A Graduate Research Traineeship Program in Energy Efficiencyand the Environment

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ABSTRACT The objective of the proposed traineeship program is to develop doctoral professionals in areas that can lead to more effective utilization of our natural resources and less impact upon the environment. The training of doctoral candidates will be accomplished through both research and enhanced educational activities centered around an integrated approach to addressing the interrelated problems of energy use and its effect upon the environment. Research will focus on innovative approaches for improving the energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of systems for a number of applications within the major energy use sectors: energy conversion, industrial, commercial and residential, and transportation. Specific features of the training program will include: 1) industrial collaboration and apprenticeships, 2) establishment of a seminar series for doctoral students, industrialists, and utility representatives, 3) development of a student-driven "research roundtable" for exchanging ideas between participating students and faculty, and 4) the development of new graduate courses. The research and educational program will be in interdisciplinary effort involving eight key faculty members from five major areas within the School of Mechanical Engineering and supported by several well- established state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. An award of an NSF Graduate Research Traineeship grant would provide support for ten traineeships and would create the basis for a new, long- term program in an area of critical national need.