Achievement

We launched the second of two new multidisciplinary courses we have developed, and we offered our first course for a second time. The courses, Integrated Energy Challenges & Opportunities I & II, address the research landscape of sustainable energy across the many disciplines involved. Part I, co-developed with the Nanotechnology for Clean Energy IGERT at our university, introduces each IGERT’s research focus (biofuels/bioenergy; solid-state energy devices) as well as other common concerns (economics, policy; power plants, smart grids, etc). Part II focuses more closely on biofuels/bioenergy, covering feedstocks, processing, land use, logistics, economics, policy. The courses are widely advertised and taken by both Trainees and non-IGERT students; international students add an important global perspective. Students and faculty share responsibilities for leading the class, and students gain experience communicating their research to diverse audiences beyond their home disciplines.