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A collage of photos showcasing various people affiliated with SEI at Georgia Tech

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  2. SEI’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations: Celebrating 20 Years of Energy Research at Georgia Tech
December 10, 2024

SEI’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations: Celebrating 20 Years of Energy Research at Georgia Tech

In October, Georgia Tech’s Strategic Energy Institute (SEI) celebrated its 20th anniversary with campus, government, and industry partners. Since its inception as an interdisciplinary research initiative in 2004, SEI has grown and evolved into one of the top energy institutes in the nation, convening and facilitating multidisciplinary teams in the nation’s critical path to net-zero and climate goals.

The celebration included reflections by President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough and an engaging Conversations With Cabrera segment that included SEI External Advisory Board (EAB) members Mark Berry and Danielle Merfeld sharing their thoughts on clean, affordable, reliable power systems in the future. 

The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion exploring the future of regional energy policy and national security with Chandra Farley, chief sustainability officer for the City of Atlanta; Jonathan Philipsborn, climate and resilience manager at the Atlanta Regional Commission; Elaine Johns, EAB member; SEI Distinguished External Fellow John Tien; and SEI’s Director of Research and Studies Richard Simmons.

The message from Interim Executive Director Christine Conwell resonated among all stakeholders celebrating SEI’s first 20 years. “The success of the Strategic Energy Institute is a testament to the incredible team we have. By partnering with experts across campus and building strong collaborations with industry, government, and communities, we create solutions that make a real difference in Georgia, in the Southeast, and beyond. We look forward to continuing this partnership and driving transformative change through ongoing collaboration and a shared vision.”

Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera with President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough and Mara Loftman

President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough, Mara Loftman, and Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera

Christine Conwell, Interim Executive Director of SEI Welcoming the Guests

Christine Conwell, interim executive director of SEI, welcoming the guests. 

President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough reflecting on 20 years of Energy Research at Georgia Tech

President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough reflecting on 20 years of energy research at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera with Mark Berry and Danielle Merfeld during the Conversations with Cabrera Segment 

Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera with Mark Berry, senior vice president of Research and Development at Southern Company, and Danielle Merfeld, global chief technology officer at Hanwha Qcells, during the Conversations With Cabrera segment. 

a group of people sitting in chairs on a stage

John Tien, SEI’s Distinguished External Fellow, along with Richard Simmons, SEI’s director of Research and Studies, moderating a panel on the future of regional energy policy and national security with Chandra Farley, chief sustainability officer for the City of Atlanta; Jonathan Philipsborn, climate and resilience manager at the Atlanta Regional Commission; and Elaine Johns, SEI’s EAB member.

Tim Lieuwen speaking to a woman while standing in a lobby

Tim Lieuwen, interim executive vice president for Research, during the 20th anniversary celebration.

The SEI team standing in the lobby with Buzz, the GT mascot, in the front

The Student-led Georgia Tech Energy Club Team with Buzz, Georgia Tech’s Mascot

Student-led Georgia Tech Energy Club Team in a lobby with Buzz, GT's mascot

The SEI Team with Buzz, Georgia Tech’s Mascot

SEI History in a Timeline

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