Energy Studies

Introduction

Dr. Joel N. Swisher, PE, Director

The Institute for Energy Studies at Western Washington University (WWU) is a unique, three-college collaboration between the Huxley College of the Environment, the College of Science and Engineering, and the College of Business and Economics.

Energy technology and policy is always at the nexus of our most daunting economic, environmental and security problems, where solutions require a fundamental understanding and system-level thinking. While energy use drives these problems, understanding the technology and economics of energy use enables powerful solutions in new technologies and policies to improve energy efficiency throughout the economy, reducing costs and emissions.

On the supply side, the electricity industry is evolving from a static, centralized structure toward dynamic, distributed models that meet the challenges of integrating and balancing resources as diverse as solar, wind, hydro, bio- and fossil-fuel energy with smart grids, smart buildings and plug-in vehicles. Technologies to make fossil fuels cleaner and substitute biofuels are in development. Our graduates will find opportunities to develop more advanced hardware, software and business models to transform the future energy system toward a more sustainable path.

The energy programs at WWU draw on all three of our collaborating colleges. They are designed to be interdisciplinary in a way that provides both breadth and depth, with a practical toolkit of technical and analytic tools in a context of system-level thinking and understanding. We now offer a BA in Energy Policy and Management, minors in Energy Science and Energy Policy, and an energy concentration in the new Electrical Engineering, BS . As we develop new programs to complete the energy curriculum, students also have the option to design independent programs to suit their interests and abilities, in consultation with faculty and advising staff.

We expect that students will acquire the appropriate foundation in math and science underlying energy processes and systems, in a context of environmental science and greenhouse gas management. They will also learn basic energy economics and have the opportunity to build management or entrepreneurial skills and analytic tools in the key fields of electric power, energy efficiency and building science. We take a practical approach, using the campus and community as our laboratory and collaborating with leading utilities and energy firms in the region.

Graduates will acquire a strong blend of analytical and communication skills, along with energy-related expertise that energy experts have identified as essential to the workforce needs in Washington’s growing clean energy economy. At the same time, the program will integrate core strengths of WWU, including collaboration, practical innovation, community engagement, a global perspective and a sustainability focus, while advancing energy literacy at all levels of instruction.

Mission

The Institute for Energy Studies integrates rigorous educational programs, applied research and community service to meet the growing demand for interdisciplinary education and training related to the science, technology, policy and business aspects of human production and use of energy.

Vision

The Institute for Energy Studies is a regional and national leader in providing practical and innovative education of future energy experts and decision makers.

Faculty

CHARLES BARNHART (2014) Assistant Professor. BS (physics and astronomy), University of Washington-Seattle; PhD (planetary geophysics), University of California-Santa Cruz.
ANDREW BUNN (2006) Professor and Founding Director, Institute for Energy Studies. BS (zoology) The Evergreen State College; MEM (resource ecology) Duke University; PhD (environmental science), Montana State University-Bozeman.
MARK BUSSELL (1990) Director and Professor. BA, Reed College; PhD, University of California-Berkeley.
REID DORSEY-PALMATEER (2015) Assistant Professor. BA (Economics), Pomona College; MA, PhD (Economics), University of Michigan.
DANIEL HAGEN (1988) Professor. BA, MA, PhD, University of California-Berkeley.
TIMOTHY KOWALCZYK (2014) Assistant Professor. BS (chemistry and mathematics), University of Southern California; PhD (physical chemistry), Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
TODD MORTON (1988) Professor. BSEE, MSEE, University of Washington.
DAVID PATRICK (1996) Professor. BS, University of California-Davis; PhD, University of Utah.
JENNIFER SELTZ (2012) Assistant Professor. BA, Brown University; MA, PhD, University of Washington.
SHARON SHEWMAKE (2013) Assistant Professor. BA, Duke University; PhD, University of California-Davis.
PETE STELLING (2011) Assistant Professor. BA, Western State College, Colorado; PhD, University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
JOEL N. SWISHER, PE (2014) Director, Institute for Energy Studies. BS (civil engineering), Stanford University; MS (mechanical engineering), Stanford University; PhD (civil engineering: energy and environmental planning), Stanford University.
PHILIP THOMPSON (2009) Associate Professor. BA, Kent State University; PhD, University of Arizona.
THOMAS WEBLER (2014) Assistant Professor. BS (electrical engineering), Virginia Tech; MS (biomedical engineering), Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Ph.D. (environment, technology & society), Clark University.

Other Departmental Information

Advising and Declaration Process:

Students must have confirmed admission to Western Washington University and met the grade and course requirements listed below. Students who wish to register for an Energy Studies major or minor should contact the Institute for Energy Studies program advisor. Students interested in the electrical engineering major with the energy concentration should contact the Engineering Technology program coordinator/pre-major advisor.

Grade Requirements:

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors. A GPA of 3.00 or above is required in courses for energy programs.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Energy Policy and Management, BA

Minor

Courses

Energy

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.