Robert Cormia is a full-time chemistry instructor at Foothill College with a long background in science, technology, and sustainability. Trained in chemistry and materials science, he transitioned into higher education where he has developed programs in nanotechnology, bioinformatics, and clean energy. In the early 2000s, Robert became deeply engaged in climate change awareness and outreach, and later assisted the Foothill–De Anza Community College District (FHDA-CCD) with energy analysis and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories.

Today he continues this work as an “acting energy analyst,” maintaining an archive of energy use across the District’s campuses and helping shape long-term decarbonization strategies. His efforts have supported significant reductions in natural gas use—now less than half of 2018 levels—and the planning of electrification projects, including the transition of Foothill’s Olympic swimming pool to low-carbon heating. He is passionate about decarbonization and is actively involved in planning for expanded EV charging infrastructure.