Creating A Sustainable Energy Future

Bioproducts, fuel cells, and nanomaterials are only some of the ways that society will reduce its dependency on oil and fossil fuels. In fact, solving future energy needs requires a multi-pronged approach. WSU has many of the fundamental tools in place. Through our expertise in advanced materials, mechanical engineering and bioenergy and bioproducts, we are examining renewable energy sources. These initiatives will expand WSU’s ability to develop bio-based materials for immediate energy supply needs, nanomaterials for renewable energy sources in the near-term, and positron production and storage for the future.

Reliable and Renewable Electricity

WSU has one of the premier electric power programs in the world. Led by National Academy of Engineers member, Dr. Anjan Bose, WSU’s research group has made significant contributions to the quality and dependability of the national power grid. We play a leadership role in the Power System Engineering Research Center, a National Science Foundation-sponsored industry-university collaboration of 13 universities and more than 40 industries around the U.S.  

Institute for Sustainable Design

The Institute for Sustainable Design is pioneering innovative building design and construction and novel building materials through an interdisciplinary approach involving an array of WSU specialists focusing on quality, value, durability, esthetics, and environmental sustainability. Buildings now consume 48 percent of the total energy and 78 percent of the electrical energy in the U.S., and we aim to reduce that significantly while remaining sensitive to costs and appearance.

Ensuring the Quality of Our Environment

Population growth and urban sprawl are threatening air and water quality in Washington state and around the globe. WSU has one of the earliest and most prestigious air pollution research groups in the country with our world-class Laboratory for Atmospheric Research.  The laboratory is nationally recognized in, for example, the measurement of biosphere-atmosphere interactions that lead to aerosol formation.  

Engineering for Health

Engineering technology plans an increasingly important role in maintaining and improving health. Today, many medical advances in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes have occurred because of innovations in bieongienering.

Tomorrow’s Leaders and Innovators

Fundamental research discoveries may have little impact without a labor force that is prepared to apply technology, business skills, and cultural understanding in a global market.  As a destination university, we are proud to give our students an experience-enhanced education that will prepare them to graduate work-ready from day one.

For more details on ongoing research in the college, please look at our Areas of Research or Research Centers.