Guinasso to serve as Panelist at Energy Symposium
Norman Guinasso, director of the Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG) at Texas A&M University, will travel to the campus of Florida State University next week to serve as a panelist at the Symposium on Offshore Energy being held November 2.
Guinasso will serve on the Technical and Environmental Challenges panel, which will consider the potential impacts of oil and gas activity in the marine environment, and ways that potential impacts might be mitigated by current technology. As one of three panelists, Guinasso's job will be to provide information and a greater understanding of the issues pertaining to the debate.
Harnessing offshore energy is currently a hot topic in Florida. Unlike many other Gulf states, Florida has instituted a ban on offshore drilling. That could change soon, however. In the 2009 legislative session, Florida's House of Representatives approved a bill that would have overturned the ban. The Senate never took up the issue, but it is expected to consider the issue in the upcoming session.
GERG is a center of excellence in applied geosciences within the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University. As director of GERG, Guinasso oversees a staff of over 30 research scientists, managers, professionals, technicians, graduate students, and student workers who have a broad range of experience and expertise in geochemistry, oceanography, environmental/analytical chemistry, atmospheric sciences, marine chemistry, marine biology, physical oceanography, and other environmental fields.
For more information on the Symposium on Offshore Energy, visit its page on the Florida State University website by clicking here.
-created 10/26/2009 |
News
In addition to a framed certificate, Les received a $1,200 bursary to aid in his research. Dr. Norman Guinasso, Director of GERG, is quoted as saying "I have great respect for the research and service performed by Dr. Les Bender and it is a pleasure working with him. His work at GERG has enhanced the national reputation of the College of Geosciences and he deserves recognition." Many of Les' associates wrote letters enthusiastically supporting Les' nomination. Dr. Robert (Buzz) Martin, Director of R&D and Scientific Support at TGLO, noted that "The success of TABS...now the largest, operational current measuring and forecasting system in the United States dedicated to oil spill response...is due, in large part, to Les' skill and dedication." Dr. Hendrik Tolman, Branch Chief, Marine Modeling and Analysis Branch of NOAA said that he has "always been impressed with his original thinking and with his willingness to not accept established methodologies, techniques and beliefs on face value, while in the mean time having a very solid understanding of the basics and principles involved." Dr. Theodore Mettlach, at NDBC, has been "greatly impressed by Dr. Bender's professional integrity, his energy and his commitment to scientific discovery." Les is an essential member of the GERG team. His coworkers at GERG join the other members of the College of Geosciences to congratulate him on a job well done.
