Undergraduate education is essential to the University and to the mission of ND Energy. At ND Energy, there are several opportunities for students to learn about energy, the impact it has on the environment, and what they can do to create a more sustainable energy future for all. Students interested in energy can enroll in the Energy Studies Minor, apply for research fellowships, and participate in hands-on activities during Energy Week.
The Energy Studies Minor (ESM) is open to all undergraduate students across campus. First offered in 2012, more than 25 students have completed the minor, with 20 new students finishing in 2016. Each year, more and more students are becoming interested in energy and as this excitement grows, so too does the enrollment numbers in the ESM.
Undergraduate research fellowships provide research opportunities and funding for students to conduct energy-related research in Notre Dame laboratories with ND Energy faculty. The Vincent P. Slatt Endowment for Undergraduate Research in Energy Systems and Processes allows up to 13 students each year to work in the energy labs and attend a related conference to present their work. Since 2006, Slatt fellowships have been made possible through the generosity of Christopher (ND ’80) and Jeanine Slatt in honor of Vincent P. Slatt, Notre Dame Class of 1943. In addition to Slatt fellowships, each year since 2009, an undergraduate student has been allowed to study solar energy research through the generosity of John (ND ‘00) and Karla Forgash. These two fellowships combined have provided support to more than 85 undergraduate students and over $388,000 in funding for undergraduate education in energy research at Notre Dame.
Notre Dame Energy Week is a week-long celebration of energy activities across campus. Run by the undergraduate students, this event focuses on raising awareness and providing educational opportunities for fellow undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and the local community. Since 2007, ND Energy has provided the resources for students to learn through leadership, involvement, and interactions with renowned experts some of the most critical issues and topics in energy facing us today.
For more information, contact Barbara Villarosa, ND Energy Program Manager.
Originally published by at energy.nd.edu on February 26, 2016.