The Water-Energy-Materials Nexus: Implications for
Engineering Research and Education
Jim Mihelcic, Ph.D.
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of South Florida
Tampa, Fl 33620
Since the 1972 release of Limits to Growth there has been increased global discussion on issues related to sustainable development. Sustainable development is often practically interpreted as mutually advancing the long-term goals of economic growth, societal prosperity, and environmental protection. Water, energy, and materials are perhaps the most important resources for economic development and societal prosperity. In fact, of the fourteen Grand Challenges identified by the National Academy of Engineering, six are directly related to energy and water. This talk will discuss the water-energy-materials nexus with a focus on some education and research opportunities in this important area.
Jim Mihelcic
Dr. James R. Mihelcic is a Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and a State of Florida 21st Century Scholar at the University of South Florida. Dr. Mihelcic served as an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) and is a past president of AEESP. He is a recipient of the AEESP Doctoral Dissertation Award and the AEESP-Wiley Interscience Award for Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Engineering & Science Education. He is a Board Certified Environmental Engineering Member of the National Academy of Environmental Engineers and a member of the USEPA Science Advisory Board for Environmental Engineering. Dr. Mihelcic has studied environmental policy as an AAAS-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Fellow and traveled extensively in the developing world.
Phone: (813) 974-9899
Email: jm41 at eng.usf.edu
