Eric Kaufman (left), a General Motors Corp. Energy Center engineer from Detroit, and Pratim Biswas, Ph.D. (wearing tie), the Stifel and Quinette Jens Professor and chair of the department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, discuss fuel efficiency and bioenergy Jan. 25 with a group gathered outside Whitaker Hall, where three fuel-efficient GM vehicles were on display. Earlier in Whitaker Hall auditorium, Biswas outlined the new department he chairs and its vision on energy and environment. Kaufman explained GM’s thrust in fuel-efficient technologies, stressing the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.