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Never
before has the pursuit of advancements in environmental and energy been as
crucial to the future of humanity as it is today. With this increased sense of
urgency, USC pioneers are ensuring the sustainability of our climate and
culture through innovation in energy and environmental research.
One
of the world's preeminent scholars of hydrocarbon chemistry, USC professor George Olah won the 1994 Nobel Prize in chemistry in recognition
for his groundbreaking work on superacids and carbocations. His research has
revolutionized organic chemistry and has led to significant contributions in
the development of alternative fuel sources including a methanol-using fuel
cell.
Reducing
global reliance on fossil fuels is the goal behind the Future Fuels and Energy Initiative at USC. Leveraging the
university's research in energy and the environment, the FFEI encourages
cross-disciplinary efforts to develop both short and long-range fuel and energy
solutions. Projects include exploring the development of transitional fuels,
such as methanol and diesel, and creating and evaluating fuel and energy
policies for next generation fuels and technologies.
Researchers
at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies are studying the oceans
and aquatic ecosystems for novel ways to address global environmental problems. In one area of research, they are examining
how ocean diazotrophs, special bacteria that can use nitrogen gas as a
nutrient, might be used to sequester greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. They are building the understanding that may
allow sustainable aquaculture, farming the sea.
In other applications, they are exploring how micro-organisms from
nature can clean our waste and generate electricity. Drawing on biology, geology, economics and
engineering, the USC Wrigley Institute is striving to connect research in
marine, environmental and geobiology research to the future of our planet
The
Keston Institute for Infrastructure,
a first for a major research university in California, examines the
infrastructure needed to support a population projected to grow substantially
by 2020. The institute focuses on issues such as transportation, availability
of open space, energy use, and waste treatment and disposal, in order to
provide accurate and insightful information that will aid in the development of
public policy and innovative solutions. |