Students Showcase Energy-Related Research

University students are putting their energy into research today, May 24, at Nova Scotia's Energy Research and Development Forum 2006 at St. Francis Xavier University.

The Department of Energy has invited students to attend the expert sessions and present their research projects to leaders from government, industry and academic communities.

"The forum is an important opportunity to showcase current research by Nova Scotia universities in the fields of energy and the environment," said Grant Wach, professor of petroleum geoscience and director of energy at Dalhousie University. "Our knowledge in these areas is growing and more students are attracted to these fields of study."

Students from Dalhousie University, St. Francis Xavier University, Cape Breton University, Acadia University and the University of New Brunswick are presenting research on topics such as the environmental effects of marine oil and gas exploration, managing petroleum waste in Nova Scotia, and developing renewable energy sources for a sustainable future.

"The forum provides an opportunity to find out how the research we do in the lab can be useful in the energy industry," said Yue Wu, a PhD student at Dalhousie University. "Some of us are graduating soon and this is also a great opportunity for us to network and share ideas."

Forum participants will have the opportunity to view student poster displays and speak with student researchers about their work and fields interest.

"Student participation is very important at the forum, said Dr. Wach. "It provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their research to delegates from the government and industry, some of whom may be future employers of these very same students."

The forum is taking place over two days at the Keating Millennium Centre at St. Francis University, Antigonish. It is an opportunity for researchers, industry and government to share their research experience and develop research priorities for the future. It wraps up on Thursday, May 25.