Published: Aug. 31, 2005

NEWS TIP SHEET

Jack Edwards, adjunct professor of geological sciences and a former chief geologist for Shell Oil Co., Edwards spent 37 years in the oil industry before joining the CU-Boulder faculty in 1992. He can discuss oil prices and believes the price of oil will remain above $60 a barrel after the recovery from Hurricane Katrina, in part because of inadequate refining facilities that existed before the disaster disrupted production. He can provide expert comments on the future oil supply, oil and gas prices, and alternative fuel supplies. On Sept. 20, Edwards will make a presentation to international scientists gathered for the U.S. Association of Energy Economists meeting at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield, Colo., regarding alternative fuels, specifically Canadian tar sands, oil shales, liquefied natural gas and Venezuelan heavy oil. Contact him at (303) 440-7708.

Stein Sture, associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, conducts research in geomechanics, geotechnical engineering and structural mechanics. He can talk about the failure of engineering structures, including levees. Contact him at (303) 492-7651.

Dobroslav Znidarcic , associate professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering, is a civil engineer specializing in geotechnical engineering, and conducts research related to the design and construction of earthen structures. He can discuss general levee design, construction, maintenance and failure issues. Contact him at (303) 492-7577.

Ross Corotis, professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering, has a background in structural mechanics and serves on the steering committee of the National Research Council's Natural Disasters Roundtable. He can address societal trade-offs associated with the design of public facilities like bridges, dams and other public works that could affect life and property. He can speak about risk assessment, structural engineering standards and the advisory role that engineers should play regarding public structures and facilities. Contact him at (303) 735-0539.