A Sustainable Future for the Middle East

Part of the College of Engineering Innovation Lecture Series

Speaker: Prof. Mark Holtzapple 

Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, USA 

Date: Monday, November 19, 2018 

Time: 11:00 – 12:00 noon 

Location: Main Building- Lecture Hall B 

 Biography: 

Mark Holtzapple received his chemical engineering degrees from Cornell University (BS, 1978) and the University of Pennsylvania (PhD, 1981). After his formal education, he served as a captain in the US Army Natick R&D Center and worked on a miniature air conditioner for soldiers wearing chemical protective clothing. In 1986, he joined the faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University. He has received many awards for teaching and research, including the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the president and vice president of the United States. His research focuses on sustainability including conversion of waste biomass to fuels, chemicals, and animal feed; high-efficiency engines and air conditioners; conversion of waste heat to electricity; high-torque electric motors; solar energy, and water desalination. 

Abstract: 

A Sustainable Future for the Middle East 

When corrective actions are taken to address global warming, the impact will be particularly severe on the Middle East, which strongly depends upon fossil fuels. To ensure a sustainable future; the Middle East must invest a portion of its current oil revenues to restructure its economy. This presentation will describe an integrated approach that incorporates the following sustainable technologies: solar energy, biofuels, desalination, food production, carbon sequestration, waste treatment, and high-efficiency automobiles. 

The recorded lecture can be found here