Scientific Challenges in Sustainable Energy Technology

Nathan Lewis is Professor of Chemistry and the Principal Investigator of the Beckman Institute Molecular Materials Resource Center at Caltech. His research interests include light-induced electron transfer reactions, photochemistry of semiconductor/liquid interfaces, novel uses of conducting organic polymers and polymer/conductor composites, and development of sensor arrays that use pattern recognition algorithms to identify odorants, mimicking the mammalian olfaction process. In honor of the 20th Annual Jacob Bigeleisen Endowed Lecture, Prof. Lewis will also speak on "Progress and Challenges in Solar Energy Conversion Using Semiconductor/Liquid Junctions" at noon on October 23 in the Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Building, Room 412.

Thursday, October 23, 2008, 4:00 p.m.
Student Activities Center Auditorium

The U.S. and the Muslim World: What the Next President Should Know

John L. Esposito is Professor of Religion and International Affairs, Professor of Islamic Studies, and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. A consultant to the Department of State, corporations, universities, and the media worldwide, Esposito specializes in Islam, political Islam, and the impact of Islamic movements from North Africa to Southeast Asia. He has served as President of the Middle East Studies Association of North America and the American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies, and is a member of the World Economic Forum's Council of 100 Leaders.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 4:00 p.m.
Student Activities Center Auditorium