Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman joins Wayne State College of Engineering students for discussion
DETROIT (May 16, 2012) - Wayne State University College of Engineering students met with Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman for a roundtable discussion on Friday, May 11, on Wayne State University's campus. The deputy secretary came to the College of Engineering to discuss STEM education and college affordability in the context of the administration's national energy strategy. In attendance was U.S. Representative and Wayne State alumnus John Conyers.
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Deputy Secretary Poneman spoke briefly on the importance of supporting students in their pursuit of affordable higher education and STEM-related degrees in order to secure good jobs, strengthen U.S. competitiveness in the global clean energy race, and advance an "All of the Above" energy strategy. During the discussion, students and college faculty asked Deputy Secretary Poneman questions ranging from the best business tactics for alternative energy companies to how to increase relationships between government-funded research institutions and universities. Deputy Secretary Poneman concluded the discussion by noting that the College of Engineering students have the support of both talented faculty and government to achieve great things.
"Wayne State University thanks Deputy Secretary Poneman for taking the time to meet with our students," said Farshad Fotouhi, dean of the College of Engineering. "His visit was a great opportunity for us to showcase the innovative work our students and faculty are doing in alternative energy."
Alternative energy initiatives at the College of Engineering include the development and implementation of programs in alternative energy technology and electric-drive vehicle technology, which was funded by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy; as well as participation in the EcoCAR 2 competition. Sponsored by General Motors and the Department of Energy along with more than 20 other government and industry leaders, EcoCAR 2 gives students the opportunity to gain real world eco-friendly automotive engineering experience while striving to further improve energy-efficiency. Members of the Wayne State University EcoCAR 2 team, Hybrid Warriors, were present at the discussion with Deputy Secretary Poneman.
"Our students packed the house and came armed with great questions and insights," said College of Engineering Associate Dean Darin Ellis. "The high level of discourse between our students and the Deputy Secretary showcased the depth of expertise and opportunity that our College offers in this area."
Wayne State's Office of Government and Community Affairs organized the event.