Ken Geiser

Prof. Ken Geiser of the Work Environment Department has been named UMass Lowell’s second University Professor in recognition of his esteemed teaching, research and service to the University. He joins Prof. Susan Braunhut of the Biological Sciences Department, who was designated University Professor last year.

Among his numerous accomplishments, Geiser is co-director of the University’s Lowell Center for Sustainable Production. He is also one of the authors of the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act and served as director of the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) from its founding in 1990 to 2003. His research and writing focus on pollution prevention and cleaner production, toxic chemicals management, international chemicals policy, safer technologies, and green chemistry. In 2001, he completed a book — “Materials Matter: Towards a Sustainable Materials Policy” — published by MIT Press.

As a recognized expert on environmental and occupational health policy, he has served on various advisory committees for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the United Nations Environment Program. Recently, he has been appointed co-chair of the Science Advisory Panel for the California Green Chemistry Initiative.

The University Professor is nominated by members of the faculty. Geiser’s professorship runs from September 2009 through May 2012. As part of the designation, he will receive an annual salary supplement of $10,000 and one course reduction for each semester. He will also deliver a University-wide lecture during each year of the appointment.

To learn more about Geiser’s work, check out his faculty profile.

- Edwin_Aguirre