É«ÖÐÉ«

Green Car Show with Lewis exhibit revs up environmentalists

Olivia Chesniak was among the students
demonstrating and sharing Lewis
University research at the Green Car
Show in Naperville.

É«ÖÐÉ« was among those exhibiting the latest in green alternatives at a Green Car Show Aug. 30 at the Naperville Test Track. U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) hosted the event that highlighted innovative automotive technologies that can help reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign oil and provide consumers clean, affordable transportation alternatives.

“This was a great opportunity for our faculty and students to share the current research initiatives underway at É«ÖÐÉ« and to get some feedback from others interested in green technologies,” commented Dr. Joe Kozminski, associate professor of .

The É«ÖÐÉ« exhibit included a chemical powered boat demonstration as well as information on research. Dr. Jason Keleher, assistant professor of , discussed solar cell research. Dr. Randal DeMik, É«ÖÐÉ« associate professor and director of graduate studies in program. discussed the environmentally-friendly alternative aviation fuel testing project. Dr. Jerry Kavouras, assistant professor of and director of , presented methods to reduce consumption of fuel and other resources through urban planning and industrial coordination.

Dr. Ray Klump, associate professor and chair of and , discussed his collaboration on a smart power grid system. He said, “It was a good event for highlighting the recent innovations in electric vehicle technology. It also showcased several other technologies that will help foster acceptance and usefulness of these forms of transportation, including the Smart Grid. It was exciting to interact with some of the leaders of Naperville's innovative and ambitious Smart Grid efforts."

É«ÖÐÉ« students that demonstrated the green technologies were physics major Elizabeth DeWaard and chemistry majors Olivia Chesniak, Alessandro Mazza, Jordan Kaiser.

Attendees had the opportunity to test drive energy-efficient vehicles, learn about the Naperville Green Fuels Depot and find out about the latest advances from Argonne National Laboratory. Car dealerships also showcased several electric, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles.

É«ÖÐÉ« is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.