The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) is a world leader in energy and fuel science, and engineering. As energy security for the nation is severely tested in coming decades, research to develop new sources of energy and to make more efficient use of existing ones will be essential. I have implemented a major new energy stratey for EMS, called “Clean Carbon Energy” that is designed to propel the College into even greater international prominence in energy. The College is in an excellent position to lead Penn State toward becoming the world’s premier energy university.
The EMS Energy Institute will play a major role in assisting the College in achieving the objectives of this new initiative. The EMS Energy Institute is committed to providing academic and technical leadership in research and development of clean energy technologies, furthering the energy mission of the University, and educating the public on these technologies. The EMS Energy Institute provides Penn State students with the experience of conducting research within a diverse community of faculty and staff, while fostering strong relationships with industries and government agencies – relationships critical to nurturing career opportunities. The EMS Energy Institute also plays an increasing role in energy outreach.
The EMS Energy Institute works closely with faculty in the Energy and Mineral Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Geosciences departments. The number of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students performing research at the EMS Energy Institute is growing. Several new energy faculty have been hired by EMS in conjunction with the Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment over the last two years and many perform their research at the EMS Energy Institute. Research dollars are on the rise at the EMS Energy Institute. Highlighting new projects is a five-year $17.5 million strategic alliance with Chevron Corporation to develop liquid fuels from coal. This initiative is University-wide, but to-date, the majority of the research is being conducted at the EMS Energy Institute because of the Institute’s vast coal expertise. With more researchers, students and new projects come space and facility constraints. Recognizing this, I have worked with the Provost in the acquisition of a new ‘energy building’, with the primary occupant being the EMS Energy Institute. I am anticipating that the space will be available this summer.
Looking toward the future, I see the EMS Energy Institute as a critical component in helping the College lead Penn State toward becoming the world’s premier energy university. To make that happen, I am devoting resources to the EMS Energy Institute to support facility needs and personnel requirements to further the energy mission of the College.
Williams E. Easterling
Dean, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
