Friday, March 23, 2007

 

BIOMASS TECHNOLOGY PIONEER VISITS MWCC’S RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES CLASS

By Kimberly B. Caisse

Biomass technology pioneer Dr. Tom Reed made a surprise visit to Mount Wachusett Community College to demonstrate his small gasifier stoves to Renewable Energy Sources students Monday, March 19.

Dr. Tom Reed, using a gasifier stove made of a soup can and metal canister with a small, battery-operated fan, demonstrates how a gasifier stove works for Renewable Energy Sources students.

Using a canister design supporting air circulation, Reed’s camp stove can burn wood chips, twigs, cobs, shells and other natural material for cooking with little smoke. A fire may not smoke at all if it is allowed to burn down to charcoal or ash, he explained.

If wood is the fuel, the stove requires 10 times less of it than a traditional wood fire stove, Reed said.

The stove design is useful in developing countries, where people typically cook over an open fire, by campers and in home-emergency kits.

It boils one quart of water in five minutes.

Reed said his goal is to sell one billion stoves worldwide; he has sold 1,000 to date. They cost $55 each.

The impact global warming and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels will have on his children and grandchildren motivate Reed to market this small stove and improve on its design. He said he is currently writing a manual on how to build one. It will be available for purchase on the website www.woodgas.com.

By making the instructions readily available, Reed said he hopes to inspire competition. “I don’t care about getting rich,” he said.

Reed is a former researcher with the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, Colo., and the Colorado School of Mines. Since 1994, he has managed the Biomass Energy Foundation with his wife, Vivian, also in Golden.

Following publication of his seminal article on methanol as a fuel in the journal Science in 1974, Reed’s career began to change from material science to alternate fuels. Today, he calls himself a future fuels chemist.

Reed earned his bachelor’s degree in physical chemistry from Northwestern University in 1947 and his doctorate degree in physical chemistry, specializing in crystallography, from University of Minnesota in 1953. He worked at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory from 1960 to 1978.

With funding from the National Science Foundation, MWCC offers three renewable energy courses as part of its Natural Resources Technology program. Students also learn firsthand about MWCC’s renewable energy systems, including the biomass plant, wind-metering tower and solar panels.

MASSACHUSETTS TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATIVE, IRS BONDS FUND SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION AT MWCC

By Kimberly B. Caisse

MWCC has received funding from the Internal Revenue Service Clean Renewable Energy Bonds and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative – Renewable Energy Trust to install new solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Gardner campus.

The 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system Mount Wachusett Community College will install with a new $870,000 grant-and-bond package will complement the panels currently running on the roof of the Gardner campus.

The $310,000 in CREBs and $560,000 from the MTC paves the way for MWCC to install a 100-kilowatt solar panel system, which will generate enough electricity to power 30 to 40 homes.

“These solar panels are an excellent addition to our renewable energy plan and to the renewable energy ‘laboratory’ we are building for our Natural Resources Technology students,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino.

When the panels are installed, 122,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year will be generated by the sun and will offset MWCC’s reliance on conventional electricity, which is currently 6.5 million kilowatts.

“Our students will be able to track the panel’s performance in real time with an Internet-based software application,” Asquino added.

With funding from the National Science Foundation, MWCC offers three renewable energy courses as part of its Natural Resources Technology program. Students also learn firsthand about MWCC’s renewable energy systems, including the biomass plant, wind-metering tower and currently installed solar panels.

The solar panel installation at MWCC was part of a plan to install small, demonstration-sized solar photovoltaic systems at Massachusetts state college campuses that has ended up as a major renewable energy initiative. In addition to MWCC, Salem State College and Springfield Technical Community College were awarded CREBs for solar panel projects.

“The CREBs basically act as a no-interest loan,” said Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles. “Thanks to this financing vehicle, along with grants from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, solar power will be more than symbolic on these campuses. By reducing energy consumption from grid power by over 300,000 kilowatt hours a year, these institutions will eliminate over 2,400 tons of carbon emissions over the life of the project.”

The CREBs, available through the U.S Energy Policy Act of 2005, are an alternative for public institutions unable to take advantage of tax credits for clean energy. Taking advantage of these bonds would meant the colleges could increase dramatically the size of their solar installations – by a factor of 10 – and payback the bond on an annual basis from savings on energy bills using solar rather than conventional electricity.

MWCC will save approximately $4,000 per year on its energy bills over the 15-year term of the bond.

The CREBs awards came as a result of a Public Awareness grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Renewable Energy Trust to Clean Air – Cool Planet, a Northeast nonprofit dedicated to implementing solutions to global warming for colleges, communities, businesses, and science centers. The grant allowed Clean Air – Cool Planet to work with the colleges through the Massachusetts Clean Powered Campuses program, which focuses on increasing knowledge surrounding renewable energy at six state campuses, assisting with new installations and outreach projects such as posters, websites and events about renewable energy.

Clean Air – Cool Planet joined the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, as well as the colleges, in the successful application for the bonds. The IRS awarded the full requested amount November 2006 – which will finance approximately one-third of the total project cost.

