Academics

��Ƶ students recognized for leadership in sustainability

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:18:36 +0000

��Ƶ students recognized for leadership in sustainability valenzfr@morri… Fri, 02/06/2026 - 13:18

Two ��Ƶ students have been honored with prestigious SUNY Student Sustainability Awards for their efforts to advance sustainability on campus.

Chancellor John B King Jr. recognized students from across the SUNY system for projects that address climate and sustainability through areas such as research, innovation, environmental justice and campus engagement. The awards provide students with funds to expand their initiatives and engage peers in sustainability efforts.

Harper Callard, an aquaculture & aquatic science associate degree student from New Hartford, was named a SUNY Climate Sustainability Champion, receiving $1,000 for her work promoting sustainable practices.

Beau Bidwell, a horticulture business management bachelor's degree student from Russell, was recognized as a SUNY Climate Sustainability Leader, receiving $500 for his contributions to environmental projects on campus.

“I applaud the dedicated SUNY students who are eager to participate and learn about climate and sustainability actions and initiatives,” said Chancellor King in a prepared statement. “Our exceptional students are leading the way and I am proud to celebrate them for the work they have done to advance the understanding of climate and sustainability on their campuses through the Student Sustainability Awards.”

Callard’s initiatives include encouraging reusable water bottles, reducing single-use plastics, purchasing and distributing menstrual products to campus community members and creating a sustainability tour highlighting features such as solar panels, greenhouses, the food forest and refillable water stations.

She also helps organize Earth Day and other awareness events, maintains a campus swap table to encourage reuse and supports Morrisville’s sustainability ambassador and volunteer programs.

A member of the Sustainability Council and a resident assistant, Callard was part of the inaugural Empire State Service Corps cohort in 2024, earning an Innovation Service Award for her initiatives.

“I began this program wanting to make Morrisville more sustainable through compost and infrastructure, and quickly realized that we needed education first,” Callard said. “Through this, I found a passion for teaching people about what recycling and sustainability are. It’s become more than I ever imagined through community and outreach.”

Callard hopes to become a marine biologist focusing on coral research and environmental education, building on her campus experience to make a broader impact.

Bidwell promotes sustainable living as a resident assistant and as an Elite Leader, supporting environmentally focused programming and participating in tree planting initiatives that enhance campus biodiversity and reduce carbon impact.

Bidwell has worked at the college’s Horticulture Department for two years, supporting daily operations and sustainability initiatives and hosts Botanical Chronicles, a podcast promoting plant conservation and sustainable practices.

Bidwell’s future plans include owning and operating a sustainable brewery that incorporates native plants into craft brews.

“By combining horticulture, business management and environmental stewardship, I aim to create a brewery that highlights local ecosystems, supports native plant conservation and promotes sustainable agricultural practices,” he said.

The SUNY Student Sustainability Awards are part of ongoing efforts to highlight applied learning projects and strengthen SUNY’s leadership in climate initiatives. Students from across the system submit proposals in categories including arts and communication, environmental footprint, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and environmental justice.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

February 6, 2026

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Lithia Motors, Inc. donates $50,000 to support ��Ƶ’s automotive programs

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:07:54 +0000

Lithia Motors, Inc. donates $50,000 to support ��Ƶ’s automotive programs valenzfr@morri… Mon, 02/02/2026 - 10:07

��Ƶ’s Automotive Technology Program has received a $50,000 donation from Lithia Motors, Inc., further strengthening the college’s ability to prepare the next generation of vehicle technicians through modern equipment, advanced technology and hands-on learning experiences.

Funds from the donation will support the Automotive Technology Program’s continued investment in the latest tools, equipment and modern industry practices.

“This generous support from Lithia Motors will allow us to continue investing in the latest technology and equipment, ensuring our students enter the industry prepared for today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape,” said Dan Akers, a ��Ƶ auto alumnus and director of the college’s Ford ASSET program.

Gifts such as this keep ��Ƶ students on the leading edge of the industry. Through extensive hands-on lab experiences, collaborations with BOCES and other technical education partners, instruction from skilled faculty and access to advanced automotive facilities, students gain the practical skills and real-world that experience needed to succeed.

