By Flynn Espe

Twelve students from the Washington State University system have received the 2025-26 Power & Energy Society (PES) , making WSU the top institutional producer of PES scholars for this award year.

The PES Scholarship Plus is presented on behalf of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and can award students up to $10,000 over a three-year period. The scholarship is given to high-achieving undergraduate students majoring in an IEEE-designated field of study who are pursuing careers in power and energy.

The 12 WSU students, who hail from three system campuses, comprised almost a third of the 38 total PES scholars chosen from colleges and universities in IEEE鈥檚 Western U.S.A. region, a cluster that includes 12 states. The students are:

• Katelyn Albertin, 午夜剧场
• Gianni Avilan Losee, WSU Vancouver
• Gerrit Bruland, WSU Pullman
• Hugo Contreras, 午夜剧场
• Jacob Culligan, 午夜剧场
• Daniel Gapper, WSU Pullman
• David Hysjulien, 午夜剧场
• Jesus Miranda, 午夜剧场
• Miguel Palomino, 午夜剧场
• Jessica Pantoja-Garcia, WSU Vancouver
• Tarang Teredesai, WSU Pullman
• Manuella Tossa, 午夜剧场

Bruland and Tossa are both two-time recipients.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be considering a career in electric power and energy engineering, having earned a minimum number of academic credits within those areas of study. Applicants are evaluated by way of grades, achievements, work experiences, and volunteer activities. Selection is also based on the quality of the institution鈥檚 academic programs and curriculum related to power and energy engineering.

Palomino, a first-time recipient majoring in electrical engineering with minors in computer science and mathematics, found out about the PES scholarship through his academic advisor. He says he鈥檚 currently interested in working on energy systems that are healthier for the environment, noting that emerging technologies like ChatGPT and other large language models have proven to be heavily energy dependent.

As a student intern at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) since 2023, Palomino has contributed to research projects involving high-voltage systems analysis for an experimental time projection chamber, the creation of an automatic cooling system, and more.

鈥淢y second project at PNNL, I created a standalone digital display system for a pressure transducer,鈥� Palomino said. 鈥淔or this, I had to integrate a microcontroller, analog-to-digital converter, and a digital display screen. This system required me to create a voltage divider to scale down the input signal to prevent any damage to the components.鈥�

After earning his associate鈥檚 degree from Columbia Basin College, Palomino transferred to 午夜剧场 as a part of the Bridges Program and expects to graduate with his bachelor鈥檚 in electrical engineering in the spring of 2027.

鈥淚 feel honored to be recognized by IEEE,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is encouraging to know that others have faith in me and are willing to give me that support which I greatly need.鈥�

Pantoja-Garcia, who transferred from Clark College to WSU Vancouver in 2023, said she became interested in the field thanks to power-related projects and classes, as well as her participation in the PNW Hydro Think Tank Competition. At WSU Vancouver, it was her Intro to Power and Energy Systems course and two key electives 鈥� Renewable Energy Conversion Systems and Introduction to Solar Cells 鈥� that further cemented her enthusiasm.

鈥淏oth of these electives stood out to me from other electrical engineering classes I have taken because they involved learning with a project-based approach,鈥� Pantoja-Garcia said. 鈥淎s a student, I have found that when I am tasked with projects instead of problem sets, I feel more involved and a sense of ownership over my education.鈥�

Outside of the classroom, Pantoja-Garcia took part in two four-month electrical engineering internships with Burns & McDonnell 鈥� an architecture, engineering, and construction firm. She recently joined the company as a full-time assistant substation engineer after graduating in December with a bachelor鈥檚 in electrical engineering.

鈥淚 spent most of my time working on substation projects,鈥� Pantoja-Garcia said. 鈥淚n my application, I described how my internship allowed me to take on projects that directly affected our electric grid and that it taught me the importance of making safe and smart design choices.鈥�

The PES Scholarship Plus program grew sharply over the past year, increasing from 84 PES scholars in 2024 to 244 in 2025. The jump was driven in part by expanded eligibility, which now includes majors such as computer science, technical communications, education, and more. WSU students outpaced that growth, rising from two scholars last year to 12 this year.

