MEDIA ADVISORY: First SEC Symposium Will Feature Two MU Sustainability Experts

Scientists will present research findings during three-day conference in Atlanta.

Story Contact(s):
Christian Basi, BasiC@missouri.edu, 573-882-4430

WHAT: Officials from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) will hold the inaugural SEC Symposium, “Impact of the Southeast in the World’s Renewable Energy Future” next week. Shibu Jose and Hank Stelzer, two researchers from the University of Missouri, will display the latest results from their research on renewable energy during the symposium.

The symposium is being led by the University of Georgia in Athens and will feature presentations from faculty and administrators from each of the 14 SEC institutions who have expertise in bioenergy, solar energy, wind energy and other areas of sustainability.

WHO: The plenary address will be delivered by Raymond L. Orbach, former Undersecretary for Science at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Keynote lectures will be given by:

• Sam Baldwin, chief science officer at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy

• Steven J. Mirshak, global business director – Cellulosic Ethanol at DuPont Industrial Biosciences.

Stelzer will speak at Session Three, “Education and Outreach.” Stelzer holds degrees in forest management and forest genetics. Currently, he is the chair of the Department of Forestry at MU and directs the MU School of Natural Resources Extension program. His responsibilities include assisting private landowners with woodland management and studying woody biomass harvesting systems and woody crops for biofuel.

Jose will speak at Session Five, “Biomass Feedstocks II (Woody Materials).” Jose is the H.E. Garrett Endowed Chair Professor and director of the Center for Agroforestry at MU. Currently, he leads a consortium of researchers focused on commercializing biomass and biofuels production systems. His research focuses on these production systems and their ecological sustainability.

WHEN: Feb. 10-12. Please visit http://secsymposium.com/schedule.php for details.

Stelzer will speak at 3:35 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 10

Jose will speak at 10:20 a.m., Monday, Feb. 11.

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Hotel

Atlanta, Ga.

WHY: Established by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Presidents and Chancellors, the SEC Symposium is intended to address significant scholarly issues across the range of disciplines represented by the SEC’s 14 member universities. The event, led by an SEC institution and focused on an issue of global interest, showcases the academic excellence and underscores the educational and economic contributions of the SEC’s members to the vitality of the Southeast region, nation and world.

The SEC Symposium is a cornerstone program of SECU, the Southeastern Conference’s academic initiative, through which the SEC sponsors, supports and promotes collaborative higher education programs and activities involving administrators, faculty and students. Please visit http://www.secsymposium.com for details.