The professional seminars are one of the ways we support the local community. These seminars may be used by Texas Professional Engineers for Continuing Education credit. The fee for these seminars goes right back to our chapter to support more of these unique seminars as well as our projects.
Here is our schedule for 2007.
January 25, 2007:
Something's in the AIr
Speakers: Barry Lefer, Ph.D. and
Rudy Smaling , Ph.D.
Prof. Lefer teaches and researches at the University of Houston with a focus on the chemistry of the atmo sphere. Prof. Lefer will compare climate trends over the past thousands of years to the past two hundred years and will discuss claims about the future.
Dr. Smaling is the Program Manager for New Technologies Research and Development (NTRD) for the Houston Advanced Research Center. His program awards over $9 million in grants each year to organizations that redesign engines in ways that reduce emissions of NOx. Dr. Smaling will describe the NTRD program, the types of projects that are funded and the future of engine design.
Presentations: Climate Change and Air Quality and Diesel Engines
June 29th, 2006: Sustainable Engineering & ”Green” Building
Speakers: Mr. Brian Yeoman, Senior Research Scientist, HARC
Dr. Richard Haut, Senior Research Scientist, HARC
Synopsis: Both speakers discussed the overwhelming need in our modern developing and resource-consuming world. Along with highlighting various technologies the speakers gave several examples of building, both in Houston and throughout the United States, that have already implemented these environmentally friendly building solutions.
Presentations: Mr. Yeoman’s presentation can be found here. Dr. Haut’s presentation can be found here.
BONUS: Listen to the July 6, 2006 broadcast of the KPFT Local News, featuring Luke Jones’ coverage of the seminar (15:51-19:46).
April 24th, 2006: Alternative Energy - Biodiesel and Fuel Cells
Speakers: Mr. Chris Powers, founder of Houston BioDiesel
Dr. Atul Kumar, Research Scientist, HARC
Synopsis: Chris Powers discussed the principles of biodiesel chemistry and production. In addition, he also covered the topics of global usage and distribution and the positive and negative environmental impacts. Dr. Atul Kumar is involved in the development of advanced fuel cell technology. Dr. Kumar focused on the underlying technology of fuel cell systems, including current advancements and obstacles in the field.
Presentations: Not available.
February 9th, 2006: Alternative Energy – Solar Power
Speakers: Mr. Mike Ewert, President, Houston Renewable Energy Group
Ms. AnnMarie Spexet, P.E., Vice President, EWB-Central Houston
Mr. Brian Davis, Project Manager, EWB-Central Houston
Synopsis: Mr. Ewert discussed basic photovoltaic theory and system principles. He also covered the role of solar power technology in the modern world. AnnMarie Spexet, P.E. and Brian Davis discussed their recent EWB trips to Nicaragua and El Salvador to install solar power generation stations.
Presentations: Mr. Ewert’s presentation can be found here.
December 3rd, 2005: Welding with Lincoln Electric
Location: Lincoln Electric Facility in North Houston
Synopsis: At this welding workshop a dozen students practiced MIG welding steel as practice for the EWB-Central Houston windmill technology demonstration project and the EWB-Rice Nicaragua 2 project. One student will use this skill to build a biodiesel reactor.
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