Ernest Moniz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Moniz
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| 13th United States Secretary of Energy | |
| In office May 21, 2013 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Deputy | Daniel Poneman Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall |
| Preceded by | Steven Chu |
| Succeeded by | Rick Perry |
| Under Secretary of Energy for Energy and Environment | |
| In office October 29, 1997 – January 20, 2001 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Steven Chu |
| Succeeded by | Robert G. Card |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ernest Jeffrey Moniz
December 22, 1944 Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Naomi Moniz |
| Education | Boston College (BS) Stanford University (MS, PhD) |
| Signature |  |
Ernest Jeffrey Moniz is an American nuclear physicist and a former government official. He was born on December 22, 1944. From May 2013 to January 2017, he served as the 13th United States secretary of energy. This means he was in charge of the U.S. Department of Energy during Barack Obama's time as president.
Before this, Moniz worked in the government during the Bill Clinton presidency. He was an associate director for science from 1995 to 1997. He also served as an undersecretary of energy from 1997 to 2001.
Today, Moniz is a leader at the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI). This group works to prevent dangerous attacks using powerful weapons. He also leads the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI). This group focuses on climate and energy technology.
Moniz also oversaw a report from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This report suggested that methane gas was a clean energy source. However, later research showed that methane leaks could warm the planet more than coal. The study was paid for by companies that produce methane gas and other fossil fuels.
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Early Life and Education
Ernest Moniz was born in 1944 in Fall River, Massachusetts. His parents, Georgina and Ernest, were immigrants from São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal.
He went to Durfee High School in Fall River. He was a very good student there. He was part of the National Honor Society. He was also the president of his school's math club.
After high school, Moniz studied at Boston College. He earned a degree in physics. In 1972, he received his master's and Ph.D. degrees. These were in theoretical physics from Stanford University.
Career in Science and Government
After finishing his studies at Stanford, Moniz joined the faculty at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1973. He became the head of the physics department from 1991 to 1995. He also directed the Bates Linear Accelerator Center.
From 1995 to 1997, Moniz worked for the Clinton administration. He was an associate director for science. This role was part of the Executive Office of the President of the United States.
Working at the Department of Energy
Moniz worked in the United States Department of Energy. He served as the undersecretary of energy from 1997 to 2001. He helped lead the department during this time.
In 2005, Moniz helped start The Cyprus Institute. This is a research center where scholars work together. In 2013, he received an honorary degree from a university in Spain. This was for his work on energy policies.
U.S. Secretary of Energy (2013–2017)
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On May 16, 2013, the Senate voted to approve Moniz as Secretary of Energy. The vote was 97 to 0, showing strong support. He took over from Steven Chu. Moniz officially became the energy secretary on May 21, 2013.
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Moniz played a very important part in talks about Iran's nuclear program. He talked directly with Iran's atomic energy minister. He helped President Obama understand that certain agreements would not be a big threat. The agreement between Iran and several world powers was completed on July 14, 2015.
Some environmental groups did not want Moniz to be Secretary of Energy. They were concerned because he supported nuclear power. He also supported fracking, which is a way to get natural gas. He saw fracking as a "bridge fuel" to help move away from coal energy. President Obama, however, chose Moniz partly because of his experience working with energy companies.
Career After Government Service
In June 2017, Moniz became a co-chairman and CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. This group works to stop dangerous attacks using powerful weapons. These include nuclear, biological, and cyber weapons.
He also started a group called the Energy Futures Initiative. Here, he has promoted a "Green Real Deal." This idea is a practical, science-based way to deal with climate change.
In 2018, the government of Saudi Arabia hired Moniz. He joined an advisory board for the Neom project. This is a huge planned city in Saudi Arabia.
In November 2020, Moniz was considered for energy secretary again. This time it was for the Biden Administration. However, Jennifer Granholm was chosen instead.
In June 2023, Moniz received another honorary degree. This was from the University of the Azores in Portugal. It recognized his important work in his career and public service.
Honors and Awards
Ernest Moniz has received many honors for his work:
- Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus, 2008
- Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry, Portugal, 2015
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan, 2017
- Doctor Honoris Causa from Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid, Spain, 2013
- Doctor Honoris Causa from University of the Azores, Azores, Portugal, 2023
- Fellow of the American Physical Society, USA, 1989
- Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, USA, 2019
- Member of the American Philosophical Society, USA, 2020
- Autonomic Commendation of Recognition from the Regional Government of the Azores, Azores, Portugal, 2023
Images for kids
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Order of Makarios III ribbon
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Order of Prince Henry ribbon
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Order of the Rising Sun ribbon