In addition, partnerships with corporate and industry leaders expand internship and employment opportunities for ��Ƶ students as they transition from classroom into the workforce.

With demand for skilled technicians continuing to grow, ��Ƶ is focused on ensuring students graduate career-ready. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 67,000 job openings for automotive technicians are projected annually nationwide between 2022 and 2032.

Internships and other experiential learning opportunities play a key role in that preparation, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build professional networks and gain valuable industry experience before graduation.

That hands-on experience is further enhanced through the college’s advanced facilities. All of ��Ƶ’s automotive programs provide hands-on learning in some of the most technically advanced facilities in the industry, where students are taught by faculty who are experts in their field and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified in their respective teaching areas — ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

February 2, 2026

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��Ƶ appoints Jason Zbock as provost

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:15:20 +0000

��Ƶ appoints Jason Zbock as provost valenzfr@morri… Fri, 01/30/2026 - 11:15

��Ƶ has appointed Jason Zbock, of Hamilton, as provost. Zbock has served as interim provost since October 2025, advancing key institutional priorities during a period of transition.

“Jason has demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to our students and faculty,” said David Rogers, president of ��Ƶ. “His work as interim provost has positioned the college well for the future and I am confident he will continue to advance academic excellence in this permanent role.”

Throughout his tenure at ��Ƶ, Zbock has held several leadership positions, including executive director of the Norwich Campus, dean of the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences & Society, and associate provost of program development, assessment and educational development. He previously served as an assistant professor of mathematics for more than a decade, as well as an adjunct professor.

Zbock has also been actively involved on the ��Ƶ campus, holding various roles in college governance. His work includes championing innovative academic programming, supporting faculty development and advancing initiatives that align with the college’s mission.

His extensive career in higher education also includes serving as dean of institutional effectiveness and enrollment planning at SUNY Broome Community College, where he served as a lead facilitator in the college’s strategic planning process.

“I am honored to be appointed provost and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving ��Ƶ,” Zbock said. “This institution has a strong mission and a dedicated campus community, and I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to build on our momentum and support student success.”

As provost, Zbock will be responsible for the oversight and administration of all academic planning and support programs, as well as addressing opportunities that support the college’s mission to cultivate a community of hands-on learners in experiential education, while supporting the continued growth and evolution of ��Ƶ’s academic portfolio.

Zbock earned a doctorate in education in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix, a master’s degree in mathematics teacher education and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, both from the University at Buffalo.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 30, 2026

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��Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 30 through February 1

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:50:07 +0000

��Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 30 through February 1 valenzfr@morri… Wed, 01/14/2026 - 14:50

Interested in making a game and being part of a global experiment in creativity? Artists, programmers, musicians, storytellers and creative minds are being sought as ��Ƶ serves again as a host site for Global Game Jam® (GGJ), the world’s largest game jam event, taking place Friday, Jan. 30-Sunday, Feb. 1.

During the worldwide event, participants are given a central theme and just 48 hours to create a video or board/card game.

During the fast-paced “jam session,” teams of artists, musicians, hobbyists, programmers and gamers are given a chance to brainstorm, innovate, collaborate and develop new ideas for game design.

The event begins at ��Ƶ on Friday, Jan. 30, at 4 p.m. in Charlton Hall, with registration, a videoconference and unveiling of this year’s theme. Final game submissions are due at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, followed by a game creation preview and weekend wrap-up.

Registration for the ��Ƶ site is open for students and non-students over the age of 18 of all skill levels at: GGJ 2026 REGISTRATION

Teams, some of which are formed on-site, spend 48 hours brainstorming and designing a new video or board game from scratch without any outside help. All finished GGJ games are archived on a website for everyone to play.

