Framework and description of the M.S. graduate assistantship opportunity

1. The State of Wisconsin currently imports over $15 billion annually (or $3,000 per capita per year leaving the state) for energy purchases.  This is a heavy economic drain and a strong financial incentive exists to become energy self reliant. In 2006, the incumbent Governor signed “Wisconsin’s Declaration of Energy Independence,” which he said is a call to action for state government, universities, the private sector, and environmental and energy organizations.

The goals of the Declaration of Energy Independence are:

• To generate 25 percent of power and 25 percent of transportation fuels from renewable sources by the year 2025;
• To capture 10 percent of the emerging bioindustry market by 2030, using our biomass resources to produce fuel, power, and products; and
• To become a national leader in groundbreaking research that will make alternative energies more affordable and available-and to turn those discoveries into new, high paying jobs in Wisconsin.

2. Existing forestry, paper, and agriculture infrastructure exists in Wisconsin to undergird and expand biomass-derived power, liquid fuels for transportation, and other energy and co-products.  Wind-generated electricity, hydropower, solar energy technologies, and geothermal applications can contribute to a sustainable energy system in the state.

3. A comprehensive inventory of existing and available data on energy use, energy type and costs by sectors (utilities, transportation, residential, etc.) will be developed to provide the current energy picture of Wisconsin.  Projections of future energy use will be derived from existing energy demand forecasts and extrapolated using conservative estimates where needed.  Based on these projections coupled with available or soon available renewable energy and energy efficiency technology, a techno-economic model of energy self reliance for Wisconsin will be developed.  Recommendations for implementing actions and sequential steps needed for energy self reliance will be presented.

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The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a campus of 8,700 students, is located in beautiful Central Wisconsin and is committed to sustainability and increasing use of green energy and energy conservation. A vibrant rural community of approximately 40,000, Stevens Point is the gateway to Wisconsin’s spectacular Northern Woods, a treasure trove of outdoor scenery, resources and recreation.  The first conservation education major in the United States was established in 1946 at UWSP, and the College of Natural Resources is America’s largest undergraduate program in natural resources and environmental management.  The Global Environmental Management Education Center, the international arm of the College, is renowned for its leadership roles in sustainability, international education, and leadership development.

Application

Procedure &

Contact:            Submit completed UWSP and CNR graduate program applications electronically

(for UWSP application details see:

                        https://www.uwsp.edu/admissions/webpages/third_layer/gradapp.htm;

for CNR application details see:

Stacey Allen, CNR Graduate Program

College of Natural Resources

800 Reserve Street

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI 54481

Deadline:          For full consideration, submit all application materials electronically no later than

April 1, 2007.