May 16, 2006 CONTACT: Ron Podell 734.487.4400 ron.podell@emich.edu

EMU Spring Lecture series looks at "Life After Hydrocarbons"

YPSILANTI - The United States represents 6 percent of the world's population, yet consumes 32 percent of the world's energy supply. With the world's hydrocarbon demand at full tilt, countries globally now want the quality of life that America enjoys.

Yet, that demand for a higher quality of life threatens to skyrocket America's own energy needs, which exceeds far beyond the present supply.

This obsession with hydrocarbons leads to political and social unrest, supply shortages, unprecedented oil prices and possibly even war. How technology can change to meet the emerging energy needs of society, and how America will be affected by and affect contemporary technologies will be the topic of discussion during the 2006 College of Technology's Spring Lecture Series, "Life After Hydrocarbons."

The weekly series, now in its 25th year, runs May 17-June 21, 7-10 p.m., at the EMU Corporate Education Center, Eagle Crest. The series is free and open to the public.

"This year's topic just seemed appropriate with everything going on and what our students are studying," said Thomas Mitchell, operations coordinator of EMU's master's of liberal science program in the School of Technology Studies, and lecture series coordinator. "I think people are slowly going to become aware (of alternative fuel sources) as gas has gone up."

The series will explore ways Americans can reduce their dependence on hydrocarbons, which are refined at oil refineries and processed at chemical plants, and look at alternative fuel sources. During the series, participants will hear about alternative energy options and opinions from experts. Speakers will explain the driving need for fuel alternatives, describe the alternatives and the tradeoffs of each.

Eastern Michigan University's School of Technology Studies, with the assistance of Continuing Education, hosts the series. For more information, contact 734.487.1161.

The schedule and speakers are:
* May 17: "The State of Energy Today," speaker TBA.
* May 24: "Bio Mass in Housing and Transportation," Chris Schilling, Ph.D., and Charles J. Strosacker, chair and professor of engineering department of mechanical engineering, Saginaw Valley State University.
* May 31: "The Solar Car Initiative," speaker TBA.
* June 7: "Solar Energy and Hydrogen Fuel for Structures," Stan Ovshinsky, Energy Conversion Devices.
* June 14: "The Ann Arbor Green Energy Challenge," Dave Konkle, City of Ann Arbor Energy Office. Konkle will discuss a 30 percent renewable energy goal for all municipal operations by 2010.
* June 21: Wayne Hanewicz, a professor of technology studies at Utah Valley State College and formerly a professor at EMU, hosts a series wrap-up and panel discussion.
Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.

Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts.

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