Drexel University has partnered with Howard University on a U.S. Department of Energy project aimed at fostering diverse leadership in clean energy education. The collaboration, part of the DOE’s HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize Partnerships Track, will involve cross-university exchange programs and workshops on low-carbon environment design.
The project, “Howard/Drexel University Partnership to Foster Diverse Leadership in Clean and Just Energy Transition,” brings together students and faculty from multiple colleges at both institutions.
Drexel faculty, including Mira Olson, PhD, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, are playing key roles in developing the program. Olson, along with other Drexel collaborators, will be instrumental in recruiting students and faculty from diverse disciplines for participation in the project.
The program will feature three workshops, including one in-person event at Drexel, focusing on building decarbonization, clean energy, and smart building resiliency. These workshops will not only include students but also feature faculty and keynote speakers, providing a comprehensive learning experience. The first virtual workshop aims to involve 150-200 students, while the subsequent workshops will engage about 50 students each.
“It’s exciting to have this opportunity to develop interdisciplinary programming across different universities, working on projects that are not standard in industry,” said Olson. “We’re able to create a design space for students that hopefully will mimic the workplace of the future – a scenario that they can’t necessarily access through standard curricula.”
This project aligns with Drexel’s Areas of Excellence & Opportunity in Sustainability and Climate Resilience and Urban Futures, aiming to equip students with skills to address pressing global challenges while promoting environmental justice in the clean energy sector. The collaboration exemplifies Drexel’s commitment to innovative education and partnership-building, positioning the university at the forefront of clean energy education and research.
