ME students get a Clean Energy track

Mechanical engineering students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach, Fla., campus, will get a chance to enroll in a clean energy course track that teaches about turbines that convert wind and water power into electricity, systems that make energy from the heat of the sun, earth, and ocean, and systems for storing energy.

"The Clean Energy Systems track is our response to the growing green energy market and the national call for the production of abundant and economical clean energy," said Maj Mirmirani, dean of the College of Engineering, in announcing the new program.

Students will take courses and complete projects related to hybrid vehicles, solar lighting, green engineering, and eco-friendly aviation. They will learn from faculty researchers who are designing a low-emission hybrid automobile,engineering giant wind-power turbines, developing systems to harness electric power from the Gulf Stream's currents, testing unleaded bio-fuel for general aviation, and building a zero-emission aircraft.

"Students in this track will gain the knowledge and skills to help address society's energy needs and demands," said Darris White, a professor of mechanical engineering who helped develop the new program. "They will become innovators and entrepreneurs in the energy sector and national leaders on energy issues."

Graduates will earn a mechanical engineering degree accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

For more information about Embry-Riddle's new track in Clean Energy Systems,contact Charles Reinholtz, professor and chair of mechanical engineering (charles.reinholtz@erau.edu), or Darris White, professor of mechanical engineering (darris.white@erau.edu).

www.embryriddle.edu.