Dear Colleagues:
The US Department Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Program and Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education are pleased to announce the 2014 Geothermal Student Competition. The Geothermal Student Competition seeks students interested in building and showcasing scientific research, communication and leadership skills to promote geothermal energy as a player in the nation’s renewable energy future. This year’s event focuses on a non-technical barrier to geothermal development: public communications. Energy production can be a complex topic to explain to a broad public audience, and describing energy that comes from a subsurface environment—difficult to visualize for many—amplifies the challenge of explaining geothermal energy, how it works, and how it can benefit consumers.
The Challenge: This year’s Competition focuses on a non-technical barrier to geothermal development: public communications. Students are asked to develop a cutting-edge geothermal communications tool that integrates accurate, technical information with a graphical visualization infographic. Students will also create an outreach plan to disseminate the infographic to local middle and high schools.
Who Should Apply? Teams may consist of undergraduates and/or graduate students. High school seniors are encouraged to apply.
Where do I Apply? The Competition application, guidelines, and further details can all be found on the Competition website: http://orise.orau.gov/geothermal
Semi-Finalist Awards- The five most compelling and competitive applications will receive a total award of $2,500, where $2000 is expected to be used as project development funds (stipend) and $500 is to develop an outreach presentation for middle and high school students.
Key Dates:
- Feb. 21: Application page opens
- Tuesday March 25, 2014 at 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
- April 5: Round 1 deliverables due: Project plan, Communications and Education Strategy, and Infographic mock-up due.
Kick-off Call with prospective Student Teams- Join our DOE Geothermal Technologies Office team as we present a brief overview on infographics, their potential, and why the geothermal program is so interested in them. The meeting will provide further details about the Competition’s rules and guidelines as well as provide an opportunity to clarify questions from potential applicants.
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/567938969
Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended. Or, call in using your telephone.
Dial +1 (213) 493-0606
Access Code: 567-938-969
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting
Meeting ID: 567-938-969
For more information please contact Dr. Desmond Stubbs, Program Manager by Email: Desmond.Stubbs@orau.org