Some of the games that participants at the Morrisville site have created include: Traps: The Spanish Adventurer (a journey to prove capability as an adventurer, by collecting all of the gold); Ex-Extinction (Sir Captain Rawrington must save his dinosaur ancestors from the incoming asteroid onslaught); Flight Team Phoenix (pilot a phoenix spaceship and eliminate alien enemies) and Cardiac Canyon (a hiker tumbles down a cliff and must follow his heart to lead him through the dark and back to his camp)

For more information about GGJ at ��Ƶ, contact Adam Saunders at 315.684.6055 or saundear@morrisville.edu.

Global Game Jam® history
2009 Game Jam — 53 sites, 23 countries, 1,650 participants, 370 games
2010 Game Jam — 138 sites, 39 countries, 4,300 participants, 900 games
2011 Game Jam — 169 sites, 44 countries, 6,500 participants, 1,500 games
2012 Game Jam — 242 sites, 47 countries, 10,684 participants, 2,209 games
2013 Game Jam — 319 sites, 63 countries, 16,705 participants, 3,248 games
2014 Game Jam — 488 sites, 72 countries, 23,189 participants, 4,292 games
2015 Game Jam — 518 sites, 78 countries, 28,000 participants, 5,438 games
2016 Game Jam — 632 sites, 93 countries, 36,164 participants, 6,866 games
2017 Game Jam — 701 sites, 95 countries, 36,401 participants, 7,263 games
2018 Game Jam — 803 sites, 108 countries, 42,800 participants, 8,606 games
2019 Game Jam — 860 sites, 113 countries, 47,006 participants, 9,010 games
2020 Game Jam — 934 sites, 118 countries, 48,753 participants, 9,601 games
2021 Game Jam — 585 sites, 104 countries, 28,825 participants, 6,383 games (held online due to COVID-19 pandemic)
2022 Game Jam — 680 sites, 100 countries, 33,000 participants, 5,860 games
2023 Game Jam — 800 sites, 108 countries, 40,000 participants, 7,637 games
2024 Game Jam — 796 sites, 102 countries, 34,649 jammers, 9,964 games.
2025 Game Jam — 805 sites, 98 countries, 35,427 jammers, creating a record 12,100 games.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 14, 2026

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��Ƶ awarded Mental Health First Aid Grant to expand student support

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:05:47 +0000

��Ƶ awarded Mental Health First Aid Grant to expand student support valenzfr@morri… Mon, 01/12/2026 - 13:05

��Ƶ has been awarded a SUNY Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Grant, part of an initiative to strengthen mental health awareness, early intervention and crisis response on college campuses.

Announced by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., the program will provide up to $8,000 per campus to support mental health first aid training for faculty, staff and other non-clinical personnel. ��Ƶ is among 27 campuses statewide selected to receive the grant.

“Mental health is health, and our priority at SUNY is to advance every aspect of our students’ growth and to ensure they have the support needed to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal development,” King said. “The grants provided through this innovative program will help ensure more SUNY staff and personnel are trained to recognize and address mental health concerns and to support students in need.”

At ��Ƶ, the funding will support the creation and expansion of campuswide mental health first aid programming. The nationally recognized training teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders, with a focus on early recognition, supportive conversation and connection to professional resources.

“Our students’ well-being is fundamental to their overall success,” said ��Ƶ President David Rogers. “This grant allows us to expand critical training for faculty and staff so they feel confident recognizing when a student may be struggling and can offer timely support with care and compassion.”

“We are very thrilled to be recipients of this grant,” said Monica Grau, ��Ƶ vice president for student affairs & inclusive engagement. “It will provide us the opportunity to train multiple trainers who will then be able to present MHFA sessions to faculty, staff and students as part of broader campaign to grow a stronger and healthier campus community.”

For ��Ƶ, the funding represents another step toward fostering a campus culture where mental health support is visible, accessible and embedded into everyday student life.

Unlike traditional clinical training, mental health first aid equips everyday campus personnel, such as faculty, advisors, residence life staff and student service professionals with the tools to act when they notice a student in distress.

“Faculty and staff are often the first to notice when a student is struggling, and they deserve practical, evidence-based tools to respond with confidence and care,” said Tramaine El-Amin, vice president of Mental Health First Aid USA, National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “These grants will help campuses like ��Ƶ expand training so more educators and frontline staff can recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges, start supportive conversations and connect people to appropriate resources.”

