A Colorado State University professor is among 10 Americans — including President Barack Obama and Microsoft mogul Bill Gates — named to the first-ever “Scientific American 10” honor roll for innovations that benefit humanity.
Prof. Bryan Willson, founder and director of Colorado State Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory, helped create Envirofit International. The internationally acclaimed non-profit group designs, builds and distributes efficient, clean-burning two-stroke engine retrofit kits and cookstoves in the developing world.
Millions of people around the world die every year from chronic health and environmental problems caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution — huge issues seldom addressed by relief organizations, according to the magazine. Willson’s work helps improve those people’s lives on a dramatic scale.
“By helping students and collaborators apply expertise in development economics and entrepreneurship, Willson makes sure that technical solutions reach those who need them,” the editors of “Scientific American wrote in their June issue.
Envirofit technology has received numerous worldwide honors. In 2007, Envirofit was named a recipient of a World Clean Energy Award in Basel, Switzerland. That same year, Envirofit was also named a World Bank development marketplace finalist.
“Dr. Willson’s pioneering approach implements technology that, on a massive global scale, helps improve the lives of millions by addressing complex issues and their solutions at a human level,” said CSU interim president Tony Frank.
Willson came to CSU in 1988. He helped turn an abandoned power plant in Fort Collins into a research/education program with emphasis on engines, fuels, smart grids, and energy conversion technology. The lab now works globally and has grown into one of the largest university energy labs in North America.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
