power-generation business of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Hitachi Ltd. of Japan.

    After Walsh’s presentation, attendees will be invited to ask questions and offer suggestions.

    Debbie Reinhart, associate vice president for research and scholarship, chairs the panel and will moderate the discussion.

    No RSVPs are needed, but space is limited. For more information contact Reinhart at debra.reinhart@ucf.edu .