Ott Lectureship on Green Chemistry

An expert on the use of ionic liquid systems and their application in green science and technology will speak at two Grand Valley State University events during the fourth Arnold C. Ott Lectureship in Chemistry on April 5. Robin Rogers is a distinguished research professor in the Department of Chemistry and director of the Center for Green Manufacturing at the University of Alabama. In 2005, he was awarded The Presidential Green Chemistry Award for his work on the use of ionic liquids in sustainable technology. He currently hold research grants from the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Air Force, and various companies and foundations. He also holds seven issued patents and has published more than 550 papers on a diverse array of topics. At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, Rogers will present a chemistry seminar at 123 Manitou Hall on the Allendale Campus. His topic is "The Past Present and Future of Ionic Liquids: From Designer Solvents to Advanced New Materials." At 7 p.m. he will present a lecture "Green Chemistry: Can Society and the Chemical Industry Co-exist?" in the Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Both events are free and open to the public. The Arnold C. Ott Lectureship in Chemistry was created and endowed by a generous gift from Dr. Arnold C. Ott and Marion Ott. Dr. Ott received his Ph.D. in 1943 from Michigan State University in Chemistry/Physics/Bacteriology and is a leading chemist and entrepreneur in West Michigan. He is one of the co-founders of Grand Valley State University and served on the Grand Valley Board of trustees for 28 years. For more information call (616) 331-3317 or visit www.gvsu.edu/chem .