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U of M's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment announces renewable energy scholarship winners
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 6/6/2008 ) -- The University of Minnesota's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) -- in partnership with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) -- has selected nine projects as part of the U of M's first renewable energy scholarship program. The scholarship winners will receive a stipend of up to $1,700 each. The students must assist with a faculty member's research or carry out their own projects under faculty supervision. The selected projects include: * "Characterization of the Mechanisms of Nanoparticle Oxidation, Hydrogen Yield and Recovery of Zinc Oxide" - Yi Cheng Ng, with faculty advisor Jane Davidson, mechanical engineering. Ng aims to benefit the technology for solar hydrogen production via a two-step water splitting thermochemical cycle. * "Design of Integrated Reaction Separation Processes for Biorefinery Applications" - Alison Cozad, with faculty advisor Prodromos Daoutidis, chemical engineering. Cozad will explore a range of methods to model, predict and optimize the outcomes of biorefinery applications. * "An Enzyme Activity Roadmap: Cellulolytic Activities of Fungi" - Benjamin Carrier, with faculty advisor Jonathan Schilling, bioproducts and biosystems engineering. Carrier will look at how fungal cellulases might be more effectively used in commercial, bio-refining applications. * "Extraction of Oil from Microalgae" - Leo Kucek, with faculty advisor Roger Ruan, bioproducts and biosystems engineering. As part of a new generation of sustainable energy research, Kucek will investigate the use of microalgae for the production of biofuels. * "Mass Production of Biodiesel Using Algae" - Steven Biorn, with faculty advisor Roger Ruan, bioproducts and biosystems engineering. Biorn will conduct experiments in algal species selection, media specification and lighting administration for potential biofuel applications. * "Plastic Transistors Based on Perylene Diimides" - Andrew McDaniel, with faculty advisor Daniel Frisbie, chemical engineering. McDaniel will take a systematic approach to solving some of the challenges related to organic semiconductors. * "The Role of Methenamine in the Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanowires Used in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells" - Jillian Schmidt, with faculty advisor Eray Aydil, chemical engineering. Schmidt will investigate the role of methenamine in the synthesis of zinc oxide nanowire arrays to improve the efficiency of solar cells. * "Studying the Rate of Reaction in Biomass-Deoxygenation and Alkane-Dehydrogenation in the Production of Synthetic Fuels" - Derek Jones, with faculty advisor Aditya Bhan, chemical engineering. Jones aims to optimize reaction conditions to produce the maximum amount of hydrocarbon fuel. * "Understanding the Open-Circuit Voltage in Plastic Solar Cells" - Ahmad Ahmad Hazmi, with faculty advisor Russell Holmes, chemical engineering. Hazmi's goal is to learn how to manipulate organic molecules, and how to apply this knowledge to photovoltaics technology. Dick Hemmingsen, director of IREE, says the new scholarship allows U of M students to participate in IREE's mission of promoting statewide economic development, sustainable and diverse ecosystems, and national energy security. "We were very impressed by the applicants' broad range of expertise," said Hemmingsen. "Each project shows a high level of complexity and relevance, which speaks to the U of M's breadth and depth in renewable energy research and education." To fulfill the scholarship objectives, the projects must focus on expanding the green economy and on providing practical solutions for the industry and community. Upon completion, the students must give at least one presentation at an upcoming IREE meeting or conference. "Our goal is not only to help students become involved in research, but also to strengthen their connections both on and off campus," said UROP coordinator Vicky Munro. "Through the renewable energy scholarship, these students will build an intellectual, professional and social network that will benefit them long after graduation." Proceeds for the scholarship fund come from the annual E3 -- Energy, Economic and Environmental -- conference. E3 2007 received generous support from Piper Jaffray, Faegre & Benson LLP, and numerous other sponsors and supporters. Led by IREE, the E3 conference focuses on the intersection of innovative technologies, visionary policies, environmental benefits and emerging market opportunities in the renewable energy sector. This year's conference takes place Nov. 18 at the St. Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul. ---------- |
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