Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Executive Task Force on Biomass and Biofuels Development in Kentucky final report indicated as many as 10,000 permanent jobs can be created, mostly in rural communities with the growth of this industry within Kentucky.  To get a more in-depth look at this job creation, the Division of Biofuels has interviewed Kentucky residents whose jobs have been created as a result of this industry growth.  The interviews are done quarterly, and previous interviews are available by clicking on the archive link below.   

The University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Energy Research has the following vision: "To excel as an applied research and development center with an international reputation, focusing on the the optimal use of Kentucky's and the nation's energy resources for the benefit of its people."  To this end, one of the Center's ongoing efforts is to develop a cost-effective photobioreactor design for algae cultivation based on the potential of algae for combating CO2 emissions.

Second Quarter 2011 Job Spotlight:  Michael Wilson, UK CAER Research Engineer

Michael Wilson is a research engineer for the University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER).  There he is charged with design, construction and operation of photobioreactors, which he says, in his down-to-earth demeanor, is a fancy way of saying algae habitat.  Michael's typical duties include a broad range of responsibilities such as problem solving, realizing the culmination of ideas into visual practical solutions, prototyping constructions and challenging learning opportunities.  His routine and schedule change according to daily priorities as Michael also hosts tour groups and individuals looking to collaborate on carbon dioxide capture and utilization projects.  Since these groups can vary from 4th grade students to visiting Ivy league professors Michael emphasizes the importance of realizing the technical abilities of his audience. 

Michael's childhood home is in the Adirondack Mountains of New York and he credits that awe inspiring environment for first motivating his personal thoughts about trying to improve the environment as an adult.  Michael moved to Lexington when he accepted a position at Lexmark after his college graduation.  That opportunity would likely not have been forthcoming if his degree would not have required a co-op for graduation.  Michael was already a senior design team project leader as a student but credits the co-op experience for providing the workplace practical knowledge in mechanical engineering to make him competitive.  Its obvious that he did not lack self initiative or technical background but he recognizes the importance of contributing to the process as a student.  Engaging campus facilities to find undergraduate experiences leads to potential advancement and hopefully a positive career path.

For a research engineer, that path does not always mean upward mobility in an agency that has layers of management.  Within the academic environment, Michael is focusing on continuing his education and is currently taking classes toward his PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Kentucky.  Possible advancement paths include promotion to an Engineer III and Engineer IV with a combination of a PhD., a PE license and experience as a criteria for consideration.  His outlook is to treat himself like a work in progress and one of his near term goals is to start attaining his own funding for some of the projects he currently is involved in.  It's obvious that he feels he has the rare opportunity to grow himself and network while pursuing goals and progressing on real steps that could help to revolutionize the carbon dioxide capture and utilization industry.  

Job Spotlight Archive 2010