Dr. Donna Riley on Energy and Justice: Making the Connections in Engineering Thermodynamic


As part of the Colorado School of Mines Hennebach Program in Humanities Guest Lecture Series, Smith College Professor Donna Riley, (B.S.E., Chemical Engineering, Ph.D., Engineering & Public Policy) spoke on the topic of energy and justice. When I think of thermodynamics, images of mysterious state variables pop into my head as well as the alluring appeal of a flame. So you may ask, "What does that have to do with justice?" Then, I insist, you must ask yourself, "What is missing in a current thermodynamic curriculum?"

Dr. Riley is writing a companion book that will supplement current thermo books (work sponsored by NSF grants #0448240 and #1037655) to illustrate tenuously discussed extensions and outcomes of applied thermodynamics. For example: How does energy relate to developing countries? How would your write for energetic changes in a society? What sort of effects come with the energy choices we make? And along with that, the what's and how;s of policy, relationships to ethics, and ecological sustainability considerations.

Dr. Riley's work, which stems from chemical engineering, classic thermodynamics, an impressive array of applied environmental topics, and innovative educational programs, can not only be described as


The McGraw Hill Chemical Engineering Series

accomplished. As an AAAS Fellow with the EPA and NSF career awardee, she could also be pinned down as an instigating game changer, entering a classic field with new ideas. Dr. Riley's effort (tentatively titled Engineering Thermodynamics and 21st Century Energy Problems: A Textbook Companion for Student Engagement) will commensurate education outcomes that include: moral reasoning, critical justice thinking, social engagement, communication, and organizing skills in the once stout and staid realm of the old McGraw Hill Chemical Engineering series. Seriously, do you remember what they looked like? If you forgot, I have included a representative figure for you to feast your eyes on.

Dr. Riley's book will be available this summer from Morgan and Claypool. It is hoped that the book could be used in module like format supplementing traditional thermodynamic curricula.

What do you think of the new ideas Dr. Riley will present in her book?