That still left the campuses, which have limited budgets for capital improvements, funding the two-thirds of the cost of these solar projects. The colleges turned again to the MTC Renewable Energy Trust.

“Across the Commonwealth, colleges and universities like these are not only saving money by implementing renewable energy technologies, but are also leading by example and providing learning opportunities for students and the public,” said Warren Leon, director of the Renewable Energy Trust. “The Trust is proud to help bring the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy to campuses throughout Massachusetts.”

“We are thrilled to have been a part of this great project to create renewable energy facilities at very deserving public campuses. It is refreshing to see so many entities successfully work together toward solving the global warming crisis,” said Adam Markham, Clean Air – Cool Planet’s executive director.

PANELISTS TELL STUDENTS HOW TO BREAK INTO COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN AND COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS FIELDS

By Kimberly B. Caisse

A standing-room-only crowd of over 60 interested in computer graphic design and computer information systems career insight received important advice from five area professionals on how to break into the field during a panel discussion Wednesday, March 21 in the commons.

Computer graphic design and computer information systems professionals offer career advice to MWCC students and local high-school students and guidance counselors.

“Learn about the new media,” advised Brian Lucier, creative director of Lucier Illustration and Design, adding that he started in print design but now specializes in illustration, print and web media. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Mass College of Art.

Lucier stressed the importance of making customers happy. “I instruct and educate my clients…They are paying me to tell them what I think. My clients appreciate my advice,” he said.

Tammy Bronson, senior IT analyst, first level, at Simplex/Grinnell in Westminster, told the audience of MWCC students, local high school students and guidance counselors, “One of the things that allowed me to get into Simplex Grinnell was the co-op program at The Mount.”

She said she is responsible for fixing Simplex/Grinnell software problems encountered by the company’s U.S. and Canadian clients. She works primarily with Microsoft NetMeeting and Job Design.

Jason Taylor, the creative director of Jason Taylor Design, said he specializes in print media, particularly signage for Disney and game packaging and design for Hasbro. A 1996 graduate of Daytona Beach Community College, he said, “The great thing about an AS (associate’s) degree is it can take you anywhere.”

Ed Stockwell, systems engineer at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, said he is responsible for the local and wide area networks, the wireless network, various servers, remote access and firewalls at the hospital.

Not a graduate of a computer information systems program until last spring, Stockwell said he entered the field through a combination of networking with IT managers, hands-on training and passing Microsoft and Cisco certification exams.

He also credited earning his associate’s degree from MWCC for his success. “There are a number of companies that won’t hire you unless you have a degree,” he said. “An associate’s degree has really opened doors for me, and I look forward to taking it (education) to the next level.”

Becky Gerry, who graduated from MWCC in 1973 and 2006, said her second round of degrees in Computer Graphic Design–Print and –Web Design helped her company, Gerry Granite Works, increase its sales. “It made a phenomenal difference in our business,” she said.

Her recent degree also allowed her to open a second business, R Gerry Design.

The Computer Graphic Design and Computer Information Systems departments, in cooperation with the Advising & Counseling Center, hosted the panel discussion.

More MWCC News:

• MWCC’s English Department is sponsoring a poetry reading with Carol Edelstein of Northampton Monday, March 26 from 11:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 125 at the Gardner campus. Edelstein has published fiction, essays and poems in magazines and anthologies. Her first book, “The World Is Round” (Amherst Writers and Artists Press), was published in 1994. For more information, contact Professor of English Michelle Valois at (978) 630-9364 or mvalois@mwcc.mass.edu.

• At the conclusion of the recent show “Connected” in the East Wing Gallery, the artist and alumnus, Dug Morton (’86), generously donated one of his paintings to MWCC as an expression of gratitude for the start he received here and for the opportunity to show his work in the gallery. This piece is now hanging in the permanent collection on the walls of the art wing.

