Winter Speaker Series 2022: Matthew Lackner

As the move to decarbonize electricity production gains momentum, wind power, especially from offshore wind turbines, has the potential to significantly increase renewable energy generation in the Northeast. Dr Matthew Lackner of University of Massachusetts – Amherst, an expert in the physics and engineering of offshore wind turbines, provides an informed and accessible view of future developments and the complex technological advantages and challenges of this energy source. He will discuss the technology itself, including recent advances that have vastly increased the power generation capacity of offshore wind turbines, as well as the technical, physical, ecological, and even political challenges facing integration of expanding wind power into the grid.

The lecture will be followed by audience Q&A and continued conversation in the galleries over hot tea, coffee, and scrumptious light fare and desserts, generously provided by Pranzi Catering.

Note: Tickets for individual lectures are available for In-Person and Virtual attendance. In person seating is limited. 

Dr. Matthew Lackner is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Director of the Wind Energy Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He received his B.S.E in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton in 2002, his M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT in 2004, and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2007.  After graduating, he was appointed as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands. He joined the UMass Amherst faculty in January of 2009.  His research focuses on the aerodynamics and structural control of floating offshore wind turbines. He is the director of the NSF-funded ELEVATE program, which is a PhD program focused on solving the technical socioeconomic, and climate challenges in the energy transition.

Series Sponsors:

Joan Abrams
Lockett Ford Ballard, Jr.
Johanna and Ronald Becker
Angela and Edwin Fischer, The Hope Foundation
Island Carpet Tile & Hardwoods
Mary Jennings
Linda McGoldrick
Santiago Neville
Edwina Sebest
Cynthia Sinclair

Supporters:

Linda Jenkins
Susan and Bob Kieronski
Kathleen Shinners

Catering and Speaker Accommodations:

Winter Speaker Series Committee

Johanna Becker, Chairwoman
Cristin Searles Bilodeau, Director of Community Engagement
Eleanor Doumato
Anne DuBose Joslin
Susan Kieronski
Santiago Neville
Kathleen Shinners