Mark BarteauANN ARBOR—A professor recognized by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers as one of the “100 Engineers of the Modern Era” has been appointed the new director of the University of Michigan Energy Institute and the inaugural DTE Energy Professor of Advanced Energy Research.

Mark Barteau, who is currently at the University of Delaware, will join U-M on Sept. 1. He will also serve as a professor of chemical engineering. His research into chemical reactions at the surfaces of materials laid the foundations for a new approach to driving reactions. He has received numerous honors and awards for his work, including election to the National Academy of Engineering in 2006. Along with his outstanding record in research, Barteau brings years of experience in university administration to his new roles.

“I am delighted that Mark Barteau is joining the university as director of the Michigan Energy Institute, inaugural DTE Energy Professor of Advanced Energy Research and member of the chemical engineering department,” said David Munson, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering. “The College of Engineering is eagerly anticipating Mark’s arrival and the considerable impact that he will bring.”

The Energy Institute aims to chart the path to clean, affordable and sustainable energy by tapping U-M’s strengths across a variety of disciplines. Its holistic approach to energy research encompasses storage, transportation, policy, economics and societal impact.

“Energy is the grand challenge of our time,” said Barteau. “There’s no silver bullet—we need a variety of energy research and technologies.”

As director of the institute, Barteau will oversee efforts to develop, coordinate and promote multidisciplinary energy research and education across the university.

“Mark is an outstanding scholar, innovator and leader, and as director of the Michigan Energy Institute, he will be an inspiration to campus-wide efforts to ensure that U-M is a world leader in energy research,” said Stephen Forrest, U-M vice president for research. “We are grateful to the DTE Energy Foundation for establishing the DTE Energy Professorship of Advanced Energy Research, which reflects the company’s commitment to developing energy solutions through cutting-edge research and was critical to us attracting this world-class researcher and leader to our community.”

Fred Shell, vice president of corporate and government affairs for DTE Energy and president of the DTE Energy Foundation, said that Barteau will provide unique insight into the research and policy issues that impact the state, the university and the company.

“This $1.5-million grant, one of the largest our foundation has ever made, underscores DTE Energy’s commitment to leading our industry, state and nation in creating a sustainable energy future,” Shell said. “The partnership strengthens our connection to the university, but more importantly, our legacy as a leading energy and engineering company.”

As a strategic campus partner, DTE Energy’s generous support established the professorship as an important new asset for enhancing energy research at U-M.

“The ultimate measure is going to be impact outside the institute—whether we can make a difference at the national and international level,” Barteau said. “I see the challenge of the job as that big, and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to tackle it. I’m really looking forward to working with faculty across the university and partners in industry and government to make a difference.”

At Delaware, Barteau is senior vice provost for research and strategic initiatives, the Robert L. Pigford Endowed Chair of Chemical Engineering, associate director of the Center for Catalytic Science and Technology, and a professor of chemistry and biochemistry. He was also the founding director of the University of Delaware Energy Institute.

Related Links:

• U-M Energy Institute: energy.umich.edu
• DTE Energy Foundation: www.dteenergy.com/dteEnergyCompany/community/foundation/aboutFoundation.html 

U-M Sustainability fosters a more sustainable world through collaborations across campus and beyond aimed at educating students, generating new knowledge, and minimizing our environmental footprint. Learn more at sustainability.umich.edu.