Dr. Gerald Groenewold is the Director of the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), the primary research entity at the University of North Dakota (UND). Dr. Groenewold directs a multidisciplinary science and engineering research team of over 340 people who focus on research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of energy and environmental technologies. Since 1987 when he was named Director, the EERC has undergone a total cultural change from a former federal research and development facility to a practical, entrepreneurial, market-driven organization with national and international clientele, emphasizing joint venture partnerships with government, industry, and the research community. During the past two decades, the EERC has had contracts with nearly 1100 clients from 51 countries and all 50 states. Over 800 of those clients have been from the private sector, including many Fortune 500 companies. The EERC's research portfolio totals more than $236 million.

Under Dr. Groenewold's direction, the EERC, with its long tradition of fossil fuel-related R&D, has broadened its scope to include a wide array of strategic energy and environmental issues, including zero-emission coal conversion; CO₂ capture and sequestration; energy and water sustainability; hydrogen and fuel cells; advanced air emission control technologies, emphasizing SO_x, NO_x, air toxics, fine particulate, CO₂ capture and sequestration, and mercury control; renewable energy; wind energy; water management; flood prevention; global climate change; waste utilization; energy efficiency; and contaminant cleanup. The EERC has eleven Centers of Excellence.

Prior to his current position as Director of the EERC, Dr. Groenewold served as Director of the North Dakota Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute, Director of the Engineering Experiment Station, and Associate Dean for Research of the UND School of Engineering & Mines and was employed by the North Dakota Geological Survey and the Ohio Geological Survey. Dr. Groenewold received his Ph.D. degree in Environmental Geology from UND, his M.S. degree in Geology from the same institution, and his B.S. degree in Geology from the University of Illinois. Dr. Groenewold is involved in numerous professional, economic development, and historical organizations and activities. Since the late 1980s, he has devoted considerable effort to local and regional economic development initiatives. He is particularly interested in assisting our nation in achieving its energy security goals. He has also been a strong advocate for the development of technologies that address the critical issue of energy and water sustainability.