In 2012, Kelli Volkomer was a stay-at-home mom who had been raising her two children for nearly a decade.
Maria Scalzi Wherley, learning designer and writer-in-residence at the John A. Dutton Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, was one of 16 Penn Staters recently recognized as part of the University's regular “We Are!” feature.
The Certificate in Spatial Data Science prepares students who have prior experience with the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to research, design, and create novel analytical and visualization solutions to complex problems that intersect people and the environment. The program engages key theories, emerging research, and contemporary spatial analysis techniques so that students can develop new spatial data science software, analytical methods, and cartographic products to visualize and communicate analytical results.
This Graduate Certificate in Energy Transition Strategies is an advanced online program designed for those students seeking to play a pivotal role in the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. This certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically articulate the technical fundamentals underlying renewable energy systems and their significance within both local and global contexts of energy transitions.
Central to the program is the development of competencies in performing thorough sustainability assessments of energy projects. Through the application of lifecycle, lifecycle cost, and systems analysis, students will gain the ability to evaluate the holistic sustainability of energy initiatives, considering economic, environmental, and social dimensions. This critical evaluation skill ensures that graduates can contribute to the development of energy projects that are not only technically feasible but also sustainable in the long term.
The curriculum is also designed to foster students' understanding of the complex interconnections within the energy-water-food nexus as well as the intricate relationships between energy, climate, environment, and natural resources. This comprehensive approach enables students to grasp the environmental implications of energy choices and to advocate for and develop energy solutions that are in tandem with global climate objectives. Overall, the Graduate Certificate in Energy Transition Strategies prepares students to become forward-thinking leaders in the energy sector, capable of contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions that respect the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems and promote a sustainable future for all.