STEM Recruitment and Retention
Renewable Energy Specialist in Training Series. Both sets of books were published using CreateSpace (a free web-based publishing platform) and are available for purchase on Amazon. com. The CreateSpace publishing platform and Amazon marketing platform provide an ideal free option for those wishing to self-publish and increase access and availability of the books. Charges are only incurred when customers make a purchase, and the cost of the book covers the printing and marketing fees. The book-development activities allow students the opportunity to hone their writing skills while at the same time gaining a better understanding of potential engineering career paths and renewable energy technologies. In addition, student-driven independent research and conference presentations allow students the opportunity to excel in developing technical communication and research skills. CMN’s Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) was founded in 2014 with the mission of providing CMN STEM faculty and student researchers Above: Students designing LegoŽ constructions. 26
with skill development opportunities collecting and analyzing actual data related to solar energy performance and valuation. The current research focus is on building a mathematical model to more accurately predict solar energy performance and valuation over time. The model will assist electrical contractors, insurance appraisers, manufacturers, and homeowners with performance, warranty, and value expectations. Data collection focuses on an experimental design comparing solar panel technologies (monocrystalline vs polycrystalline) and AC to DC inverters (central inverter vs micro-inverter). Additionally, data collection includes performance and weather monitoring. Through SERI, qualified STEM students can work independently with faculty on conference research presentations. In the past, students have presented their research at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) annual conference and the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, both of which focus on undergraduate student research dissemination.