Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Students Win DOE Internships
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Introduction
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University engineering students Jared Williams and Spencer Marinac have been awarded highly competitive paid summer internships at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) after winning the top prize at the 2024 JUMP Into STEM Challenge. Their project, focused on thermal energy storage to reduce energy consumption in the residential sector, aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Competition Success
Williams and Marinac presented their project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee and secured 10-week internships at either ORNL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado, or Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Washington. This opportunity allows them to gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and contribute to research in their field.
Individual Experiences
Williams, a senior Mechanical Engineering student from Jacksonville, Florida, is enrolled in the accelerated master’s degree program. He expressed his excitement about the internship and the chance to tour the national lab. Marinac, a senior Mechanical Engineering student from Avon, Ohio, who plans to pursue a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, highlighted the practical application of his classroom knowledge through this project.
Impact and Future Plans
The winning project aims to reduce energy consumption and lower electricity costs for homeowners by installing a modular thermal energy storage system. This system can work alongside existing heating and cooling systems, reducing energy consumption during peak hours and providing backup energy during power outages. The team will now build and test a prototype of their design, supported by funding from Embry-Riddle’s College of Engineering and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Recognition and Validation
Embry-Riddle’s success in thermal energy research has been recognized through multiple National Laboratory internships and participation in DOE programs. Dr. Sandra Boetcher, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and director of the Thermal Science Laboratory, emphasized the significance of this win for the university and the laboratory’s reputation in the thermal energy storage field.
Conclusion
The achievements of Jared Williams and Spencer Marinac in winning DOE internships highlight the importance of sustainable energy solutions in achieving the SDGs. Their project contributes to Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University continues to foster innovation and research in the field of thermal energy storage, positioning itself as a major player in the buildings technology sector.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
-
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
- Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
- Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes | Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities |
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are related to energy consumption, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure. Based on these issues, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
This SDG is directly connected to the article as it focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Targets:
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
Indicators:
- Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
This SDG is relevant as it aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
Targets:
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
Indicators:
- Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This SDG is relevant as it focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Targets:
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
Indicators:
- Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news.erau.edu
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