UW School of Energy Resources Tabs Reddy as Associate Director for Academics

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) has a new faculty member.

But Katta Jayaram (KJ) Reddy isn't new to UW.

A familiar face on campus since 1986, Reddy has been appointed as the SER's associate director for academics. In his new position, Reddy will work with UW's seven colleges to develop and coordinate the SER's interdisciplinary academic program.

"Dr. Reddy is an ideal choice for this position," says SER Director Mark Northam. "His background in water quality and resource management, and his experience in conducting interdisciplinary research on energy related topics will be real assets to SER."

He adds, "More importantly, KJ brings with him an outstanding reputation in academics and great relationships with the deans and faculty across campus. Those relationships will provide him with the credibility necessary to accomplish his goals."

Reddy's appointment, which is renewable by mutual agreement, is half-time for the first six months and three-quarters time for the next two years.

Known internationally for his research on the removal of arsenic from drinking water and mineral carbonization of hazardous wastes, Reddy says his top immediate priority will be to develop curriculum and degree programs. He also will oversee SER faculty searches, the Energy Summer Institute, allocations of graduate assistantships and the Matching Grants Funds.

"Due to the recent establishment of the School of Energy Resources at UW, Wyoming is at an advantage to become a national leader in developing a cutting-edge type of research in expanding and sustaining energy portfolio," says Reddy, who has worked extensively with the Wyoming coal mining, coal power, uranium, oil and gas and coalbed natural gas extraction industries and other state agencies. "I'm excited for the opportunity to work with different colleges across the campus to coordinate and develop energy-related interdisciplinary courses and programs to prepare future workforce for the energy industry."

Reddy has worked in UW's Department of Renewable Resources for the past eight years, first as an assistant professor (2000-03), then an associate professor (2003-05). Since 2005, Reddy has served as a professor and chair of the university's Water Resources Graduate Program.

Also, Reddy has been a member of the SER Academic Council for the past year.

Prior to joining the Department of Renewable Resources, Reddy worked as an associate research scientist (1986-90), research scientist (1990-04) and senior research scientist (1994-2000) in the Water Research Center.

Reddy earned his B.S. (1977) and M.S. (1980) in agriculture chemistry from Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University in India and his Ph.D (1986) in environmental quality from Colorado State University.

The SER is designed to focus UW research on energy through the university's land-grant mission of teaching, research, and service. It calls for the addition, during a three-year period, of 12 new nationally- or internationally-renowned faculty members with energy expertise, funded by legislative appropriations. Each would be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate students in addition to conducting research and service.

For more information about the SER, visit the UW Web site at www.uwyo.edu/SER.