Kettering University to Impact International Hybrid Electric Conference

FLINT, Mich.--Kettering University faculty, students and alumni will present research and speak at the 5^th International Institution of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference at the Fairlane Center in Dearborn, Mich., Sept. 7-11.

Kettering Professors Ravi Warrier, Mark Thompson, Doug Melton and Jim Gover of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Brenda Lemke, a lecturer of Mechanical Engineering, will present papers with students at this prestigious conference. Larry Burns, a 1975 Kettering/GMI graduate and vice president of Research & Development and Strategic Planning at General Motors, will present “Driving to a Sustainable Future: A New DNA for the Automobile.” This conference features the world’s leading researchers in hybrid vehicles and Lithium ion battery technology.

The conference aligns with Governor Granholm’s advanced battery initiative and stimulus funding that Michigan received. Kettering will work in collaboration with universities to drive the technological development of batteries for hybrid vehicles.

Kettering is also hosting the father of Asian electric vehicles, Professor C.C. Chan from the University of Hong Kong Wednesday, Sept. 2. He will present “Philosophy of Engineering and Challenges on Engineering Education” from 12:20-1:15 p.m. in 1-817 of the Academic Building. Contact the International Office at international@kettering.edu.

Last week at Kettering, Granholm said she wants Michigan to become a national leader in green technologies and alternative energy. “This is really what the strategic plan of Michigan is all about,” she said. “We decided that Michigan would be the epicenter of advanced battery technology. It is a huge deal for jobs,” she added.

“We at Kettering are delighted to receive stimulus funding for electric drive vehicle battery and component manufacturing,” said Dr. Michael Harris, Kettering’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “We will partner with other institutions of higher education and with industry to continue our advanced work in education and applied research in the field. This award is a testimony to the capacity of our faculty.”

Stimulus money will support a new Kettering hybrid vehicle power electronics laboratory that will upgrade the teaching of three currently existing hybrid vehicle/power electronics courses at Kettering. Additionally, the funding will develop two new hybrid vehicle courses. For more information, visit http://www.kettering.edu/visitors/storydetail.jsp?storynum=2914.