Stony Brook University recently concluded its "Geothermal from the Ground Up" program, an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at promoting geothermal energy. The event, held on May 20 at the Center of Excellence Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT), marked the completion of this 10-week program and served as a platform to discuss future expansions.
Kevin Gardner, Stony Brook's Vice President for Research and Innovation, emphasized the university's commitment to advancing knowledge through industry collaboration. "That’s a mission that puts us on the forefront of universities around the country and around the globe," he stated. "But it also means exploring how we’re going to have an impact on the world."
Derek O’Connor, workforce development manager in the Office for Research and Innovation, highlighted the opportunity to connect with program participants in person after weeks of virtual meetings. "This is a great opportunity to bring together those who developed and participated in this program and express our appreciation," he said.
The series featured content from industry experts such as Brightcore Energy, National Grid, NYSERDA, TRC Companies, NY-GEO, and IGSHPA. Weekly presentations focused on key challenges within geothermal energy.
Dave Mancari from Brightcore Energy discussed New York's energy future: “Companies like ours need to think about what the energy future of New York will look like.” He noted their partnership with organizations like NYSERDA and Stony Brook in workforce re-skilling efforts.
Brian Sapp from National Grid stressed driving forward both the program and industry: “We need to drive this program forward... We can’t do this without Stony Brook.” He also underscored investments demonstrating geothermal's potential across diverse climates.
The event included a presentation by Con Edison and ICF titled Clean Heat Initiatives. A session named The Future of Geothermal in New York facilitated discussions on geothermal workforce education and technology commercialization.
O’Connor expressed gratitude for National Grid’s grant funding an installer training program for community college students. “In June, we are partnering with IGSHPA to train 15 Suffolk County Community College HVAC students,” he announced.
Gardner reiterated Stony Brook's role as a partner in technological advancement: “We want to be a partner in developing new technology... Geothermal is a great area in which to do that.”
– Robert Emproto