Vagelos Institute Lecture in Energy Science and Technology

This event is a part of Energy Week at Penn, a week of energy-focused events across Penn’s campus.

Browse and register for other Energy Week events: energyweek.penn.edu

Please join us for a reception at the Kleinman Center following the talk!

Title: Inspired by Nature: Understanding the Chemistry that Powers Our Planet

Abstract: Our planet is powered by the sun. Through photosynthesis, plants use solar energy along with carbon dioxide from the air and water to form chemical bonds to grow and flourish. We use the fruits of their labor to power ourselves through food. Our current energy infrastructure also relies on fuel generated from sunlight over millennia, but the corresponding rapid release of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere has resulted in increasingly severe climate effects. An alternative would be to develop an artificial photosynthetic process to generate carbon-neutral fuels. In doing so, we can close the anthropogenic carbon cycle and establish a more sustainable energy system.

Speaker

Dr. Jenny Yang is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at University of California, Irvine.

Moderator

Dr. Karen Goldberg is the Vagelos Professor of Energy Research at the University of Pennsylvania.

Find full bios and event details at the Energy Week at Penn website.

Please note this is a hybrid event. We look forward to welcoming guests to the Kleinman Center’s Energy Forum. In accordance with the University of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 guidelines, masks are optional for all visitors. PennOpen Pass and PennOpen Campus screenings are no longer required for entry to our events. Further details for joining in-person or virtually will be emailed with your registration. Please join us for a reception following the event!