Going public

What a day! I had to be at the campus at 7:00 a.m. today to catch a ride over to the Soyapango campus with Reina, UDB's vice president of science and technology. At 8 I had a meeting with Nelson, Federico Machado, and Anslemo Valdizon to talk about the university's solar thermal electric system. The system is not getting much use, and we brainstormed ways to integrate it more into engineering curriculum and possible demonstration uses. I explained how we had done something similar with fuel cells as part of the H2E3 project, looking for ways to incorporate fuel cells into curriculum of existing engineering courses.

At 9 another meeting, this one with Rector Huguet, Jorge, Reina and Nelson to talk about the solar project for building #4 for which we are seeking funding from the Alianza para Energía y Medio Ambiente. I announced the good news that the science corner grant was approved, which got a happy reaction. The university folks really want to bring Peter Lehman down here for a visit to cement the relationship with Schatz Energy Research Center before I leave at the end of June.

Right after the meeting I called Peter and talked with him for almost half an hour. It looks like he is totally booked through May and June, so as an alternative we´re considering the two of us making a trip to El Salvador later, perhaps in July. It was exciting hearing news from home; among other things, Dan Kammen has been named by the Obama administration as a special energy envoy to Latin America.

In the afternoon I went to the Universidad de El Salvador to substitute for Rich Cairncross, who had to make a quick trip back to the U.S. this week. I gave a talk on fuel cells and demonstrated the SERC fuel cell/electrolyzer kit. I was really happy with how well the fuel cell worked this time; it seems to be improving with age. The students and faculty were great, giving me a warm reception and lots of logistical help.

Something about the UES campus feels very homey to me, maybe because it's a public university. It's more of an Oscar compared to UDB's Felix mojo, if that makes any sense.

Hey Dr. C., I stole your whole class. Whatcha gonna do about it, huh?