Wayne State's World Bridge and College of Engineering will host experts from a broad cross section of the automotive and alternative fuels industries as part of the university's first Sustainable Fuel Technology Conference. The event, to be held at the World Bridge Global Education Complex in WSU's Manoogian Hall, will be Wednesday, April 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Morning presenters will include Professor Gregory Auner, WSU College of Engineering, speaking on fuel cell research and Next Energy; Professor Charles H. Winter, WSU College of Science, on the Freedom Car Initiative; and Steven Arwood, chief operating officer, NextEnergy, speaking on NextEnergy and the university's role in economic development.

A Major Speaker Series panel event, titled "Fueling the Future: Fuel Cells, Hybrids, and Designing for Fuel Efficiency," will take place during lunch. Scheduled panelists include Christopher Borroni-Bird, director of the High wire and Autonomy Program, General Motors Corporation; Myron Trenne, vice president for Research and Development, Yazaki North America Inc.; John German, manager of Environmental and Energy Analysis, American Honda Motor Company; and Reginald R. Modlin, director of Environmental and Energy Planning, Daimler Chrysler Corporation. Tony Androsky, director of Fuel Cell Initiative, SAE International, will moderate the panel.

WSU students ($3 advance registration) and faculty ($25 advance registration) receive discounted tickets. Members of the general public can purchase tickets in advance for $80. Registration includes a continental breakfast and luncheon.

For further information, contact Claire Brender, director of External Affairs for World Bridge, at (313) 577-0807, or e-mail c.m.brender@wayne.edu. Detailed program agenda is also posted on the World Bridge Web site.

Wayne State University is a premier institution offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.