According to Noel Schulz, inaugural director of the 午夜剧场 and Bob Ferguson endowed professor, who joined the IEEE board of directors in 2024, it鈥檚 a promising sign for the trajectory of WSU鈥檚 programs.

鈥淭his is a significant accomplishment for the entire WSU system,鈥� Schulz said. 鈥淚t’s encouraging to see that our students are excelling not only in the labs and classrooms on campus but also being recognized by professional societies like IEEE PES.听 The WSU system continues to be a strong program in electrical power education and research. It鈥檚 a true testament to our incredible engineering faculty and curriculum that WSU is producing so many talented and committed students.鈥�

By Flynn Espe

The听Washington State University听Tri-Cities听Institute for Northwest Energy Futures听(INEF)听hosted a packed-house event on Wednesday, as community leaders from education, energy, and other local industries gathered to celebrate the听launch of an educational small modular reactor (SMR)听control room听simulator.

The simulator is housed at the INEF building听and will be听operated听in听partnership with听听and Columbia Basin College (CBC). Developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy鈥檚 Community Capacity Building Grant Program, the space is designed to advance workforce readiness in advanced nuclear energy and strengthen the pipeline of skilled talent needed to support the region鈥檚 growing energy sector.听Students will gain听hands-on experience with operational scenarios modeled on听听Xe-100 advanced SMR technology.

鈥淲e are thrilled to be a partner in this effort to expand education and outreach within the rapidly growing field of advanced nuclear energy,鈥� said Sandra Haynes, 午夜剧场 chancellor. 鈥淭his program is especially relevant to this region given the strong nuclear presence and planned future expansion. Preparing the workforce for these next-generation SMR facilities will require collaboration, commitment, and forward鈥憈hinking initiatives like this one.鈥�

Students from both听WSU听and听CBC听will have access to the technology as part of their academic programs. The simulator is also expected to provide scenario training for Energy Northwest employees, while also serving as a site for community outreach visits aimed at educating the public on advanced nuclear energy.

鈥淐ollaboration with industry and higher education partners is critical to ensuring we develop a local workforce to support our community today and in the future,鈥� said Rebekah S. Woods, CBC鈥檚 president. 鈥淲e know that practical, hands-on experiences are key to helping students discover career pathways they may not have considered before.鈥�

In 2024, Energy Northwest announced an agreement with Amazon and X鈥慹nergy to build up to 12 small modular reactors, called the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, near听Energy Northwest鈥檚听Columbia Generating Station听鈥斕齮he Pacific Northwest鈥檚 only commercial nuclear power plant. The Cascade facility is expected to create up to 1,000 temporary construction jobs and at least 100 permanent positions once fully operational.

For WSU students, the SMR simulator will provide a powerful听applied-learning听component听to existing coursework in mechanical engineering, energy dynamics, and听.听WSU听Pullman听has a听1-megawatt听听and certificate听programs听in听nuclear听materials,听science, and听engineering听that听provide听additional听pathways into nuclear energy听studies and听careers.听Going forward,听Pullman students in those fields will have听opportunities听to visit the Tri-Cities听to use the听simulator,听and听the reactor operations program will听likewise听be expanded to听incorporate students from听the Tri-Cities campus听鈥� providing听hands-on education and exposure to traditional and advanced nuclear听technologies alike.

By Carmine Hanks

Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures鈥� (INEF) Director Noel Schulz was recently elected to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Board of Directors.

The IEEE is the world鈥檚 largest technical professional organization known for bringing together engineers, scientists, and professionals to promote the development of technology and its applications worldwide. Schulz, Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor, will serve as the Division VII Director-Elect for 2025 and Division VII Director for 2026 and 2027. She will steer IEEE initiatives and policies that enhance the organization’s mission to foster technological innovation for the benefit of humanity.

鈥淚 am deeply honored to join the IEEE Board of Directors,鈥� Schulz said. 鈥淭his role represents an opportunity to collaborate with global leaders in engineering and technology, ensuring IEEE continues to be at the forefront of innovation and professional development.

Many of today鈥檚 pressing engineering challenges are in power and energy and demand complex, cross-cutting solutions. Schulz鈥檚 strategic vision and commitment to finding opportunities in challenges will be pivotal in guiding IEEE鈥檚 efforts to tackle critical societal issues such as energy transition, climate change, and technological equity.

鈥淭he engineering community eagerly anticipates her contributions, confident that her expertise and leadership will enhance IEEE鈥檚 mission,鈥� said Partha Pande, interim dean of the WSU Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. 鈥淚n this leadership position, Schulz represents to an international audience the importance of ongoing support for academic institutions such as WSU in preparing a qualified and resourceful鈥痜uture workforce.鈥�

Previously, Schulz served as a volunteer leader for 12 years on the IEEE Power & Engineering Society (PES) Governing Board, including two years as PES president. The Division VII Director position is elected by the 38,000+ members of the IEEE PES, reflecting the trust and respect Schulz has garnered among IEEE members globally.

Schulz has made significant impacts in the field of power and energy, one of the key areas encompassed by Division VII, which also includes industry applications and electronic materials. Before becoming INEF鈥檚 director, Schulz served as the Edmund O. Schweitzer III Chair in Power Apparatus and Systems at WSU, where she built an exceptional career focused on power systems engineering, academic leadership, and energy sustainability.

Additionally, Schulz brings expertise in coordinating global efforts and humanitarian work. She was the U.S. administrative lead for the Department of Energy-funded U.S.-India Collaborative for Smart Distribution Systems with Storage (UI-ASSIST) and worked to bring electricity to Harnoo village in India, significantly enhancing its women’s quality of life and economic security.

鈥淣oel will do great things in this role,鈥� stated Sandra Haynes, chancellor for 午夜剧场. 鈥淎s a renowned engineer and educator, this achievement spotlights Noel鈥檚 longstanding contributions to the engineering community and her leadership in advancing innovation and talented individuals within the field.鈥�

By Carmine Hanks

With more than 200 attendees at the ribbon-cutting and open house for Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF), it was evident that there is momentum behind INEF’s vision for a future where clean energy systems harmonize with the environment, economy, and society.

The grand opening on Oct. 2 featured remarks from WSU leadership, federal and state government officials and a proclamation read by the mayor of Richland.

鈥淎cquiring this building as INEF鈥檚 new home is both the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new era in clean energy innovation,鈥� said 午夜剧场 Chancellor, and longtime INEF champion, Sandra Haynes.

The INEF building, located in the Tri-Cities Research District just a few blocks from the 午夜剧场 campus, features a high bay and four laboratory spaces being offered for lease. Office spaces include hoteling spaces for visiting WSU faculty and staff and a large open space waiting to be converted into a community classroom by a sponsor.

Haynes noted that INEF鈥檚 location in the Tri-Cities positions 午夜剧场 to utilize the decarbonized energy resources found in the region while also developing strategic partnerships with local industry for research and development, scalability testing, trusted analysis to guide change, and readying the energy-sector workforce.

INEF was spearheaded with a gift from Tri-Citian Bob Ferguson, who knew that an institute such as INEF could help solidify the Tri-Cities as a model energy hub.听 A few years later, Governor Jay Inslee and the Washington state legislature, also supported the institute with funds allowing for the appointment of the Inaugural Director and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor, Noel Schulz, three assistant directors, seven faculty and six staff members.

“It was exciting to welcome the community to our open house today to learn about INEF’s systems approach to clean energy,” remarked Schulz.

The event was a testament to the Washingtonian community that supports INEF. Congressman Dan Newhouse also recognized INEF’s potential, advocating that the work accomplished at INEF will influence policies across the state and serve as a model for others to follow.听 Governor Jay Inslee sent a recorded message confirming his ongoing support for INEF鈥檚 mission. WSU President Kirk Schulz expressed his admiration for the community鈥檚 support for another new initiative that fulfills WSU’s value as a land-grant University.

INEF is also playing a leading role in bridging siloes in the WSU system and will work to coordinate research and industry partners from across the energy sector.听 “We know the sum can be greater than the parts,” notes Schulz.

Self-guided tours of the building allowed attendees to see the space, and learn more about WSU energy research, education and outreach from close to 65 individuals representing more than 25 entities from across the WSU system who attended the inaugural INEF-sponsored Energy Summit earlier in the day.

How are we going to meet the clean energy demands of the future? The Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) invites the community to learn the answer to this vital question at an open house and ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 4:30 鈥� 6 p.m.

The transition to clean energy is a complex, multi-stakeholder problem that INEF is positioned to tackle by coordinating and connecting WSU energy efforts and partners to innovate systems-level clean energy and carbon-neutral solutions. “The complexity of the energy ecosystem requires us to work beyond traditional boundaries and technical silos,鈥� says Noel Schulz, INEF’s inaugural director. 鈥淚NEF is excited to collaborate across the WSU system and with the state of Washington.鈥�

Schulz is joined by Assistant Director for Engineering and Environment, Yonas Demissie; Assistant Director for Agriculture, Extension and Outreach, Chad Kruger; and the new WSU Energy Program Director, Georgine Yorgey. 鈥淭hese talented leaders embody the multifaceted and comprehensive approach INEF is taking toward a clean energy future,鈥� said Schulz.

INEF has identified nearly 30 groups in the WSU system involved in energy-related efforts. Its goal is to connect these groups, along with policymakers, other researchers and stakeholders, with the ideas, expertise and analytics to create actionable solutions. In addition to growing these connections, INEF plans to leverage 午夜剧场鈥� ongoing educational activities and capabilities along with the Tri-Cities regional energy hub to develop the needed workforce.

The open house serves as an opportunity to further educate stakeholders and the community at large about how it will work as a connector, bringing various entities together to form the bigger solution.

Sandra Haynes, chancellor at 午夜剧场, spearheaded the institute in 2021 along with a $500,000 gift from the late Bob Ferguson, a visionary leader at the Hanford site and 午夜剧场 advocate. INEF was solidified in July 2023 after Gov. Inslee and the Washington Legislature approved funding to hire administrators, staff and faculty. 鈥淲e are so excited to have INEF up and running and in a space of its own. This has been a vision for so many of us and I am pleased to welcome the community to come see how we are responding to the big questions involved with moving from clean up to clean energy.鈥�

INEF is located at 2892 Pauling Ave., in Richland. The open house will feature brief remarks from WSU leadership and stakeholders, tours, interactive displays and networking opportunities. For those interested in attending, registration is requested by completing a

Washington State University鈥檚 new听Institute for Northwest Energy Futures听(INEF) is partnering with the WSU Extension Energy Program to innovate solutions for a tricky Northwest problem: How to better supply affordable, sustainable energy to the people and enterprises of Washington state?

The institute is led by inaugural Director Noel Schulz, WSU鈥檚 first lady and professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

鈥淚NEF is committed to building bridges with the WSU Extension Energy Program to address the pressing energy challenges facing our region,鈥� Schulz said. 鈥淭hrough this partnership, we aim to position Washington for a cleaner energy future by taking initiative on key decarbonization goals while continuing to meet our energy needs.鈥�

To better connect each institution, long-standing WSU Extension faculty member Chad Kruger has been appointed as the INEF assistant director for Extension, agriculture, and outreach. Kruger, who directs WSU鈥檚听听(CSANR), a WSU Extension program with a history of energy-related work, will now split his responsibilities between INEF and CSANR.

The new institute will draw on the boots-on-the-ground expertise of WSU Extension鈥檚 Energy Program, a public-serving project with roots in the 1970s that began in response to the energy crises of that decade.

鈥淭he Extension Energy Program brings a track record of addressing real-world energy challenges in the Northwest and beyond,鈥� Kruger said. 鈥淭hey have over 40 years鈥� experience of practical energy impacts and outreach.鈥�

Kruger himself has worked on a range of energy initiatives across Extension and WSU鈥檚 College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, from food production to food processing and storage. With this new partnership, he sees potential for bridging WSU energy research and academics with Extension outreach and service.

The WSU Extension Energy Program operates similarly to a consulting firm. Self-funded through contracts, the program offers information and expertise to businesses, utilities, local governments, tribes, schools, and consumers.

Its main area of focus is Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Projects also bring WSU expertise to other states and countries. Contracts with Nike, for example, led to proposed energy-saving initiatives for manufacturing plants in Vietnam and China.

Jim Colombo, interim director of the WSU Extension Energy Program, often sees the significant cost and energy savings that can result from seemingly minor adjustments to business operations.

鈥淥rganizations are often surprised at the amount of money saved from something as simple as switching out incandescent and fluorescent lamps with LED lighting or increasing the amount of insulation,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 lot of our work deals with improving residential energy efficiencies, such as testing carbon dioxide-based heat pumps in multiple environments around the state.鈥�

The WSU Extension Energy Program is currently seeking a permanent director to help lead it through a new era of service to the Pacific Northwest.

鈥淭here is so much potential and opportunity ahead,鈥� Kruger said. 鈥淎t the nexus, INEF brings a high level of academic assets, scientific rigor, and policy expertise to the table. These innovative partnerships are going to drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable energy future.鈥�

By Lacey Desserault

Noel Schulz has been appointed to the Bob Ferguson Endowed Professorship at Washington State University Tri-Cities. This follows Schulz鈥檚 recent appointment to inaugural director of the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) in Aug. 2023.

As an endowed professor, Schulz will provide expertise and guidance in furthering the INEF鈥檚 function of research, development, and education associated with realizing the 21^st century low-carbon energy transitions over the next decades in the region. The role allows Schulz to conduct scholarly work related to INEF鈥檚 clean energy goals and hire graduate assistants.

鈥淚t is an honor to be named the Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor. His leadership in the Tri-Cities and energy field provided momentum for INEF and its activities,鈥� said Noel Schulz. 鈥淭his support will assist me in continuing research activities in the INEF area.鈥�

The funding for the professorship position was gifted to the WSU Foundation by Bob Ferguson, a veteran in the nuclear field and longtime supporter of 午夜剧场鈥� clean energy initiatives. Ferguson鈥檚 donations also helped establish INEF in hopes that the funds would contribute to a clean energy future by developing pathways for developing, integrating, and sustaining the resources of the region. This gift helped lay the foundation for the recent investment by the state of Washington for INEF activities.

鈥淣oel鈥檚 leadership and expertise will be great assets to the institute,鈥� said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of 午夜剧场. 鈥淗er enthusiasm for the work and mission of INEF are evident and I look forward to the progress she will make in this new role.鈥�

Panelists discussed research on energy initiatives featuring: Noel Schulz, INEF director; Yonas Demissie, INEF assistant director; Josh Heyne, BSEL director; and Sarah Roley, associate professor, School of the Environment.

By Lacey Desserault

For some students at Washington State University Tri-Cities, scholarships and financial aid can be life-changing. An estimated 55% of students at 午夜剧场 do not pay out-of-pocket for tuition, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits without the stress of financing it.

For Edgar Bustamante, a junior in the electrical engineering program, the road to educational success has not been easy. 鈥淎s a first-generation college student and an immigrant, my educational journey has been both challenging and rewarding. For a long time, I have been dedicated to financing my education entirely out of pocket, striving to achieve my academic goals against all odds,鈥� he said.

With the help of two 午夜剧场 staff members, Bustamante was able to receive assistance through financial aid, and was the recipient of two scholarships, including the Lee D. Phillip Electrical Engineering Scholarship Endowment and the Atkins Engineering Scholarship.

鈥淎ttaining a more secure financial footing will significantly contribute to fostering a positive and focused mindset throughout my educational journey at WSU. By alleviating the burden of financial stress, I can wholeheartedly dedicate myself to my academic pursuits, and make the most of my university experience,鈥� he said.

Bustamante credits Jana Kay Lunstad, campus registrar and director of financial aid, and Stassia Feltes, interim director of GEAR UP OVP Programs, for helping him along the way.

鈥淛ana Kay has actively helped me get the most out of my financial aid and scholarships. Her help has literally made the difference between being able to attend full time versus part time some semesters. Stassia helped me from day one at 午夜剧场. I enrolled during Covid and was dealing with some hardships related to that, as well as other life events. There was a point where I didn’t know if I could even stay in school. Stassia went out of her way to help me work around my external problems and keep me on the track to being able to stay at WSU,鈥� Bustamante said.

“Working in financial aid and scholarships is a privilege because it allows me to connect with students and it鈥檚 rewarding to assist them in securing funds for their education,鈥� said Lunstad. 鈥淚’ve worked with Edgar for two years and admire his determination to excel in school while balancing work and family commitments. He embodies the qualities employers seek. I take pride in connecting him with these donors and opportunities.”

When Feltes first met with Bustamante online through TRIO during the pandemic she recognized his strong desire to pursue higher education despite facing some unfortunate and challenging situations. 鈥淚 kept reaching out to Edgar to check in and provided all the necessary support possible so he could stay close to his goal of earning his bachelors. He kept pushing through and showed his resilience in the face of adversity,鈥� said Feltes. 鈥淲hen I met Edgar in person for the first time on campus, I was so excited to see him there and knew he was going to continue to persevere.鈥�

From an early age, Bustamante knew he wanted to pursue a career in engineering. 鈥淚 always knew I wanted to become an engineer and was partial to the electrical field due to my dad being an electrical motor technician. Once I started taking introductory engineering classes in middle school, I found electrical to be the most challenging, which spiked my interest in the field even further,鈥� he said.

Thanks to the scholarships and the university鈥檚 local industry partners, Bustamante was able to participate in several internships alongside his classes. 鈥淚 have completed an internship with Cadwell Industries during the summer 2023 and am currently participating in a co-op internship with HMIS that will hopefully last through graduation.鈥�

Outside of classes, Bustamante has supplemented his education with extracurricular activities. 鈥淚 am in the CEAN (Clean Energy Ambassadors Network) Energy program, where I am an ambassador,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur team got second place during our CEAN clean energy presentation back in the spring 2023 semester. I am also a part of TRIO, which I am hoping to be a little more involved in during this academic year. I also joined our SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) chapter and will be looking to join IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).鈥�

Bustamante plans to graduate in the spring of 2025 and will pursue a career in electrical engineering. 鈥淢y enduring commitment is to embrace a lifelong learning journey, continuously striving to attain mastery in the discipline I am pursuing throughout my career. I hope to continue to expand my knowledge of the field through whatever emphasis I end up pursuing within the electrical field. The engineering program, which has been an invaluable source of knowledge and growth for me, has provided numerous opportunities for learning and development.鈥�

Learn more about scholarships at 午夜剧场.

