Ott Lecture to focus on energy challenges of the 21st century

An award-winning chemist and educator, recognized for his research in energy conversion, will be the Arnold C. Ott Lectureship in Chemistry featured speaker.

Thomas Meyer is currently the Arey Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Energy Frontier Research Center on Solar Fuels at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research is well-known for pioneering innovative discoveries in chemical reactivity and applications to important problems in chemistry and energy conversion. Meyer's current research centers strongly on solar energy conversion tied to energy storage.

Meyer will give a public lecture, entitled "Our Energy Future. Science and Technology Challenges of the 21st Century," Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. in Loosemore Auditorium. A reception will precede the lecture at 5 p.m.

During his presentation, Meyer will provide an overview of the current status and global future of energy supplies with an emphasis on new and emerging technologies that could shape the future of energy production.

"Energy is at the heart of our economic well-being. The long-term future, however, is clouded by uncertainties about oil and gas supplies, new extraction technologies, and by the impacts of global warming," said Andrew Korich, assistant professor of chemistry at Grand Valley and Ott Lecture coordinator. "Exposing students to cutting edge research, and also the interplay between chemistry, the environment and political issues, helps produce well-rounded thinkers and global citizens."

Meyer will also facilitate a seminar on Friday, March 24, at 1 p.m. "Making Oxygen from Sunlight and Water" will take place in the Kirkhof Center's Pere Marquette Room. This seminar will focus on Meyer's current research in solar energy conversion at the UNC Center for Solar Fuels.

Meyer has published more than 700 papers throughout his career and holds five patents. He is the former associate director for strategic research at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in New Mexico. In that position, Meyer oversaw research in support of nuclear weapons, threat reduction, and energy and environmental programs. He also served as the LANL liaison in these areas to the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Congress. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Ohio University in 1963, Meyer received his doctorate from Stanford University in 1966.

The Arnold C. Ott Lectureship in Chemistry was created and endowed by a gift from the late Arnold C. and Marion Ott. Arnold Ott was a leading chemist and entrepreneur in West Michigan. He was also one of the co-founders of Grand Valley and served on the Board of Trustees for 28 years.

For more information, contact Grand Valley’s Chemistry Department at (616) 331-3317.