Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize Empowering The Future Energy Workforce

Team Goals

New academic programs

We are continuing with our new curriculum for CEAN (Clean Energy Ambassadors Network) that incorporates student research/innovation teams (“incubators”) working with faculty and industry mentors to address local challenges related to climate change and its impact on disadvantaged communities.

Industry collaborations

With campus research focused on the environment, sustainability and clean energy, along with the need for additional student-industry engagement in those areas, we believe this DOE Prize is a catalyst to develop new, or strengthen existing, industry collaborations.

Entrepreneurial activities

Entrepreneurs in Residence (WSU Tri-Cities) program provides students with direct connections to successful entrepreneurs for mentorship so that students may scale ideas from concepts into reality. They collaborate with Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce staff to provide industry mentorship and real-world, community-based projects ideas for CEAN (Clean Energy Ambassadors Network) student incubator team projects.

You’re invited to be part of the Clean Energy Ambassadors Network!

WSU Tri-Cities named winner of Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize!

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) named Washington State University Tri-Cities a grand-prize winner in the final phase of the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize. As one of six winners, WSU Tri-Cities was awarded $250,000 to continue its Empowering the Future Energy Workforce plan, which includes developing an energy and environment certificate that will prepare students to join the next generation of clean energy leaders and thinkers.

Empowering the Future Energy Workforce

Check out CEAN student ambassador-industry mentor teams in action!

Partnerships and Collaborations

Curriculum Design

Industry Mentorship

Community Outreach

Student Opportunities

Community Classroom Series

Workforce Equity: Perspectives From Local Women Working in Climate and Clean Energy Fields

March 29 | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
OPEN TO STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY & TRI-CITIES COMMUNITY

WSU Tri-Cities will host several presentations on the concept of climate justice during its “Community Classroom” series. The concept of “climate justice” involves the ways in which climate change can have differing social, economic, public health and other impacts on underprivileged populations and communities.

Meet the team

Jillian Cadwell

WSU Tri-Cities

Team Lead

WSU Tri-Cities Research Associate and Civil Engineering Adjunct Professor; her research incorporates the development of STEM mentoring models for underserved students that are designed for community, industry, and education system partnerships.

Kate McAteer

WSU Tri-Cities

Co-Lead

WSU Tri-Cities Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs; Chief Academic Officer for the campus and leads Excelencia in Education and Learner Success Lab initiatives for student success.

Sandra Haynes

WSU Tri-Cities

Team Member

WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor; represents the campus within the University system and serves as a liaison with local communities, organizations and industries.

Paul Carlisle Headshot

Paul Carlisle

WSU Tri-Cities

Team Member

Entrepreneurs in Residence Program Coordinator and School of Business Adjunct Professor, WSU Tri-Cities.

Judy Morrison

Judy Morrison

WSU Tri-Cities

Team Member

WSU Tri-Cities Associate Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Programs. Professor of Science Education and the Academic Director of the College of Education

Raul Contreras

Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Team Member

Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mentor Liaison.

Martin Valadez

Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Team Member

Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

Sarai Lopez

WSU Tri-Cities

Program Assistant

Other Key Personnel: Peer Mentors (recruited by the Office of Academic and Student Affairs), Industry Mentors (recruited by the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneurs in Residence Program)

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