U of A Researcher Spotlight Series
about this series
Curious about the groundbreaking innovations coming out of the University of Alberta? Join us over the lunch hour for the U of A Researcher Spotlight Series. This monthly webinar series shines a light on our remarkable faculty and their cutting-edge research. Tune in at noon to explore the latest discoveries and exciting breakthroughs happening right here at your alma mater. It’s your chance to delve into new ideas and expand your horizons—don’t miss out!
upcoming events
Special Presentation: President's Speaker Series
Join us for a thought-provoking session with Dr. Amit Kumar, PhD, PEng and Canada Research Chair in Assessment of Energy Systems, as he explores the critical topic of energy transition through a systems-based lens. In this engaging talk, Dr. Kumar will break down the concept of energy transition — why it's essential and how we can chart a path forward.
As a global leader in energy systems, he will introduce both current and future energy technologies, explaining their potential and challenges, giving attendees a well-rounded understanding of our energy options, as well as the associated costs and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. From renewable sources to emerging technologies, you’ll learn where these innovations stand today, what the future might hold, and how University of Alberta researchers are critical to its success.
In addition, Dr. Kumar will explore how this leading research is shaping investment decisions and informing policy makers on key strategies for a sustainable energy future.
President and Vice-Chancellor Bill Flanagan will host the energizing talk to delve deeper into this topic. Whether you're an energy professional, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of energy, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Since September 2012 Amit Kumar has held the NSERC/Cenovus/Alberta Innovates Associate Industrial Research Chair in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering. He is the Cenovus Energy Endowed Chair in Environmental Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. His research group works on integrated energy and environmental modeling, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic assessment of conventional and non-conventional energy systems.
Amit received his BSc in energy engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India, and his MSc in energy technology from the Asian Institute of Technology. He completed his PhD at the University of Alberta in 2004 and rejoined the university after completing his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia. He has served as Deputy Director with Future Energy Systems (FES) since 2017. In this capacity he works closely with the FES Director on strategic research and outreach goals.
January 29, 2025 - 7-8:15PM MST
Researcher Spotlight Series: Florence Ashley
Florence Ashley, an award-winning transfeminine jurist and bioethicist, is a leading voice on issues faced by transgender people in the legal and healthcare systems. Join them for an insightful presentation on the importance of gender self-determination, the science of gender-affirming care and how we should factor human rights into policy decisions regarding trans rights.
Don’t miss the chance to engage with one of the foremost experts in the field and gain a deeper understanding of how we can use the areas of law and medicine to better the lives of trans communities.
Florence Ashley is a transfeminine jurist and bioethicist whose work focuses on trans issues in the legal and healthcare systems. They are an assistant professor at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law and Dossetor Health Ethics Centre. Florence holds BCL/JD and LLM degrees from McGill University and an SJD from the University of Toronto. They served as the first openly transfeminine clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada. Florence is widely published in scholarly journals and is the author of Banning Transgender Conversion Practices: A Legal and Policy Analysis (UBC Press, 2022).
February 12, 2025 - 12:30-1:30PM MST
Click here for recordings of our previous webinars!