Each year, 20 people - customarily civic and business leaders - are selected as Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellows. This year, the values-based leadership training program focused on solving society’s biggest problems named sustainability scientist and engineering professor Cody Friesen to its 2015 team.

Though Friesen stands out among other fellows as an academic and researcher, his entrepreneurial drive makes him a good fit. His research has produced technological innovations that are the foundation of two growing business start-ups, Fluidic Energy and Zero Mass Water.

As part of the team, Friesen will engage in a series of seminars, workshops and retreats that build leadership skills and help guide Crown Fellows in employing their expertise and talents in enterprises to serve both their communities and beyond.