State Legislative Leader Visits CCI Labs

President Jack Wilson, Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, Chancellor Robert Holub, Prof. S. Thayumanavan

On a recent visit to a Fueling the Future Center for Chemical Innovation lab, Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi showed keen interest in the Center's scientific efforts in the renewable energy field. Hosted by Center Director "Thai" Thayumanavan, the December 1, 2008 visit by Speaker DiMasi, University of Massachusetts President Jack Wilson and UMass Amherst Chancellor Robert Holub featured hands-on demonstrations of model hydrogen fuel cells and photoelectric devices by Professors Justin Fermann and D. Venkataraman, and included discussions about the potential impacts coming out of the Fueling the Future CCI's research.

DiMasi, a strong supporter of clean energy legislation in Massachusetts, applauded the Center's efforts to advance renewable energy R&D in the state. The Center's expected statewide impact, Thayumanavan said, includes scientific breakthroughs to elevate Massachusetts' global profile as a leader in clean technology, transforming innovation into technology opportunities for Massachusetts companies, training the scientists, engineers and technical workers needed for the 21st century green economy, and encouraging Massachusetts students to pursue science careers through the Center's education and outreach programs.

Prof. Justin Fermann and Speaker Salvatore DiMasi

DiMasi's visit also included a tour of Prof. George Huber's chemical engineering laboratory, where research into innovative catalytic processes for biomass conversion is leading to exciting developments in chemically processing "green gasoline" from abundant cellulosic biomass materials in a single step.

December 2008