Dr. Patrick Linke, chair of the Chemical Engineering Program at Texas A&M University at Qatar, has been named holder of the Qatar Shell Professorship.
This new professorship is funded by Qatar Shell to foster greater understanding of Qatar’s contemporary issues relating to energy and environment, and to encourage discussions about these topics with key stakeholders and the public in Qatar.
Youssif A. Saleh, Vice President of Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre, Qatar Shell, said, “We are extremely proud to once again collaborate with Texas A&M at Qatar. Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre (QSRTC) works closely with universities and schools to develop local talent and enhance technical capabilities, therefore delivering sustainable impact in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Energy and its relationship with the environment has been the centerpiece of Linke’s teaching and research since he joined Texas A&M at Qatar in 2007. In 2009, Linke co-founded the Qatar Sustainable Water and Energy Utilization Initiative (QWE), which continues to be instrumental in leading research in such vital areas for Qatar while strengthening collaboration with stakeholders throughout the country. He also was chief engineer and director of the water and energy sectors of the Qatar National Food Security Program from 2008 until 2014.
In addition to his faculty and program chair responsibilities, Linke is executive director of graduate studies at Texas A&M at Qatar. He has published five book chapters and more than 100 peer-reviewed scholarly articles. He has presented more than 100 conference papers and delivered more than 30 invited talks.
Linke was chosen by a panel chair and professorship holders from Texas A&M’s main campus and Texas A&M at Qatar from a pool of very competitive nominees in recognition of his outstanding contributions in energy and environment. Professorships help give universities a competitive edge by providing funds to attract top faculty, which in turn helps attract other top-notch faculty and students.
Texas A&M at Qatar has a long and rich history of partnering with industry such as Qatar Shell. Engaging with industry enriches Texas A&M at Qatar’s core activities of teaching, research and service, and guides teaching, creates enrichment opportunities for students and faculty, and show areas in which the branch campus may be able to give back to the State of Qatar directly, such as outreach programs and resources for commercial innovation so vital to Qatar National Vision 2030.