Seminar series touches on solar energy research efforts

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The first of a semester-long seminar series will begin this week at Purdue, designed to highlight current topics in solar power research.

The University’s Energy Center, Birck Nanotechnology Center and the Discovery Park Engagement Office will host the Spring 2013 Solar Research Series, which will include presentations from researchers at Purdue and leading national researchers on developments in water-based, thin-film, organic and cross-cutting technologies in photovoaltaics (PV) and related solar power.

Results that will be presented will include a mix of theoretical, experimental and industrial studies.

All talks happen on Thursdays and will start at 3:30 p.m. in the Birck Nanotechnology Center, Room 2001.

Peter Bermel, a Purdue assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and lead faculty member for the seminar series, said the goal is to help Purdue faculty identify upcoming funding opportunities that can build on the university's strengths and capabilities in solar research.

The format will encourage interaction, he said, with refreshments and time for discussion before the talks and for questions after.

Invited speakers for the series, which runs through mid-April, include:

• Thursday (Jan. 10): Rakesh Agrawal, the Winthrop E. Stone Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue.

• Jan. 24: Bryan Boudouris, assistant professor of chemical engineering at Purdue.

• Feb. 7: Jeff Sternberg, research manager of materials science and engineering for DuPont Central Research and Development.

• Feb. 21: Tobin Marks, professor of chemistry and materials science and engineering at Northwestern.

• March 7: Suresh Garimella, the R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor and associate vice president for engagement at Purdue.

• March 21: B.J. Stanbery, founder and board chairman of Heliovolt.

• April 4: Yi Cui, associate professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford University.

• April 18: Ali Shakouri, the Mary Jo and Robert L. Kirk Director of Birck Nanotechnology Center and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue; and Kaz Yazawa, research associate professor at Birck.