the Associated Press | Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:00 am
CHEYENNE - The University of Wyoming is adding a specialist on solar energy to the School of Energy Resources.
Bruce Alan Parkinson will fill one of the 12 teaching positions allotted by the Wyoming Legislature for the fledgling program. His job will include teaching interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate courses in energy-related fields.
Parkinson, a chemist, leads a photoelectrochemical research group at Colorado State University. He said the work involves using sunlight to divide water into hydrogen and oxygen to store the energy to be used as fuel.
Edward Clennan, head of Wyoming's chemistry department, said Parkinson brings with him a reputation for top-notch solar energy research.
"He is a valuable person to have on the faculty; his presence on campus will attract top young scientists to Wyoming, knowing that we have the infrastructure to do cutting-edge research in both solar energy and in adding value to the state's fossil fuels," Clennan said.
Parkinson said he was attracted to Wyoming by the school's support for his research and the Legislature's support for the School of Energy Resources.
Clennan said Parkinson will start his job next school year, but will hold a series of lectures on his solar energy research on campus this summer.
UW officials declined to release Parkinson's salary because the terms of his hiring were still pending.