Texas A&M University Researchers Focus on Alternative Energy Sources

The aim of a $60,000 grant awarded to two Texas A&M University at Galveston researchers is to teach students about the value of renewable energy sources and then teach them how to create devices like solar panels and wind turbines. For the initiative, Texas A&M Presidential Transformational Teaching Grant was awarded to Irfan Khan, an instructional assistant professor in the Department of Marine Engineering, and Jenna Lamphere, an assistant professor of sociology.

It will be conducted through the Marine Engineering Technology Department’s CARES (Clean And Resilient Energy Systems) lab. Khan said, “We will purchase a solar/wind energy training system that will demonstrate how wind turbines and solar cells are being used in the consumer and industrial markets to supplement the world’s power needs.”

According to him, the programme looks at how sunlight and wind can be used to help minimise reliance on non-renewable fuel sources. By studying the economics, productivity, and low environmental impact of extracting energy from non-polluting, renewable sources, students can gain a “complete perspective” of the industry.

The grant is particularly relevant for future clean-energy studies, according to Alok Verma, professor and head of marine engineering technology. Students will learn about the history, fundamentals, installation, operation, maintenance, and servicing of solar and wind energy systems, according to Khan and his colleagues. She added that the project blends the benefits of sustainability education with project-based learning to provide students with the skills they need to become “sustainability vanguards.”

The project will focus on educating Texas A&M-Galveston students, but applicants from all over the world will be able to earn online training certificates. The CARES lab is dedicated to the use and advancement of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, tidal, and wave energy.