At Penn Energy Week, a time to reflect on energy science, technology, and policy
Hosted by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and the Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology, the third annual Energy Week, which runs March 20-24, offers events on decarbonization, careers in the energy sector, global energy security, and more.
“With participants from seven schools and across 15 centers and institutes, events will cover a wide range of topics,” Colijn says. “But they all share one common theme: an interest in and commitment to furthering a sustainable energy future.”
“Some of the most creative strategies to address climate change and wonderful advances in sustainable energy solutions are coming out of Penn labs, and Penn students and faculty are incredibly excited to share what they’re working on,” says Karen Goldberg, Vagelos Institute director and a professor in Penn’s Department of Chemistry in the School of Arts & Sciences. “Energy Week also provides an opportunity to bring world leaders in energy research to campus to interact with the Penn community.”
For example, for this year’s Vagelos Institute Lecture in Energy Science and Technology, Jenny Y. Yang, a professor from the University of California, Irvine, and director of the Department of Energy-funded Center for Closing the Carbon Cycle, will speak about how nature can inspire novel sustainable energy solutions and allow for the creation of carbon-neutral fuels.
• Tuesday, March 21, 9 a.m., virtual: The Transatlantic Energy Landscape—One Year After Russia’s Invasion. This two-part session, hosted by the Kleinman Center, will look at what the end of Russia’s energy reign in Europe means, as well as countering Russian weaponization of energy.
• Wednesday, March 22, 5 p.m., in person: Careers in the Energy Sector: Energy Week Alumni Panel, hosted by the Kleinman Center. Badar Khan of EVgo will moderate a conversation with Donald Brown of NiSource, Emily Duncan of American Electric Power, Brian Menell of TechMet Ltd., and Sarene Marshall of Galway Sustainable Capital.
For the full lineup of events, which are open to students, faculty, and the general public, visit energyweek.upenn.edu.
In Senegal, the ambitious Dakar Greenbelt project seeks to create an extensive network of ecological infrastructure in and around the city to sustainably address environmental concerns and enhance urban life. With support from David Gouverneur and Ellen Neises, Ph.D. candidate Rob Levinthal in the Weitzman School of Design led two courses that included a field trip to Dakar, that culminated in students presenting their visions for parts of the Greenbelt.
From a desert to an oasis: Penn engages in ambitious greening effort in the Sahel
Students from the Weitzman School of Design journeyed to Senegal to help with a massive ecological and infrastructural greening effort as part of their coursework. The Dakar Greenbelt aims to combat desertification and promote sustainable urban growth.
As part of an undergraduate course, Penn faculty and students curated an Arthur Ross Gallery exhibition of works from the Neumann family’s extensive collection of modern and contemporary art.
The University’s nexus for technology transfer supports researchers in their innovative efforts, from CAR T to mRNA advancements that have dramatically reshaped the world.
