Steven Chu of Stanford University explains his Nobel Prize winning theory on a technique to superfreeze gases and slow down their molecules so they can be studied in detail October 15, 1997 at Standford University in Palo Alto, California. Media reports quoting officials close to the transition team of US President-elect Barack Obama say the President-elect will name Mr. Chu as US Secreatary of Energy. (AFP PHOTOS/John G. MABANGLO/NEWSCOM/FILE)
Reports: Obama picks energy chief
By Eoin O'Carroll | 12.10.08
Barack Obama will tap Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who runs the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as to head the Department of Energy, numerous news outlets say, quoting officials close to the President-elect.
According to Mr. Chu’s biography posted on Berkeley Lab’s website, the St. Louis-born physicist has guided the lab “on a new mission to become the world leader in alternative and renewable energy research, particularly the development of carbon-neutral sources of energy.”
He has jump-started a number of clean-energy initiatives at the lab, many of which have focused on using non-food plants to convert sunlight into liquid fuels and electricity. One of these initiatives, known as Helios, is slated to begin construction in 2010.
His Nobel Prize, which he shared with French physicist Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and American physicist William Daniel Phillips, was awarded in 1997 for his contributions to “laser cooling,” a method of trapping gaseous atoms with laser light by tuning its frequency below an the atom’s electronic transition. This technique makes it easier to study atoms.
Chu is very highly respected in physics circles, but, according to CNN, some Democrats are concerned at his lack of political experience. Other names that have been floated as pick include California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
If nominated and confirmed, Chu will be the first Chinese-American to hold this office.
<< Environmentalists send their wish list to Obama | MainComments
2. C S Lewis | 12.11.08
I am so disappointed. I doubt this guy even believes in God, like all of George Bush’s previous appointements. Everybody knows that energy comes from God, so how will this guy know what to do when all of the oil runs out? Do you actually think all of his physics, based on supposed ’science’, will help him make decisions?
3. Eoin | 12.11.08
CS Lewis, I’d bet you’d be extra disappointed that Chu was one of the early signatories of Project Steve, a list of scientists named Steve who accept evolution by way of natural selection and who reject “intelligent design” as pseudoscientific nonsense.
4. PacificGatePost | 12.11.08
Great. However, this is now just ANOTHER ADMINISTRATION IN LOVE WITH DEBT:
More revelations present a better and more accurate view of the nature and attitude that can be expected from the Obama Presidency. And now for a taste of its attitude regarding DEBT….
http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/12/obama-second-tell_10.html
5. Mike McFadden | 12.11.08
I’ve even heard that there are radicals in the science community who suggest that the world is NOT borne on the backs of elephants. It just goes to show there are crazies everywhere.
6. Sally | 12.11.08
Chu is a (very!) well-respected scientist, has worked extensively on energy issues, has been involved in evaluating the state of scientific education in the US, has administrative experience with the DOE (the DOE runs the LBNL labs, which Chu heads), and has taken a lead in trying to educate the public on energy issues.
As a career scientist myself, I can’t think of a single person better qualified for this post. Brilliant pick!
7. Tedeee | 12.13.08
I am sure Mr. Chu knows more about energy that all others. I am not sure how much he knows about drilling,pipelines, how to tame the oil companies, demand the car companies extend the MPG on all cars. The next 15-20 years we and all other countries are going to have to depend on carbon based fuels.
9. Karl MAUCH | 01.12.09
I am sure Mr. Chur knows more about energy that all others. I am not sure how much he knows about drilling, pipelines, how to tame the oil companies, demand the car companies extend te MPG on all cars. The next 15-20 years we and all other countries are going to have to depend on carbon based fuels.
Hes’s sexy.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
Leave a Comment
We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. The comments feature is a forum to discuss the ideas in our stories. Constructive debate - even pointed disagreement - is welcome, but personal attacks on other commenters are not, and will not be published.
Tip: Do not write a novel. Keep it short. We will not publish lengthy comments. Come up with your own statements. This is not a place to cut and paste an email you received. If we recognize it as such, we won't post it.
Please do not post any comments that are commercial in nature or that violate copyrights.
Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.
1. GrahamT. O’Connor | 12.10.08
At last!!! Someone who knows Maxwell’s equations, and the Navier Stokes equations as Secretary of Energy.