Ken Cassman named director of UNL's new energy center

A University of Nebraska-Lincoln agronomy professor has been named director of the university's new Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research.

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman announced that Ken Cassman, professor of agronomy and horticulture in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will head the center. Cassman begins his part-time center leadership duties this month.

"Ken Cassman is a nationally recognized scientist who brings the vision and leadership necessary for directing our new Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research," Perlman said. "Ken will play a key role in guiding this unique partnership with the Nebraska Public Power District and building further research collaborations within the state and nationally."

The new center, approved by the university's Board of Regents in April, is a partnership between UNL and NPPD. It will encourage collaboration on energy-related research among UNL faculty and with public and private energy-related organizations. The center will provide initial funding for promising research to develop renewable domestic energy resources, improve energy efficiency and create economic opportunities for Nebraska and beyond.

"UNL is doing very exciting energy research in many fields and Ken is a leader who can bring together chemists, agronomists, engineers and other researchers from many disciplines to work collaboratively on big projects. We are thrilled to have him serve as director of the center," said Prem Paul, UNL vice chancellor for research.

Cassman was head of UNL's agronomy and horticulture department from 1996 until 2004 when he returned to the faculty to concentrate on his crop production ecology research and teaching. Before joining UNL, he worked with the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines and on the faculty at the University of California, Davis.

Cassman's interest in the energy center is tied to his work as an agronomist, which has focused on ensuring local and global food security while improving soil and environmental quality. At UNL, his work has expanded to consider the energy efficiency and environmental impact of corn-ethanol production systems and crop yield potential to ensure adequate corn supplies.

He said he thinks Nebraska has several advantages in the renewable energy arena, such as wind power and biofuels, which have the potential for long-term economic benefit for Nebraska. However, the center is "interested in anything that has the potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, foster economic opportunities and expand scientific understanding in energy science."

Nebraska Public Power District is providing $5 million over five years in startup funding. This money will be leveraged to attract additional research support from agencies and foundations. The goal is to use the NPPD funding as a foundation for elevating energy science research and its impact in Nebraska.

Cassman will work with an advisory board of NPPD and UNL administrators on priorities, research project selection and strategic planning. Center-funded research should begin later this year.

Contact: Ken Cassman, Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture, (402) 472-5554