Dr. Chris J. Kobus, Oakland University director of engineering and energy education, will speak to the Eastside Republican Club's January Forum.
"Dr. Kobus has a distinguished academic and professional background with a sensible, scientific outlook on clean energy,” said club chairman Jenny Nolan. “We look forward to hearing his message."
She added, "The Forum is open to the public at no charge, so we invite anyone interested in the environment to attend."
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Dr. Kobus received his PhD from Oakland University in 1998, and was appointed a visiting professor in the School of Engineering and Computer Science. He was appointed associate professor with tenure in 2006.
With specialties in clean energy space and STEM education, Dr. Kobus began his teaching career with a Next Energy grant in 2005. As clean energy curriculum expanded, engineering students now can earn a concentration in alternative energy systems. In addition, a non-credit alternative energy systems certificate can be earned, and for business and engineering professionals, the professor recently launched an energy management certificate program.
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Dr. Kobus was instrumental in establishing the Clean Energy Research Center with a symbiotically interlinked scope in academics, research, campus facilities, local business incubation, and K-12 outreach.
In addition to his research, Dr. Kobus has taught 17 different courses including thermal and fluid sciences, solid mechanics and dynamics, alternative energy, and nuclear systems.
Dr. Kobus is also a movie buff. “Since a teenager I have been ripping on Hollywood movies for scientific inaccuracies, and now use motion pictures in my courses to teach fundamental scientific principles and their applications,” he said.
His movie blog is here.
A native of Sterling Heights, the scholar is a husband and father of seven children. His hobbies include writing, energy efficient home projects, and physical fitness.
Since 1986, he has been active as a competitive, natural bodybuilder. At 6' 4" tall, Dr. Kobus reports, “I went from a 145 pound high school wimp, to a 315 pound weightlifter, capable of lifting 500 lbs.”
The Eastside Republican Club Forum is held on the third Tuesday of the month from September through June. Admission is free and the public is always welcome. Stay up-to-date and "like" the ERC on Facebook.
