 "Photo: Courtesy of Home Energy Magazine")
A managing director has been chosen to lead the Southern California Research Institute for Solar Energy (SC-RISE). Alfredo A. Martinez-Morales, who earned his B.S. degree, his master's degree and Ph.D from UC Riverside, was appointed by Faculty Director Matt Barth, and will be responsible for the daily operation of the initiative and ensuring that its goals are met.
SC-RISE, based at the College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), aims to advance solar energy techniques, train professionals for the industry, mentor new businesses, and assist commercial and residential energy users in responsible applications for solar energy.
"To fulfill its mission of being a catalyst for the adoption of affordable solar energy, SC-RISE must be about education, applied technology, research and especially connections with those in Southern California who are concerned with sustainable energy," said Barth, who also directs CE-CERT. "Alfredo brings us the expertise to move that diverse agenda forward."
Among several research honors and fellowships, Martinez-Morales received the UC Dissertation Year Fellowship and is the author of a dozen articles on nanotubes, nanowire arrays, quantum dots and other nanotechnology discoveries.
"As a true believer in solar energy, my position with SC-RISE will provide me with the unique opportunity to be an active component in the dissemination, adoption and realization of sustainable and economically sound solar technology in Southern California," Martinez-Morales said in a press release. "SC-RISE marks the natural progression of the university's long involvement and commitment to conducting fundamental research in renewable, sustainable and green sources of energy."
Before holding this position, Martinez-Morales served as the Biomedical Science and Nanotechnology laboratory manager for Professor Mihrimah Ozkan.
Her research includes silicon photovoltaics and low cost, hybrid polymer-carbon nanotube solar collectors that can be used on flexible or hard surfaces.
The five-year goal of SC-RISE is to establish a facility with at least one megawatt of solar panels that would be used for research, testing and training. In working with universities from around the country and the world, including Tohoku University in Japan, UC Riverside's solar energy research strives to create more efficient solar energy systems at a lower cost.
Martinez-Morales will be among the speakers at a symposium presented by the Inland Empire Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and hosted by Bourns College of Engineering on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
The conference will promote low-cost energy upgrades and renewable energy improvements in the Inland Empire.
Be the first to comment on this article!