UNR Political science faculty member named “Technology Educator of the Year”
Getting an award for entrepreneurship and technology isn’t necessarily something a political science faculty member sets out to do.
Christopher Simon, associate professor of political science at the University of Nevada, Reno, was named the “Technology Educator of the Year” by Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET). He was awarded the distinction two weeks ago.
“This was a nice surprise,” Simon said, who after winning the award learned he had been nominated by a fellow faculty member. “I’m very happy and honored to receive this award. I didn’t even know I was in the running.”
For the awards, NCET’s judges chose individuals who have greatly enhanced the growth and prestige of Greater Reno-Tahoe’s technology community.
“Selecting this year’s winners was a very difficult process,” said Dave Archer, NCET CEO. “The number and variety of nominations is a tremendous testament to the quality and diversity of Northern Nevada’s technology community.”
Simon believes two specific projects were the rationale behind the award: publication of his book about renewable energy and creation of the University’s new renewable energy minor degree.
In 2007 Simon published “Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility.” It approaches the current challenge of renewable energy from the political and technical perspectives. The book covers various alternative sources of energy, discussing in layperson’s terms the current state of public policy, energy technology and the political, economic and social feasibility of the alternative energy paradigm. The goal is to help the less technically-minded become active participants in choosing the energy future for their community.
The renewable energy minor, which Simon created along with Ted Batchman, professor and founding director of the University’s Renewable Energy Center, is a multi-disciplinary program that has become popular with students from many majors. It is being used as a template for similar programs around the country.
In addition to his work in alternative energy policy, Simon also conducts research in environmental policy, Homeland Security policy and land use policy.
Technorati Tags: Christopher Simon, University of Nevada Reno, Dave Archer, “Alternative Energy: Political Economic and Social Feasibility”, technology, Ted Batchman, UNR Renewable Energy Center, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, Nevada Commission on Economic Development
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