Dr. Chris J. Kobus, Oakland University’s director of engineering and energy education, will speak at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, to the Eastside Republican Club at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms.
Tuesday’s presentation will address what Kobus calls “energy’s fundamental role in civilization.”
“The Oakland University professor has been a favorite of ERC audiences since his first presentation to the club in 2016,” said club chairman Mike Vethacke in a statement in advance of the meeting. “Dr. Kobus offers a sensible, scientific outlook on conservation and clean energy.”
In addition, the ERC will elect club officers for 2025.
Forum doors open at 7 p.m. for coffee and networking in advance of the 7:30 meeting. The public is invited and there is no charge for the Forum, which will conclude with a Q and A session.
The Rochester Hills professor earned a Ph. D. from Oakland University in 1988 and was hired by the university’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. In 2000 he was promoted to a tenure-track position and became associate professor with tenure in 2006.
His specialties include clean energy and STEM education. Kobus started teaching in the clean energy field in 2005. That curriculum has expanded and now offers engineering students a concentration in alternative energy systems. In addition, the professor directs an energy management program for business and engineering professionals.
Kobus was instrumental in establishing the university’s Clean Energy Research Center, which includes academics, research, campus facilities, local business incubation and K-12 outreach.
In addition to research, Kobus has taught 17 subjects ranging from thermal and fluid sciences, solid mechanics and dynamics, alternative energy, and nuclear systems.
As part of his research of the electrification value, he has personally owned an EV and used his own Rochester home as a test project to teach students the value of solar power.
Kobus is also a movie buff. “Since a teenager I have been ripping on Hollywood movies for scientific inaccuracies, and now use motion pictures in my courses to teach fundamental scientific principles and their applications,” he said.
The scholar is a husband and father of seven, with hobbies including writing, energy efficient home projects, and physical fitness.
The Eastside Republican Club Forum meets the third Tuesday each month from September through May, at The War Memorial. Admission is free and the public is always welcome. Stay up to date atEastsideRepublican.Cluband "follow" the ERC onFacebookandX(formerlyTwitter).