Students Share Research and Findings at National Solar Conference
Eight UO architecture students joined top researchers in North Carolina from May17-21 to present research findings on renewable energy to thousands of professionals from across the country. The 40th annual ASES National Solar Conference was hosted by nationally renowned clean-energy innovator American Solar Energy Society. In addition to presenting their own peer-edited research, the UO students received real-world feedback in a room full of the field’s most respected professionals.
“It’s really exciting,” says architecture professor Alison Kwok, who oversees the students’ work. “It’s a great opportunity for the students to represent themselves and the university. They get to hear about the latest research in a professional environment as well as share their own work beyond the classroom – something that not a lot of students get to have.”
The following students, and their accompanying project titles, participated in the technical sessions: David Bartley (“Testing the Double Skin Façade: Jaqua Academic Learning Center”); Paul Wolfe (“Pacific Northwestern Exposure: A Long-Term Study of Pacific Northwest Climate on Extensive Green Roof Performance in Portland, Oregon); Emily McGlohn (“An Attic Full of Hot Air: A Study of Moisture Conditions in an Unventilated Attic”); Matthew Hogan (“Passive is Aggressive: Retrofitting a 1907 House in Eugene”); and Sara Tepfer, Dan Beltramo, Perrin Wright and Wesley Thompson (“Rethinking Waste: Repurposed Post-Consumer Bags as Vapor Retarders”).
“It’s a great place to ask questions and be inspired,” says Kwok. “Students get to build bridges with professionals and become involved with some of the most innovative research in the industry. It’s a high level to be at.”
Beyond the project presentations, the five-day conference includes a variety of other seminars, such as a solar product shows and keynotes speakers, and a chance to network with working and well-known professionals who can provide valuable pointers for how to succeed in solar energy business and design.
ASES is a nonprofit organization of the nation’s leading solar-energy professionals devoted to creating the transition to a sustainable energy economy. The conference is the longest-running educational event of its kind for solar energy professionals.
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