February 22, 2008 -- The University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, in collaboration with U.Va.'s Darden Graduate School of Business, School of Architecture and School of Law, continues its efforts to engage in energy issues of national and global proportions as it hosts the annual energy lecture series, "The Future is Now: The Business, Technology and Politics of Global Energy."

"Building on the success of last year's series, we are continuing our commitment to promoting meaningful dialogue about the nation's and world's energy crises," said James H. Aylor, dean of the Engineering School.

The annual speaker series begins Thursday, Feb. 28. The media and public are invited to attend any of the lectures, a schedule of which follows.

• The Business of Green Energy: Opportunities and Technology Options
4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28
Alumni Hall, Jefferson Room

Michael P. Drzal, attorney, LeClair Ryan Law Firm
Ramon Espino, U.Va. professor of chemical engineering
Andrea Larson, U.Va. Darden School professor

• Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Energy Conservation and Sustainability at the Community Level
4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26
Minor Hall, Room 125

Paxton Marshall, associate dean of undergraduate programs, U.Va. engineering school
Phoebe Crisman, professor of architecture
Bill Morrish, professor of architecture
Cheryl Gomez, U.Va. Facilities Management

• Curbing CO2 Emissions in the U.S.: Can Policy and Technology Make an Immediate Impact?
4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24
Ruffner Hall at the Curry School of Education, room G004A

Shelly Fidler, managing director, environmental and government resources, VanNess Feldman Law Firm
Don Kirwan, professor of chemical engineering
Lynn Coleman, attorney, Skadden and Arps LLP

All events are free and open to the public. For information, call (434) 566-9020.

About the School of Engineering and Applied Science
Founded in 1836, the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science combines research and educational opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Within the undergraduate programs, courses in engineering, ethics, mathematics, the sciences and the humanities are available to build a strong foundation for careers in engineering and other professions. Its abundant research opportunities complement the curriculum and educate young men and women to become thoughtful leaders in technology and society. At the graduate level, the Engineering School collaborates with the University’s highly ranked medical and business schools on interdisciplinary research projects and entrepreneurial initiatives. With a distinguished faculty and a student body of 2,000 undergraduates and 650 graduate students, the Engineering School offers an array of engineering disciplines, including cutting-edge research programs in computer and information science and engineering, bioengineering and nanotechnology. For information, visit www.seas.virginia.edu.