Appalachian State University
ER-18: Sustainability Research Incentives

The Appalachian State University Energy Center provides student research grants as a financial incentive to conduct research related to energy and sustainability. The grants, up to $500 per student, are offered on a competitive basis and support student travel, supplies and equipment for research related to energy policy, renewable energy, smart grid development, climate change and energy efficiency. Grants were awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with the University Office of Student Research. Student research is also facilitated through graduate assistantships and part time work with faculty with support from sponsored faculty research. Many graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to engage in research initiatives throughout their time at the university. In many cases, the students assist in the preparation on not only support activities associated with the research project but also in conference or workshop presentations or the preparation of project posters which describe the nature of the research initiative. Graduate and undergraduate students also take advantage of working individually with faculty in directed or independent studies. Projects are designed to allow the student to concentrate on special projects and focus their studies on a policy or problem. Many of the students use this to further their understanding of energy and sustainability related topics and issues.

The Appalachian State University Energy Center has a stated mission to facilitate the work of faculty and students engaged in teaching, research and outreach activities associated with energy technologies, conservation, and policy. Appalachian Energy Center (AEC) at Appalachian State University was established in 2001 to conduct energy research and applied program activities in a multi-disciplinary environment. It focuses on energy efficiency, renewable energy, policy analysis, forecasting, and economic development. The AEC ties together faculty and staff from many different programs, departments, and colleges of the University including: Building Science, Appropriate Technology, Geography and Planning, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Political Science. AEC operates under the umbrella of Appalachian’s Research Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics (RIEEE) which was established in November 2008 to enhance research opportunities for faculty and students whose interests are associated with environmental science, renewable energy and economics. The RIEEE has three centers. Each center has research clusters all revolving around sustainability. Summaries of activities within each of the research clusters of the centers is included in the RIEEE Annual Report. When faculty submit a proposal a portion of the indirect cost goes back to the principal investigator/s as research seed money. The RIEEE and the University Office of Sponsored Programs also provide competitive grants to support faculty research activities and supports faculty and student travel.