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By Lacey Desserault

Noel Schulz has been appointed to the Bob Ferguson Endowed Professorship at Washington State University Tri-Cities. This follows Schulz’s recent appointment to inaugural director of the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) in Aug. 2023.

As an endowed professor, Schulz will provide expertise and guidance in furthering the INEF’s function of research, development, and education associated with realizing the 21^st century low-carbon energy transitions over the next decades in the region. The role allows Schulz to conduct scholarly work related to INEF’s clean energy goals and hire graduate assistants.

“It is an honor to be named the Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor. His leadership in the Tri-Cities and energy field provided momentum for INEF and its activities,” said Noel Schulz. “This support will assist me in continuing research activities in the INEF area.”

The funding for the professorship position was gifted to the ������ Foundation by Bob Ferguson, a veteran in the nuclear field and longtime supporter of ������ Tri-Cities’ clean energy initiatives. Ferguson’s donations also helped establish INEF in hopes that the funds would contribute to a clean energy future by developing pathways for developing, integrating, and sustaining the resources of the region. This gift helped lay the foundation for the recent investment by the state of Washington for INEF activities.

“Noel’s leadership and expertise will be great assets to the institute,” said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of ������ Tri-Cities. “Her enthusiasm for the work and mission of INEF are evident and I look forward to the progress she will make in this new role.”