This Research Experience for Teachers (RET) summer program engages middle and high school teachers in advancing clean energy research, helping to prepare the next generation of clean energy professionals.

Due to climate change, supply scarcity and an impetus to expand access to electricity and improve energy system resilience, there is an increasing need for new types of renewable energy sources (RESs) and energy storage devices (ESDs) that are environmentally friendly, efficient, sustainable and affordable. Simultaneously, there is a need for scientists and engineers to generate new ideas and technologies, due in part to inadequate student enrollment in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Goals

• Immerse middle and high school science teachers in hands-on research
• Engage middle and high school students in the discoveries and innovations in this field, and promote STEM career opportunities
• Increase awareness of environmentally friendly sustainable energy sources

Objectives

• Train middle and high school teachers in the fundamental concepts of renewable energy sources (RESs) and energy storage devices (ESDs), and engage them in hands-on research
• Help teachers develop curriculum knowledge units
• Introduce K-12 students to energy and environmental concerns and STEM career opportunities

Impact

The impacts of our RET project extend beyond the specific research and curriculum development activities described above. First, the problem of discovering environmentally friendly RESs and ESDs is timely as the impacts of climate change and manufacturing waste are becoming evident. Second, the proposed activities will have direct and indirect impacts on research, education, training and professional development for science teachers, and the developed materials will be used to attract K-12 students to STEM disciplines. This RET project will develop a sustainable and interactive research and education program, expose middle and high school students to STEM research and career opportunities, and narrow the gap in the workforce by equipping students with necessary skill sets.

Advancing power grid integration

While the objective of this proposal is to train middle and high school teachers and renovate middle and high school science curricula, the overall goal is to make RES and ESD technologies cleaner, more sustainable, accessible and efficient, and to seamlessly integrate them into power grids. We propose five research projects led by eight faculty from different engineering departments, that are carefully selected to advance the state-of-the-art technologies by

• developing new fabrication methods and materials for RESs and ESDs;
• developing control and operation architectures for seamless integration of RESs into the power grid; and
• reducing the environmental impacts of manufacturing and degradation of RESs and ESDs.

Although each RET participant may have limited impact individually, their contributions to the research projects hold significant innovative potential. Teachers' contributions will be vital to the the success of these research teams. The proposed research activities aim to develop a transformative mathematical framework and methodology that will address barriers to the development and integration of RESs and ESDs.

Questions?

Contact Hanif Livani
Email hlivani@unr.edu 
Phone: (775) 784-6103