Senator Larry Craig Visits UC College of Engineering Research Labs Oct. 23

“We’re in the midst of an awakening. To be nearly energy independent we’re going to need to invest more in and pay more for energy,”

Senator Craig

(R, Idaho) told College of Engineering faculty on Monday, Oct. 23. “We have built an economy on low-cost energy…. Self-sufficiency and supply are as important as cost, in that respect.”

Craig was especially interested in UC’s research in removing undesirable elements (such as sulfur, nitrogen and mercury) from coal and being able to produce hydrogen gas from coal more cleanly and at lower temperatures.

After UC College of Engineering faculty members described their research in coal and fuel cells, Dean Carlo Montemagno also pointed out some of the activities that UC embraces to encourage students to enter research fields, such as the

BEST

robotics competition and the

UC Science & Engineering Expo

. He also pointed out that the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering was the founder of

co-operative education

100 years ago.

“Our students are very successful in finding a place in industry,” explained Montemagno. “They are immediately productive.” He noted that the mandatory co-op experience gave the UC College of Engineering a “unique character. It’s where education needs to be.”

“Good — it makes sense!” was the senator’s response.

During the tours, Senator Craig recounted testimony from a hearing he held recently on fuel cell technology. One of the major carmakers testified that they would be prepared to offer a reliable, competively priced, hydrogen-fueled car by 2010.

“The official asked, ‘We’re going to be ready — are you?’” said Craig. The transportation sector met the demand; now can the energy industry meet the supply?

That’s a question to which UC researchers will work to answer “Yes!”