NSF TUES grant: A collaborative, multi-campus program to enhance STEM learning in energy science, technology and policy

We report on the results of a NSF Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (TUES) grant to support the interaction of six public campuses and one private university (five four-year institutions and two community colleges) to develop curricula and programs in energy science, technology and policy. The programs developed under this project leveraged resources at all the campuses to provide students with coursework that improves their knowledge of basic scientific concepts related to energy production, distribution and use, and introduces them to basic engineering fundamentals in sustainable energy. The multi-disciplinary program trains the students in a systems-based approach to energy technology, and enhanced understanding of how to analyze energy policy decisions (including the impact of technical, economic and regulatory factors). Several online and hybrid courses have been developed as part of this project to enhance accessibility and allow for crossregistration between campuses. Overall, courses developed or selected for the program introduce students to emergent energy technologies (including the smart grid and infrastructure systems of the future), probabilistic risk assessment, and the dynamics of various energy markets, including identifying changing energy needs on a local to a global scale. Data from surveys, combined with evidence from student portfolios and feedback from stakeholders, are presented to show how students in the program gain in their understanding of key concepts and how associated experiential activities, including internships, research experiences and exposure to real-world case studies. The ensuing energy education enhances students' preparation to meet the challenges of creating and using emerging technological solutions to current and future energy needs.