Oakland University Prof Chris Kobus to address environmental policy

Dr. Chris J. Kobus, Oakland University director of engineering and energy education, speaks to the Eastside Republican Club Forum in Grosse Pointe Farms on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

In his presentation covering current environmental policy and its downsides, he will address what he calls “electrification to nowhere.”

The 7:30 p.m. forum is open to the public and will be held at the War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road.

In addition, ERC members will elect 2023 officers and board members at the Jan. 17 meeting.

“Dr. Kobus has a distinguished academic and professional background with a sensible, scientific outlook on clean energy,” commented Eastside Republican Club chairman Marie Hackleman in advance of the meeting.

“As auto production and development of electric vehicles continues to advance, we look forward to hearing Dr. Kobus’ analysis of current policy and the value equation for consumer.” 

Hackleman added, “The Forum is open to the public at no charge, so we invite anyone interested in the energy and the environment to attend.”

Forum doors open at 7 p.m. for coffee and networking in advance of the meeting.

To students and professionals interested in green energy, Kobus urges they do their research.

“Everything has a negative environmental consequence, so to be more energy conscious is not enough. You must start with conservation, because without that, being energy conscious is meaningless," Kobus tells students.

After earning his Oakland University Ph. D. in 1988, Kobus 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. Today he serves as director of Engineering and Energy Education.

His specialties include clean energy and STEM education. Kobus started teaching in the clean energy field with a grant from Next Energy in 2005. That curriculum has expanded and now offers engineering students a concentration in alternative energy systems. In addition, the professor recently launched an energy management program for business and engineering professionals.

Kobus was instrumental in establishing the Clean Energy Research Center, which includes academics, research, campus facilities, local business incubation, and K-12 outreach.

In addition to his 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, his has personally owned an EV and used his own Rochester home as a test project to teach his students the value of a 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.

A native of Sterling Heights, the scholar is a husband and father of seven, with hobbies including writing, energy efficient home projects, and physical fitness.