When fully implemented statewide, the program is expected to train nearly 3,000 SUNY employees annually, significantly expanding the system’s capacity to recognize and respond to students in need.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 12, 2026

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General

��Ƶ offers electric vehicle training

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:35:50 +0000

��Ƶ offers electric vehicle training valenzfr@morri… Mon, 01/05/2026 - 13:35

Looking to expand your knowledge of electric vehicles (EV) and get ahead in the growing EV workforce? ��Ƶ is hosting a one-day, in-person training, Electric Vehicles Part 1: Introduction & Safety workforce program, on Jan. 17, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the college’s Automotive Technology Facility.

This hands-on training will utilize two electric vehicles purchased through a Green Workforce Grant, giving participants access to state-of-the-art equipment designed to prepare the next generation of clean-energy professionals.

Tuition is $400. Program assistance is available. To register, call 315.684.6390 or email workforce@morrisville.edu.

This training is part of SUNY’s broader efforts to build a skilled green workforce and support New York’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. Through the grant, ��Ƶ has also installed a charging station inside the Automotive Technology Facility, for instructional use, with additional plans for an outdoor charger for instructional and community use.

The non-credit EV training course and future offerings will eventually lead to credit-bearing microcredentials, currently in development through the grant.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 5, 2026

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��Ƶ University Police recognized with statewide honors

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:06:19 +0000

��Ƶ University Police recognized with statewide honors valenzfr@morri… Mon, 12/08/2025 - 10:06

Seven members of the New York State University Police at ��Ƶ were among those honored with 2025 University Police Awards by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association, recognized for outstanding service, lifesaving efforts and heroism.

The 2025 University Police Awards represent the highest recognition given by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association.

Lt. Philip Netzband, Officer Ryan Harrington and Officer Nicole Wright received the Professional Service Award, which honors actions that significantly enhance the operations and effectiveness of University Police.

Additionally, Chief Paul Field, Lt. Luke Learned, Investigator Caitlin Clark and Officer Tyler Morgan received the Heroism Award for extraordinary courage and lifesaving service.

Officers Wright and Morgan are ��Ƶ alumni.

“��Ƶ is incredibly proud of our University Police team,” said ��Ƶ President David Rogers. “Their professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment to protecting our campus and community make a difference every day and exemplify the best of SUNY.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. praised award recipients for their commitment to maintaining safe campus environments. “SUNY’s University Police Officers are an integral part of our campus communities,” he said. “Their commitment ensures that our students can pursue their dreams without fear.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees and New York State University Police Commissioner Mary Ritayik also commended officers statewide for their professionalism compassion and service to SUNY campuses.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

December 8, 2025

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Serving Beyond the Classroom: ��Ƶ recognizes two students who step up to help their communities

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:40:17 +0000

Serving Beyond the Classroom: ��Ƶ recognizes two students who step up to help their communities valenzfr@morri… Wed, 12/03/2025 - 14:40

For ��Ƶ students Aidan “AJ” Martel and Aidan Drum, “free time” looks a lot different than it does for most college students. They never know when an emergency call will send them racing out the door.

As active members of the Morrisville Fire Department, Martel and Drum log countless hours responding to medical emergencies, fires, motor-vehicle accidents and community outreach events. Drum also serves as an EMT and is a member of the college’s lacrosse team. Martel volunteers with SEVAC (Smithfield-Eaton Volunteer Ambulance Corps), in addition to his fire service.

Their dedication extends beyond the campus. Martel, from Stillwater in Saratoga County, also volunteers with the Arvin Hart Fire Company, while Drum, of Pleasant Valley, serves as a member of the Salt Point Fire Company back home.

“If I have free time, that is pretty much what I am doing,” Drum said, describing how volunteering shapes his days.

As International Volunteer Day approaches on Dec. 5, ��Ƶ proudly spotlights the student-volunteers making a difference every day, students like Martel and Drum, whose service honors a long family tradition of answering the call.

