KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

Erik Nordman, PhD

Professor of Natural Resources Management | Grand Valley State University

Author, "The Uncommon Knowledge of Elinor Ostrom: Essential Lessons for Collective Action"

Dr. Erik Nordman is Professor of Natural Resources Management and Adjunct Professor of Economics at Grand Valley State University, Michigan, and an Affiliate Scholar at Indiana University’s Ostrom Workshop. Nordman has written on a wide variety of environmental topics, from urban stormwater management and land preservation to renewable energy. His work has also appeared in mass-market publications such as Quartz, The Conversation, and Bridge (a Michigan public affairs magazine).

Nordman holds an MS in forest ecosystem management and a PhD in natural resource policy and economics, both from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse University. He served as a Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, 2012-13. His publications are available at: https://works.bepress.com/erik_nordman/. 

BJ Johnson, PhD

Co-founder and CEO | ClearFlame Engine Technologies

For our climate, for our health, and for our future, we need energy solutions that can make an impact today.

Improving access to clean energy while also making the most efficient and best use of those limited resources cannot be done in a vacuum. With a deep understanding of the whole energy picture and the underlying connections that drive it, my mission is to help identify the clearest paths for a clean energy future.

Heavy-duty diesel engines have been the gold standard for heavy-duty applications for decades because of their reliability, durability, efficiency, and power. And yet, they are also some of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases and poor urban air quality. In 2016, I co-founded ClearFlame Engine Technologies to provide rapid, scalable decarbonization for those toughest industries.

At ClearFlame, we developed the quickest and most cost-effective pathway for heavy-duty engines by taking the dirty diesel fuel out of the diesel engine and replacing it with decarbonized, liquid fuels. We’ve secured non-dilutive grant and investor support—from sources such as the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, USDA, and Clean Energy Ventures—and continue to build our ecosystem of strategic partners to assist in the development and deployment.

CALL FOR SPEAKERS - NOW CLOSED!

Thanks to all who applied to be speakers, panelists, or moderators!  We are busy finalizing our AMAZING agenda and will post that as soon as complete!

If you have any questions, please email Carol Warkoczewski.