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January 18, 2007
Many students salivate for out-of-classroom experience; getting out of those cramped lecture halls to apply the knowledge they are dying to show off. Luckily for undergraduates in the Geography Department, there are many opportunities for this type of exposure. Whether it is a summer internship with a GIS agency, taking Alan Taylor's Field Research course, or going on a Center for Advanced Undergraduate Student Experience (CAUSE) trip, students are fortunate to have the opportunity to actively engage with their classroom-learned material.
In December, students taking E. Willard Miller Professor Amy Glasmeier's course, Geography of the Global Economy, traveled to Washington D.C. to present research. They spoke to representatives of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)-Energy Commission Group on the feasibility of economic growth in the sustainable energy sector in the Appalachian region. The ARC represents a swath of thirteen states ranging from New York to Mississippi roughly aligning itself with the Appalachian Mountain range. Dr. Glasmeier is this year's scholar for the commission. A presidential appointee collaborates with representatives from the county and state levels. Designed to stimulate economic growth in underdeveloped areas, the ARC strives to execute its mission by increasing job opportunities, strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy, develop and improve infrastructure, and to build the Appalachian Development Highway system to reduce isolation (from http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeID=1).
That's where the students of GEOG 470 come in. Their job was to determine how many jobs could be created in the renewable energy sector within the ARC's geographic area of research and study (ARC is not a governing body). Throughout the semester students like Gillian Hay (Senior - Geography) and Matt Stern (Junior - Energy, Business, and Finance; a new program in EMS) poured over county business data and NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) data to determine those areas best suited for the creation or stimulation of jobs in the renewable energy market. The class was divided into sections based on types of renewable energy: wind, solar, and biomass.
Gillian was assigned to the wind group. They were not trying to find ideal locations for giant wind turbines using advanced GIS techniques. Rather, they located areas that had existing infrastructure and a workforce that could manufacture and produce the components needed for the turbine.
After their research was complete, they loaded into a big University van to make the trip to D.C. to present their research. Even though Gillian was nervous about presenting to government officials, she volunteered to be the person in charge of introducing the student's research to the group. Fortunately for Gillian, the atmosphere was not nearly as taxing as she had imagined; the ARC group congenially received the presentation. Much to Gillian's surprise, may members asked thoughtful follow-up questions and were very eager to see the final report. "I've never been so praised," Gillian said. "When else can you have that type of experience with people?" Considering Gillian and the rest of the class spent much time deftly preparing, it's no surprise that the ARC was so impressed.
Matt Stern carefully presented research on the solar sector. He reacted similarly to Gillian in that the ARC representatives were very attentive. Based on the questions asked by the commission and their eagerness to see the final report, Matt and Gillian were surprised that undergraduates such as themselves could have some an impact on a government agency. It gave them confidence in their research methods and their ability to speak in a professional atmosphere.
The findings of the research? The region that encompasses the ARC may be well-suited to produce components for the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. Strong demand in the wind, solar, and biomass industries is predicted to continue. Gillian pointed out that there is a growing disconnect between the demand for renewable energy and the Unites States' capacity to produce the necessary equipment to generate that energy. Sustained demand for renewable energy equipment has created significant shortfalls in components and materials for the wind and solar industries, alike. For a region like Appalachia, with existing manufacturing expertise and infrastructure, there is an opportunity to produce equipment for these industries which are in need of components. This opportunity is particularly relevant as internationally based companies are now building manufacturing facilities to meet U.S. demand (extracted from Gillian Hay's introduction; presented to representatives of the Appalachian Regional Commission).
In total, 11 students traveled to D.C. There was a mix of undergraduate and graduate students and geography and non-geography students alike. Students in the Department of Geography have ample opportunity to engage with their coursework. Undergraduate and Graduate students are constantly conducting field research, studying abroad, doing internships, reaching out to their community, and communicating with groups and organizations outside of the University setting. These experiences not only solidify and reinforce students' knowledge but help them prepare for a life that does not exist purely in academia. This proves invaluable when searching for jobs and preparing for a career. These experiences are not few and far between. Take a look at what our students have done: