Energy Engineering Seminar: Frederick Steinmann (Nevada)

About

The Development of a Domestic Critical Elements Supply Chain in Nevada: Efforts by the University of Nevada, Reno and the State of Nevada

As part of the CHIPS and Science Act, the University of Nevada, Reno’s ‘Lithium Batteries and Other EV Materials Loop’ Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Nevada Tech Hub) is focused on supporting broad workforce development and targeted business creation, attraction, retention and expansion strategies designed to close identified ‘gaps’ in the supply chain and value network of Nevada’s broader critical elements industry sector. This effort covers the entire spectrum of this emerging industry sector, including extraction and processing of critical elements to advanced manufacturing and recycling to sustainable energy production and energy storage. Nevada has a long history of mining and natural resource extraction, with over 150 of expertise at the University of Nevada, Reno; expertise now being turned toward addressing emerging national security demands, climate change, and economic diversification. Steinmann will discuss how the University of Nevada, Reno, in partnership with over 100 public sector, private sector and non-profit community-based organizational Consortium members, is actively addressing these efforts through the Nevada Tech Hub. Steinmann will also discuss the relationship of developing a domestic critical elements supply chain relative to emerging global challenges and Nevada’s unique role in addressing them.

Bio: Frederick A. Steinmann is an assistant research professor and the director of the University Center for Economic Development within the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno. Appointed as UCED director in 2022 after joining the faculty in 2012, he oversees regional economic development initiatives, applied research, and technical assistance across Nevada. He also serves as the principal investigator for the EDA-designated Nevada Lithium Battery and Other EV Materials Loop Regional Technology and Innovation Hub. His academic and professional expertise spans public administration, local government management, public finance, policy analysis, and urban real estate development. Steinmann teaches and conducts research across economics, management sciences, and geography, successfully managing diverse research portfolios that include major federal grants. Before his full-time academic appointment, he gained extensive public and private sector economic development experience working with the Reno Redevelopment Agency, the Nevada Small Business Development Center, and the City of Carson. He earned both his B.S. and M.S. in economics from UNR, later completing his doctorate in policy, planning, and development at the University of Southern California in 2010.