WISER appoints chief scientific officer; names faculty to newly created steering committee

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research has appointed a chief scientific officer to its staff and named six faculty to its inaugural steering committee.

In the role of chief scientific officer, Shikha Sharma will aid the institute in advancing energy and energy-related sustainability research at WVU.  She will provide support to WISER and the Research Office on matters of faculty research and development while continuing her work in the geology department.  Sharma has a successful history of partnership with WISER on significant research efforts, including the first geothermal and carbon storage data collection science well in the state.

Shikha Sharma, Ph.D.
Marshall Miller Energy Professor, geology, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

The steering committee will offer strategic guidance to the institute, enhancing networking opportunities for faculty partners and ensuring effective stakeholder representation.

“We want to harness expertise and experience from across the university that supports the work we do,” said WISER Director Sam Taylor.  “Fostering robust relationships with faculty is one of our primary goals. This board will help us create collaborations inside and outside of the university that increase WVU’s competitiveness for sustainability and energy research funding.  Research that benefits West Virginia and the Appalachian region.”

Sam Taylor, Ph.D., director

WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research

Committee members will serve staggered three-year terms.

Eddie Brzostek, Ph.D., associate professor, biology, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Ann Eisenberg, J.D., professor, research director, Center for Energy and Sustainable Development, WVU College of Law

Shawn Grushecky, Ph.D., associate professor, energy land management, natural resources, WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Fernando Lima, Ph.D., associate professor, chemical and biomedical engineering, WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources 

Elizabeth Vitullo, Ph.D., assistant dean, Strategic Initiatives, WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics and assistant vice president, WVU Economic Innovation

Sam Workman, Ph.D., professor, political science, director, Institute for Policy Research and Public Affairs, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences