Eastern Illinois University Sustainability - Acadmics

Planned Projects and Coursework

Examples of integrative research projects that will support faculty and student scholarship in a variety of departments and disciplines include:

• The study of synthesis gas to be converted into pure hydrogen or liquid fuel as a source of renewable energy.
• The impact of “biochar” (a gasification byproduct) on the carbon-capture and ecological systems.
• Economic, geographic, geological, historical, political and sociological issues related to biomass or other clean energy sources.

The Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Economics, Geology-Geography, Physics, and Technology have identified research projects focused on the study and uses of biomass. Once demonstrations of the research-scale gasification reactor begin, at least 100 students each semester will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the gasification process.

Of these, approximately 10 will then begin conducting research on their own or collaborating on research with faculty mentors. Plans also are underway to provide demonstrations of the gasifier to students in area schools and community colleges, not only to enable them to understand the nature and benefits of clean energy, but also to ignite their interest in science and technology.

In addition, CENCERE (Center for Clean Energy Research and Education) has received a grant from Charleston Area Charitable Foundation. We are waiting for the delivery of two major piece of equipment. The first one is a biomass gasifier system, which converts biomass into combustible gas (CO and H2). The other one is gas chromatography (GC), which will be used to analyze the chemical composition of the combustible gas.

Here are some other academic endeavors in sustainability:

• Graduate students in Technology took TEC 5970 Biomass Energy during Spring 2011. The course is led by Dr. Jerry Cloward.
• The interdisciplinary minor in Environmental Sustainability program is in the process being approved by various departments along with the College of Sciences and Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences.
• Master of Science in Renewable Energy degree program is being developed.