Building Expertise on Energy Sustainability (BEES) an integrative model to increase research and education in energy sustainability

Abstract

The United States is currently facing a critical challenge to transform our current fossil fuel-based energy economy to a stable and sustainable energy economy. This transformation must be achieved in a timely manner to increase U.S. energy independence, enhance environmental stewardship and reduce energy and carbon intensity, and generate continued economic growth. (National Science Foundation 2009, Building a Sustainable Energy Future). Moreover, the Obama administration has placed a high priority on accelerating the transition to a "clean energy, green economy" in the U.S, a priority that makes the vital connections between climate change, economic stimulus, energy security, and job training. The missing link in this interconnected system is the critical role that higher education must play in helping to make the clean energy, green economy a reality. This paper describes a model called "Building Expertise on Energy Sustainability (BEES)" to increase research and education in Renewable Energy Systems within an existing industrial engineering program. The BEES model is a comprehensive approach composed of four key components, which are: 1) Education, 2) Research, 3) Outreach, and 4) Connection. Each component consists of a set of structured activities to help increase education and research in renewable energy systems. For the education component, a systems approach for curriculum development is used. The new curriculum on Energy Sustainability provides an overview of the major energy flows and the issues associated with production and end-use. Major current sources of energy include fossil fuel, hydroelectric, nuclear power, and wind energy. In the research component, a Pair-2-learn (PAL) model is used to form teams of undergraduate and graduate students to work in specific research projects. In the outreach component, different lesson plans are developed for high school teachers participating in the UTeach Miners program. The products provided under this component are complete handouts including (i) student activities, (ii) classroom modules, extensions, and homeworks and, (iii) teachers handouts in the Renewable Energy Systems and Natural Resources area. The main goal in the connection component is to build stronger connections among different institutions, therefore guest speakers are invited to come to our University with the objective of providing a seminar, reviewing the curricula developed, share all material developed and explore ways for future collaborations. Formative and summative evaluations are used to assess the objectives of the BEES model. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.