Prof. Eric N. Smith provides market analysis and economic research on a variety of issues affecting the energy sector. Examples include a series of reports on the potential for importing LNG into the US, studies on the economic impact of unconventional shale gas Development on US supplies of natural gas, reports on the use of Petroleum Coke as a feed stock for power generation and ongoing research into the use of bio-butanol as a substitute for ethanol. In addition, he teaches the required introductory courses leading to the energy specialization certificate available to both undergraduate and graduate level students. Finally, he functions as the public face of the University and the Energy Institute, providing requested information to local and regional media on a wide variety of energy related subjects.