Expo Invites All Students to Explore Energy Issues

Georgia Tech will host its second Energy Expo next week, continuing to position itself as a leader and hub of energy-related activity in the region and nation.

Hosted by the Energy Club, the Expo will take place April 2–3 at the Student Center, bringing students and others in the energy community together to focus on the scientific, policy, and business elements surrounding the greater issue of energy. The two-day event includes sessions on topics such as legal and regulatory framework, entrepreneurship and access to capital in the energy field, and new technologies.

“The Expo is really geared toward inspiring students at Tech to get into the energy field and show them that there is a lot going on here and in Atlanta,” said Zach Archambault, an electrical engineering major and Expo organizer. “But more than that, we want to show them that they can get involved right now.”

The event began last year as a showcase and has grown to include panel discussions, guest speakers, and presentations. It’s open to the campus community and students from any area of study.

The Expo begins Thursday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m. with a screening of Cape Spin, a documentary about the political struggle and future of wind power, followed by a related debate and reception. Friday will be a full day of panel sessions on energy-related topics and will culminate in a research showcase, where Tech researchers, local organizations, and national companies will share their work on the green roof of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons. Attendees are welcome to come and go during the day’s events.

“We want to show that Atlanta is riding the line of being at the forefront of energy innovation in the U.S. and it’s a good place to stay if you want to get involved in this field,” said Kavin Manickaraj, a graduate student in mechanical engineering and member of the Energy Club. “We’re already a huge leader in the Southeast, and we can make Georgia Tech the hub of energy innovation.”

The Expo fits into the Energy Club’s larger goal of creating leaders who will be able to join the workforce better prepared to handle energy-related issues.

“We want green energy companies to know they can come to Georgia Tech to recruit well-informed students,” Manickaraj said.

Expo tickets are $7 for general attendance and $25 for full student attendance, which includes lunch and drinks on Friday. Full attendance for others is $107. Register at www.energyexpo.gatech.edu/register.