REU Site: Summer Academy in Sustainable BioEnergy

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This is a renewal of an REU site around the theme of sustainable bioenergy that trains future scientists and engineers with the skills and perspective necessary to address the world's future energy needs. To accomplish this, students perform research in sustainable energy, attend seminars on topics related to sustainability and personal development, and work on a team project related to sustainable energy. Students are required to present their research in a symposium at the end of the program as well as report their findings on a website. Nine students are recruited each year for a 10-week summer program. Targeted recruitment is done to enhance the diversity of the REU participants. The program impacts the REU participants by providing them training in the skills and knowledge they need for research in sustainable energy, giving them a sense of the broader picture of sustainability, and helping them develop the personal skills they will need to be successful engineers and scientists. Sixty percent of the past participants who have graduated with a BS degree are now in graduate studies. One hundred percent of the participants indicated that the REU program positively impacted their career.Intellectual Merit:The research produced by the REU students under the guidance of their faculty mentors advance the state of knowledge in sustainable energy. Researchers will make advancements in the areas of conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals, development of sustainable agricultural practices, and advance the understanding of how rural communities are impacted by these systems.Broader Impacts:This REU site provides a rich research experience focused on the personal and professional development of the participants. Students will gain not only the technical abilities required to conduct research in sustainable energy, but also become aware of the social and political issues associated with sustainable energy. By being involved in a team project on sustainable energy, students learn to seek outside sources of information and gain an increased capacity for self-directed learning and original investigation.