Engineering Professor Joins Global Initiative to Combat Climate Change

Chemical Engineering

Tom Spicer

A professor in the U of A Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering has joined a global effort to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Tom Spicer has accepted a three-year term on the Managing Board of The Climate Solutions Community.

The community is a new global organization created by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers that brings together the expertise of scientists and engineers to identify commercially viable solutions to mitigate, adapt and become resilient to the effects of climate change.

"I was both very humbled and yet very excited to be asked to be involved," Spicer said. "Chemical engineering has the opportunity to play an important role in finding solutions to climate change, but this is a global problem that will require effort and change from everyone. I think many people like me see the dire need to change, but putting our energy where it will have greatest impact is where groups like the Climate Solutions Community can meaningfully contribute. I am looking forward to making positive changes for the future."

The community started in 2019 with its kick-off workshop at the institute's annual meeting and had plans to host more events in 2020, but those were postponed due to the pandemic. This year, the community plans to roll out educational materials, workshops, networking opportunities and more.

"The work being done by this group is incredibly important in finding viable engineering and government policy solutions to the immediate and long-term challenges society faces due to climate change," said Keisha Walters, Chemical Engineering Department head. "Dr. Spicer displays not only an excellence in his research and service but also an expertise in airborne environmental hazards. These attributes are reflected in his invitation to join the board of this organization."

For upcoming events and more information, visit the Climate Solutions Community website.

For more information about the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, please visit chemical-engineering.uark.edu.