Dr. Bruce Averill (Chemistry, University of Toledo). Dr. Averill’s assignment is to the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA), where his primary focus is the assessment and development of geothermal energy resources in Central and Latin America. His comprehensive study of this issue has become the centerpiece and Action Plan for WHA’s energy strategy for the region. Dr. Averill’s policy recommendations are based on his detailed study of available geothermal sites, technologies used to exploit geothermal resources, public and private financing mechanisms used to develop geothermal power, mechanisms to address safety and environmental concerns, and energy policies which hinder or promote development of geothermal resources. In this connection he has toured geothermal power plants in Costa Rica and Mexico, consulting with energy officials and giving press interviews. Dr. Averill is now chairing a USG/OAS working group which seeks to integrate a variety of USG agencies and IFI’s such as the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank into this effort. Dr. Averill is the State Department representative to the Policy Coordinating Committee chaired by the National Security Council and tasked with developing a strategic energy policy for the Western Hemisphere. In this role he is the primary drafter for State’s position papers submitted to the NSC. Another aspect of Dr. Averill’s work involves outreach to the Muslim world. Together with another Fellow, Dr. Averill is working with the OES bureau to develop an S&T outreach program which would encourage and facilitate students from Islamic countries to pursue science and engineering studies at Wayne State University and the University of Toledo in Ohio. This effort is part of a larger USG strategic outreach to the Islamic world, with the building of S&T links and capacity a principal objective. Dr. Averill’s work thus contributes in multiple ways to U.S. national security, as well as to enhanced economic prosperity and the stabilization of democratic institutions in Central and Latin America, making them less vulnerable to terrorism and strengthening regional security.