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by John Vasko -
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Co-winner for the 1997 Nobel Prize for Physics and accomplished physicist, Dr. Steven Chu has been our 12th Secretary of Energy since January 21, 2009. But how much do you know about him? For example, did you know that Dr. Chu was born in St. Louis in 1948 to a father who taught chemical engineering? In fact, Chu was chosen to give this year's commencement address at the very institution where his father schooled some of today's ChEs, Washington University in St. Louis. According to the university:
Chu, a Nobel laureate and a strong advocate for alternative energy sources, will receive an honorary doctor of science degree during the ceremony.
Read the full announcement from Washington University in St. Louis.
So why was Steven Chu chosen by President Obama as our Secretary of Energy?
In addition to his work in physics, Chu notably applied techniques developed in atom physics to molecular biology and has led the pursuit of new alternative and renewable energies at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. He has also done research in polymer and biophysics and started a multi-disciplinary initiative that brings together the physical and biological sciences with engineering and medicine called Bio-X. According to the Department of Energy, President Obama said:
"The future of our economy and national security is inextricably linked to one challenge: energy... Steven has blazed new trails as a scientist, teacher, and administrator... He is uniquely suited to be our next Secretary of Energy as we make this pursuit a guiding purpose of the Department of Energy, as well as a national mission."
Fast Company recently profiled Chu and discussed the importance he places on people understanding how small steps-proper home insulation, etc.-can make a difference in thwarting energy challenges. He seems fiercely dedicated to preserving this stance. According to Fast Company:
"From here on in, every day has to be Earth Day," he told the New York Times last year. And he practices what he preaches. For years he didn't bother with a car, preferring to cycle everywhere. That stopped when Obama gave him the top job in the Energy Department. "My security detail didn't want me to be riding my bicycle, or even taking the Metro," he said, adding sorrowfully what those extra carbon emissions mean to him. "I don't feel good about it."
What are Chu's Thoughts on The Oil Spill Crisis?
According to the (AFP), Chu is cautiously optimistic about the progress being made, although he wouldn't detail his optimism. Here is another recent video (thanks to houstonbureau) of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu as they meet with the press in Houston to discuss the oil spill:
What are your thoughts about Dr. Steven Chu? Are you happy he's at the helm of U.S. Energy decisions?
thumbnail: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookhavenlab/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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