Marietta College will host the inaugural symposium for its Center for Earth, Energy and Environment (CEEE) on April 20–21, convening industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and students to explore the future of sustainable energy in Appalachia.
Established to serve as a regional resource for energy education and information, CEEE connects students with industry, government and community partners to address the complex challenges facing global energy systems.
The two-day symposium, “Energy and Resource Management: A Path Forward for Appalachia,” marks the public launch of the College’s redefined academic center—designed to prepare the next generation of leaders to shape a more sustainable and resilient future.
“The symposium offers the Center the ideal opportunity to strengthen existing and build new relationships with industry partners that are crucial to inform our academic programs and develop experiential learning opportunities that best prepare our graduates for successful careers in these fields,” said Dr. Ben Stuart, dean of the Center for Earth, Energy and the Environment.
The symposium begins Monday, April 20, with student engagement opportunities and a free public screening of “Switch On,” a documentary by Dr. Scott W. Tinker, at 6:30 p.m. at Peoples Bank Theatre. The film explores efforts to eradicate energy poverty in the developing world. A question-and-answer session will be held following the screening.
Programming continues Tuesday, April 21, beginning at 9 a.m. in Marietta College’s McDonough Auditorium. Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Associates and chairman of Switch Energy Alliance, will deliver the keynote address. A nationally recognized energy expert, educator, and filmmaker, he will present a comprehensive, data-driven perspective on global energy systems. The slate of sessions will bring together regional and national leaders from across traditional and emerging industry sectors for a full day of dialogue on energy development and innovation across Appalachia.
The symposium will feature moderators and speakers spanning industry and policy. Featured participants include Elena S. Melchert, president of Energia Consulting LLC; Craig Butler, executive director of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and former director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; Max Hua, CEO and founder of Anovary; and Kreg Levengood, commissioning director at Kiewit Power, among others.
Additional speakers represent organizations such as Expand Energy, Vistra, Fervo Energy, the Ohio River Commission, Vallourec, ARTEX, Shale Crescent USA, NexTier, Decarcs, EQT Corporation, CARBO, and MPLX Gathering and Processing.
Sessions, panel discussions, and presentations will explore the opportunities and constraints shaping the region’s energy landscape. Topics include global demand and deliverability, the role of artificial intelligence and data science in modern energy systems, pathways for business development and sustainable resource management across Appalachia, and the value of a STEM education.
A luncheon plenary will feature John Lassek, deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy, offering a federal perspective on subsurface energy resources.
The Center for Earth, Energy and Environment builds on Marietta College's longstanding strengths in petroleum engineering, geology, environmental science, and energy systems. Through strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary and experiential learning, the Center prepares students for leadership in both well-established and emerging sectors of the sustainable energy industry.
The symposium is open to the public, with registration required. Professional registration is $125, and government, nonprofit and community registration is $40. Marietta College students and employees may attend at no cost. Registration includes lunch, and a continental breakfast will be served. To learn more about the Center for Earth, Energy and Environment, view the full symposium agenda or register, visit marietta.edu/CEEE.