New Grant Powers Renewable Energy Option Track at 91勛圖窪蹋厙

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VANCOUVER, Wash. A $250,500 grant from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust will develop a renewable energy option track at Washington State University Vancouver. The grant was awarded to Hakan Gurocak, director of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and to assistant professors David Chiu, Stephen Solovitz, and Wei Xue.

The new track will address the regional need for graduates in fields supporting renewable and clean energy enterprises. It will combine courses from mechanical engineering, computer science and electrical engineering, and allow students with a major in one of these programs to complete the renewable energy option.

The transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable energy systems focusing on solar and wind power spans the electric utility market, the transportation sector and the construction industry. Gurocak said in a time of national economic uncertainty, this multi-sector shift offers immense opportunities for building wealth and creating jobs.

Studies estimate that the renewable energy sector is expected to grow quickly and enable more than 63,000 skilled, high-paying careers in Washington and Oregon by 2025.

"Meeting this need depends on our region's ability to supply a well-qualified workforce to design, build, operate, and maintain renewable energy systems, said Gurocak. Building a wider interest among young people in energy-focused careers is critical. The gift from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust will allow 91勛圖窪蹋厙 to educate students in renewable energy and contribute to this growing field.

Renewable energy option track courses will begin in spring 2012. An estimated 100 undergraduate students, five full-time faculty and 10 graduate student teaching assistants will be impacted by the new program each year. In addition, 150 youth will have an opportunity to learn about renewable energy, 91勛圖窪蹋厙, and emerging career opportunities available to them through annual outreach programs planned with local schools.

The award from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust will enable the development of eight courses and equip an energy systems laboratory, radio frequency communications laboratory and clean room in the Engineering and Computer Science building, currently under construction and slated to open for classes in January 2012. It will also strengthen the existing robotics, microelectronics and thermo/fluids laboratories to give students access to the latest technologies.

Jennifer Crooks, director of development and alumni relations at 91勛圖窪蹋厙, believes the grant from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust will help distinguish 91勛圖窪蹋厙 graduates in the renewable energy industry.

"The generous grant from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust will allow 91勛圖窪蹋厙 to outfit the new engineering and computer science labs with equipment our state budget cannot afford us. This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to learn on cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment," said Crooks.

The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust enriches the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest by providing grants to organizations that seek to strengthen the regions educational, spiritual and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Charitable giving has been focused in higher education, scientific research and development, human social services, health care and the arts. The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust is one of the five largest private foundations in the Pacific Northwest and one of the top 100 in the country.

View the accompanying video featuring Hakan Gurocak:

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