For both, volunteering is a calling. “It’s all about helping people,” Drum said. “We are there when they need it most, and that is a great feeling.”

Martel echoed the sentiment, adding, “The love for it keeps me motivated. Knowing I can make a difference keeps me coming back.”

Their commitment to service complements their career goals. Drum, a diesel technology student, hopes to become either a diesel mechanic or a paid firefighter. Martel, an automotive technology — Ford ASSET student, aspires to work as an automotive technician or pursue firefighting professionally.

Their dedication carries over into their daily lives. Before many students even start their day, Martel and Drum are already on alert.

“You literally go from being in bed to out the door sometimes,” Drum said, referring to his emergency pager and phone app that can call him to action at any hour.

Balancing classes with life-saving responsibilities isn’t easy, but they’ve learned to manage both.

Their commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.

“I have a tremendous respect for local people and students who volunteer to help people in our district,” said Dan Akers, Martel’s professor and fellow SEVAC volunteer.

“Someone usually has my pager,” Drum said. “I’ve run out of the middle of practice before to go to a fire.”

Despite the challenges, neither hesitates. “When it goes off I am out the door,” Martel said of his pager.

SEVAC alone responds to 800-1,000 calls a year, according to Akers. Martel is preparing to take EMT classes and will return from winter break earlier than most students to train.

What keeps them going is a question they are asked often. For Martel, the answer is simple. “It’s a part of me, and I can’t get away from it now.”

“It is a part of me now,” Drum echoed. “I tried it out and fell in love with it.”

Training is a constant part of their commitment. There are Tuesday night drills and ongoing courses that never seem to slow down. “The amount of training you need seems to keep going up,” Drum said — one of several reasons behind the nationwide volunteer shortage.

Both recall a recent fire in which they were dispatched at 11 p.m., returned at 7 a.m., took a quick shower and made it to class with no sleep or hesitation. Those moments reflect the dedication they bring to every call and the same determination guiding them through their academic journey.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

December 3, 2025

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��Ƶ and Morrisville-Eaton Central School District partner to make Thanksgiving brighter for local families

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:35:57 +0000

��Ƶ and Morrisville-Eaton Central School District partner to make Thanksgiving brighter for local families valenzfr@morri… Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:35

As Thanksgiving approaches, the spirit of giving is filling the Morrisville community. ��Ƶ has partnered once again with the Morrisville-Eaton Central School (MECS) District to help ensure that local families in need can enjoy a full holiday meal together.

The annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive, started 16 years ago by MECS teacher Meaghan Palmer, continues its mission at a time of increased need. This year brought “more of a need than ever,” reflecting the challenges many households face, including cuts to federal food assistance benefits, said Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins, associate professor of agricultural science at ��Ƶ and coordinator of the college’s efforts.

Gilbert Jenkins joined the effort six years ago when she realized ��Ƶ had an opportunity to help. “We want the town to know that the ��Ƶ community cares,” she said.

This year’s fundraiser brought in nearly $3,000, the most to date. “I'm so thankful for how generous our community is and for how successful the fundraiser was this year,” Gilbert Jenkins said.

Thanks to campus donors and partners at MECS, ��Ƶ helped provide produce from four farms, along with milk, cheese, eggs and a $65 gift card to Aldi to 20 local families. Some farms even went a step further — one donated produce, while another significantly reduced its prices to support the effort.

The generous donations collected this year enabled the campus to expand the reach of this effort, and in addition to what was donated to the families connected to MESC, provide full Thanksgiving dinners for three families in need from the college’s Children’s Center and two families connected to the Norwich campus.

“Every year we are moved by the generosity of our campus and community,” Gilbert Jenkins said. “This partnership really shows what Thanksgiving is all about — helping one another.”

The food drive ensures that families have food for Thanksgiving and additional meals during the school break when support services pause.

For Gilbert Jenkins, the effort has become a family tradition. Her husband, Shawn Jenkins, instructional support assistant in the college’s Horticulture Department, and their children, Maya, 14, and Jackson, 11, lend a hand organizing and distributing the donated food.