By Lacey Desserault

Noel Schulz has been appointed the inaugural director and Yonas Demissie the assistant director of 午夜剧场’ Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF). Schulz鈥檚 wealth of experience and expertise in the fields of engineering and energy and Demissie鈥檚 background in water, climate change, and energy will be assets for INEF as the institute helps to further establish the Tri-Cities as a sustainable energy hub for the state of Washington and the nation.听听

Schulz is the Edmund O. Schweitzer III Chair in Power Apparatus and Systems in the WSU Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. Her experience includes teaching courses in renewable and distributed energy generation, energy conversion, and smart grid technologies. Her published research focuses on power systems modeling and analysis, smart grid applications, microgrids, renewable energy, and shipboard power systems, and her work has been funded by several agencies, including the US Departments of Energy, Defense, and Homeland Security.听听

鈥淚 am honored to be the INEF inaugural director and work with 午夜剧场鈥� Chancellor Haynes. INEF provides an excellent opportunity for WSU to leverage system expertise including all campuses and extension to advance clean energy solutions across the region, state and beyond,鈥� said Schulz. 鈥淚 look forward to relocating to the Tri-Cities area and working more closely with 午夜剧场 and local leaders on energy-related topics.鈥�听

Demissie is an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at 午夜剧场. His research interests include systems analysis and optimization of water-energy-climate nexus to improve sustainability and resilience of the energy system. Before he joined WSU, he was at Argonne National Laboratory studying the relationship between water resources and biofuel and other renewable energy sources. He also led various research projects and published several articles related to the potential impacts of climate change on water, infrastructure resilience to climate change and uncertainty, and impacts of droughts on electric production and distribution.听听

鈥淚 am honored to lead the clean energy center along with Dr. Schulz and work with faculties, students, and community and industry partners to accelerate clean energy and climate solution innovation in Washington and expand the state鈥檚 clean energy workforce,鈥� Demissie said.听 鈥淭he center can serve as a central hub for coordinating, facilitating, and accelerating the ongoing efforts towards building a cleaner, more sustainable energy future in Washington.鈥�听

Centered at the 午夜剧场 campus, INEF utilizes scientific expertise to guide the transition into maintaining safe, economic, and reliable energy systems. These systems aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and have more equitable social outcomes through a systems approach, as the demand for more resilient, affordable, and available low-carbon electricity and transportation fuels increases. The INEF initiative will integrate new and existing scientific capacity in engineering, the environment, economics, business, and society to produce objective research and analysis. The goal is to act as a conduit between science and policy for the clean energy transition and communicate it effectively to consumers.听听

鈥淭he Institute for Northwest Energy Futures will bridge the gap between science and policy for innovations in clean energy by leveraging WSU research expertise in power, transportation, fuels, and other areas in a systems analysis approach. Located on the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus, WSU and research partners such as the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are well-positioned to leverage scientific expertise to translate advancements in research into development of resilient clean energy transitions aimed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and address equity issues in energy policy and production,鈥� said Christopher Keane, vice president for research at WSU and vice chancellor for research at WSU Pullman. 鈥淎s a nationally recognized expert in power systems engineering, Noel brings a wealth of scientific knowledge that will help to establish connections and collaborations needed to integrate WSU鈥檚 relevant scientific capacity with the Institute, communities, industry, and policymakers.鈥�听

Earlier this year, the state approved $7.7 million for the 2023-25 biennium to hire researchers and staff and secure a new facility to house the institute. The institute will hire eight scientists and engineers 鈥� five, including the director, will be located at 午夜剧场, and three will be at WSU Pullman. The 午夜剧场 scientists will bring experience in energy data analytics, social impacts, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis.听听

鈥淒r. Schulz and Dr. Demissie bring a depth and breadth of experience to this position that will be necessary to move the institute forward,鈥� said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of 午夜剧场. 鈥淒r. Schulz鈥檚 work with the PNNL/WSU Advanced Grid Institute is of particular relevance and will serve her in building out INEF. She is a proven leader, educator, researcher, and collaborator ready to bring INEF to its full potential.鈥�听

For more information about INEF and 午夜剧场, visit 听