Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs

This is why I hired an OU grad!

One current UCEAO project is a database of experts, which will provide information on the energy researchers at each Ohio higher education institution. When completed, the group plans to make the database accessible from the Ohio Board of Regents website. This resource will help business leaders connect with academic researchers to incorporate ... Read Morebetter technology in their businesses. “We need to do research that leads to business creation, job growth and economic prosperity,” Miller said. “It is not enough just to do research for research’s sake.”

UCEAO... Read More’s work is inspiring in its efforts to create partnerships and improve business and research practices. I am amazed that I had not heard much about UCEAO prior to this interview, because the organization is making unprecedented strides in bringing together Ohio’s many higher education institutions. It is important for researchers to combine their efforts, because our state offers a wide range of advanced energy research opportunities. Please read more about the group at: http://www.uceao.org/

Although Gov. Strickland acknowledged that the state and region face great challenges, it was reassuring to hear his confidence in everyone assembled at the conference. Often times, the subjects of Smart GRIDs, wind energy and minimizing emissions seem to evoke more pessimism than optimism. However, the governor's certainty that the goals can be ... Read Moreachieved (including the development of the first Clean Energy Park in Piketon, Ohio) was refreshing and empowering. I wasn't the only one who found his speech to be inspiring -- Gov. Strickland received a standing ovation from the conference attendees.

(con't) I am continually amazed each time I learn about a different Appalachian business that is succeeding in our current economy, as well as making a positive impact on our environment by being involved with new energy development. (On a side note – an ARC conference participant from Virginia informed me that Ohio University has extremely nice and helpful students who were always willing to point a lost conference member in the right direction. Way to represent, fellow students of OU!!)

(con't)
Many of yesterday’s panelists made great suggestions, from tapping into younger generations to constructing more efficient buildings. As a student, I found the points about including young people in green developments to be particularly compelling – I hope the conference attendees will make use of all of these great ideas!