In addition to assisting the MECS Thanksgiving food drive, ��Ƶ continues to address food insecurity on its own campus by holding food and hygiene drives for its students and offering on- and off-campus resources for students experiencing food or housing insecurity.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

November 21, 2025

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Powering Possibility: ��Ƶ students design microgrid for local retreat farm

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:01:40 +0000

Powering Possibility: ��Ƶ students design microgrid for local retreat farm valenzfr@morri… Wed, 10/29/2025 - 15:01

When Taylor Zimmer, trustee of Solitude Farmz in Oxford, New York, wanted to explore new ways to power the property sustainably, he didn’t turn to a consulting firm. He turned to ��Ƶ students.

As part of their Systems Integration capstone course, renewable energy students are working with Zimmer to propose solutions that can actually be implemented on the farm, a 125-acre retreat in the southern Finger Lakes, just outside of Oxford, New York.

The class is designing a working microgrid that combines solar photovoltaics with micro-hydro technology to provide more sustainable energy for the property. The project could change how the farm operates and inspire others to follow.

“The microgrid project could offset our operating costs for electric power, bringing energy to a remote area in Chenango County as an enhancement to our retreat experience of relaxation, refreshing one’s mind, body and spirit,” Zimmer said.

With a focus on sustainability and organic farming practices, Solitude Farmz is a tranquil environment where visitors can connect with nature and experience rural living. In the summer, the retreat also serves as a Monarch butterfly waystation.

The property already has 48 ground-mounted solar panels that are reducing its carbon footprint. A stream running through the property offers the potential for micro-hydro power generation. That’s where students come in. They’ll be adding some new solar photovoltaics and new micro-hydro and assessing the potential integration of battery energy storage systems to make the microgrid more resilient and grid-dependent.

A microgrid that combines solar photovoltaics with micro-hydro creates a hybrid renewable energy system that enhances reliability and lowers costs by taking advantage of the complementary nature of the two sources. Solar provides power when the sun is shining, while water flow generates continuous energy, often supplemented with battery storage to balance supply and demand. The result is a flexible system that works for both grid-connected and remote applications—exactly the kind of innovation Zimmer hopes to model at Solitude Farmz.

“I want to tie the two energy sources in a way that is new and innovative,” Zimmer said. “If other farmers have a stream on their property, I want to show them the potential to offset electric bills.”

The capstone class, taught by professors Shamsul Arefeen and Ben Ballard, has students working on different projects with a real client, each semester.

Zimmer sees his partnership as a chance to merge his vision for sustainability with the creativity and problem-solving skills of Morrisville students.

“I researched environmental sustainability and it led me to Morrisville,” Zimmer said. “The value of this to me is within the experience of engaging forward-thinking minds of the students. Power of possibility meets reality at Solitude Farmz.”

Zimmer is actively involved, attending class sessions to discuss the farm’s needs and provide feedback.

Students visited the farm to take measurements and are actively participating in design and planning, sharing their unique perspectives and ideas for enhancing the property. The project combines technical expertise, creative problem-solving and real-world collaboration, requiring students to weigh energy demand, resource availability, costs and environmental impact.

“It’s exciting to take what we learn and apply it to a project,” said Gordie Means, a renewable energy Bachelor of Technology degree student from Fayetteville. “It takes everything we have learned and bundles it up and really tests our skills.”

Ryan Fish, of Lansing, a renewable energy Bachelor of Technology degree student who works on an industrial solar farm, wants to work in large-scale project management for solar.

“Everything I have learned is problem-solving,” Fish said, a necessary skill in the field.

Students will be working with Zimmer throughout the semester, refining their microgrid designs, presenting practical solutions and gaining experience that prepares them for careers in renewable energy and sustainability.

“We try to expose students to real-world experiences and cases in most of our classes,” Arefeen said. “This capstone is the last real experience we give our students before they go out in the job market.”

That real-world focus resonates with Zimmer. “Their approach is spot on. All of the ideas are fresh and validate what I am thinking as I learn more about sustainability. Partnering with ��Ƶ sounds like a win-win to me.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

October 29, 2025

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