Robert Marans, research professor at the Institute of Social Research (ISR), served as principal investigator of the U-M Pilot Study on the behavioral aspects of energy conservation and sustainability. ISR conducted the study in partnership with the U-M Plant Operations Department and the U-M Utilities Reductions Committee. Its goal: To find out what people are actually doing to conserve energy, how they feel about efforts to reduce energy use, and what steps they are willing to take to cut energy use at home and on the job. Study findings are available at: http://www.isr.umich.edu/energypilot/ Marans can be reached at (734) 763-9818 or marans@umich.edu

Johannes Schwank is director of the Transportation Energy Center and a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering. He can speak about alternative fuels. He can be reached at (734) 764-3374 or schwank@umich.edu. More information about the Transportation Energy Center

Carl Simon is director of U-M’s Center for the Study of Complex Systems and associate director of social science and policy for the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute. Simon studies energy and environmental issues from a big-picture policy perspective, bringing various interests together to find big answers. Building cars using alternative energy isn’t just about engineering, he says. You must motivate people to buy them and ensure a reliable supply of alternative fuel. He can be reached at (734) 647-9194 or cpsimon@umich.edu

Gary Was, director of the University’s Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute (MMPEI), is an international authority and resource in issues related to energy research, policy and education. He also is a professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences. He can be reached at (734) 763-4675 or gsw@umich.edu