  IRS-trained volunteers, including 30 MWCC students, will be helping low- and moderate-income taxpayers prepare and file their federal tax returns for free as part of the federal Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. At the Leominster campus, the service will be offered on Fridays through April 13 from 1 to 8 p.m. except on March 16, when classes will not run because of the Evacuation Day state holiday.) At the Gardner campus, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site will be in Room 250 on Thursdays through April 12 from 1 to 8 p.m. MWCC’s financial aid officers will be on hand at some sessions to assist taxpayers interested in attending college with filling out financial aid forms. To schedule an appointment, taxpayers may contact Denise Whitney at (978) 630-9124 or dwhitney@mwcc.mass.edu.
• MWCC’s Advising & Counseling Center is sponsoring Choose a Major Week between March 26 and 30 in Room 134 at the Gardner campus. With summer and fall registration just around the corner, this is the best time for students to select a major. Advisors are available for drop-in meetings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or students may schedule an appointment at a more convenient time. Light refreshments will be provided each day, and students may enter a drawing for two free Red Sox tickets. To schedule an appointment, or to get more information, call (978) 630-9568. Information is also available at http://www.mwcc.edu/prospective/advising.html.
• MWCC’s Admissions Office is hosting the annual Healthcare Expo on Tuesday, March 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Gardner campus. Healthcare program faculty and admissions and financial aid officials will be on hand to speak about MWCC’s programs and career opportunities. MWCC has several options: biotechnology, certified nurse aide, clinical lab science, complementary healthcare, emergency medical technician, dental hygiene, fitness leadership and exercise science, massage therapy, medical assisting and medical office, nursing, phlebotomy, physical therapist assistant, practical nursing. To register, contact the Admissions Office at (978) 630-9110 or admissions@mwcc.mass.edu.
• The Entrepreneurial Resource Center at MWCC will present a free seminar “An Effective Business Plan for Your Small Business” Thursday, March 29 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in room 125 at the Gardner campus. This seminar is free, but pre-registration is requested. To pre-register, contact Enrollment Services at (978) 630-9123. For more information, contact Denise Whitney at (978) 630-9124.
• MWCC’s Leo & Theresa LaChance Library will host the "Elizabeth I: Ruler and Legend" traveling exhibit through March 30. The library is one of only 40 public and academic libraries in the nation to host this exhibit. This new exhibit commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth I of England and encourages audiences not only to reacquaint themselves with the Queen, but also to become more familiar with the historical and cultural forces that shaped her personality and her time, and to examine the mixture of history and legend that continues to surround her today. The American Library Association Public Programs Office, in partnership with The Newberry Library of Chicago and the National Endowment for the Humanities, is sponsoring the traveling exhibit. All showings of the exhibition and related programs will be free and open to the public. For more information, contact Reference and Instruction Librarian Ellen Pratt at (978) 630-9125.

• Jordan Levy

  MWCC students and alumni are invited to the 2007 Job Fair Wednesday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. sponsored by the college’s Career Placement Office. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and “dress for success.” The companies that will have representatives present include Ameriprise Financial, Appleseed Personnel Services, ARC Community Services, Citadel Broadcasting (WORC-FM, WWFM, WXLO), City Financial, Department of Corrections, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kohl’s Department Store, LUK, Robert Half International - Office Team, Seven Hills, Southern Container, Sovereign Bank, Verizon, YOU, Inc. and many more. For more information, contact Career Development Counselor Patricia Brewerton at (978) 630-9254 or pbrewerton@mwcc.mass.edu.
• The Center for Democracy and Humanity will host a Democracy Café panel discussion on all the presidential hopefuls Wednesday, April 4 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the north cafeteria at the Gardner campus. WTAG talk show host and former Worcester Mayor Jordan Levy will moderate. The panelists include MWCC Political Science Professor William Welch, MWCC student Jack White, Gardner Mayor Gerald St. Hilaire, Worcester State College Director of Student Affairs Sybil Brownlee and Fitchburg State College Political Science Professor Rodney Christy. Complimentary coffee and refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP to ahart@mwcc.mass.edu or (978) 630-9458. Learn more at http://democracy.mwcc.edu/pages/DemocracyProject.html.
• MWCC’s new Biotechnology program will host information sessions at the Gardner campus Wednesdays April 11 and May 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. at the main campus, 444 Green St., Gardner. Sessions also will be held at the Leominster campus, 100 Erdman Way, on Monday, April 23; and Wednesday, May 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. With the decision by the drug manufacturer Bristol-Myers Squibb to locate a large biotechnology company at Devens, the college anticipates starting the biotech program in fall 2007 at the Devens and Gardner campuses. Registration is required. To register and for more information, contact MWCC’s Dean of Science Charles Weitze at cweitze@mwcc.mass.edu or (978) 630-9207.
• Did you know that eight million Americans have eating disorders? Students in Professor Sheila Murphy’s Abnormal Psychology courses, Corrie Ares, Melissa Brewer, Kristyn Hanifyn, Brittany Brassard, Lisa Niskala, Krystle Ricard, Rebecca Oliva, Brittini Burns and Melissa Asante, are participating in a service-learning project entitled “Eating Disorder Awareness Day.” The event, which is dedicated to helping students and local residents gain knowledge and information about eating disorders, will be held in the commons area of the Gardner campus Friday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Representatives from local service agencies and fitness centers will be available. Eating disorder experts will be speaking during community time, from 11:40 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. Purple ribbons which represent eating disorders will be available, so stop by to get a ribbon and wear it in support of the millions of Americans who suffer from eating disorder. For more information, contact Murphy at smurphy@mwcc.mass.edu.
• In his lecture “Talking Acadian” on Friday, April 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., communication specialist and local, renowned author Dr. John Chetro-Szivos will take us on a journey through the cultural experiences and major historical events leading up to Acadian immigration to the Gardner area. A professor at Fitchburg State College, Chetro-Szivos will cover the following topics: growing up Acadian, employment as a central feature of Acadian culture, strong forces of family, church and work, and constitutive nature of the language people speak. A book signing and sale will follow. Acadian food will be served. To register, contact the MWCC information desk at (978) 632-6600.