Volker Sick

Volker Sick is a tenured Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, where he serves as the DTE Energy Professor of Advanced Energy Research and Director of the Global CO2 Initiative. His work bridges energy systems innovation with medical diagnostics, focusing on scalable solutions for climate change mitigation through CO2 utilization and optical imaging technologies for eye diseases.

• Key Roles: Faculty Director at the Center for Entrepreneurship, U-M
• Research Pillars: Carbon capture/utilization, combustion science, and biomedical imaging

Research Synthesis: His projects span CO2 conversion into construction materials and fuels, transient boundary layer analysis in engines, and neural network-driven 3D imaging for ophthalmology. The 2021 Faraday Discussion paper established CCU's strategic importance, while his 2017 works with Stanford's Matthias Ihme redefined combustion simulation frameworks.

Scientific Recognition: As a Fellow of The Combustion Institute and recipient of the Arthur F. Thurnau Professorship, he has earned 18 major awards since 1999, including ASME's Edwin F. Church Medal (2023) for experiential learning innovations.

• Teaching Impact: Developed lab-based courses (ME 395), international summer schools, and climate-focused programs
• Advisory Leadership: Guided organizations through the Global CO2 Initiative's $4.4 trillion market analysis

Labs & Collaborations: Pioneered high-speed UV-MWIR imaging tools at U-M's Combustion Research Laboratory and co-founded the Global CO2 Initiative's international network spanning 27 institutions across energy, chemicals, and policy domains.