Because it falls on a Sunday, UO researcher Christopher Hendon figures it will be relatively difficult to generate a buzz around campus on International Coffee Day.

That’s Oct. 1, which is also — appropriate for a world-renowned coffee scientist — Hendon’s birthday. So he’s waiting until Monday to invite students, faculty members and the community to help him celebrate with plenty of fresh, free brew. And maybe a brief science lesson.

On Monday, Oct. 2, stop by the Erb Memorial Union amphitheater between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for samples of specialty coffee from local roasters.

Hendon, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, joined the UO faculty this summer after doing his postdoctoral research at MIT. Hendon co-wrote a book on the chemistry of coffee with UK coffee purveyor Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood. The two have won international barista championships and advanced the art and science of coffee worldwide.

Though Hendon’s obsession with espresso isn’t fading, his research focus at the UO is not coffee. As the first of three new faculty hires in the UO’s Energy and Sustainable Materials Initiative, he’s searching for innovative answers to vexing energy problems and cheaper, greener ways to make batteries, solar cells and other products. He’s also looking forward to teaching undergraduates.