The energy to find answers

BY KELLY RUSCH

Research serves to make building stones out of stumbling blocks,” according to noted chemical eng ineer Ar thur D Little At research universities such as North Dakota State University, faculty, staff and student researchers help businesses work to succeed, advancing the region’s quality of life

Researchers, similar to business leaders, are motivated to answer questions and overcome challenges We provide needed expertise to ask questions, compile and analyze data that can lead to solutions for a variety of market challenges. We provide expertise to assist governmental entities to develop strategies as the region adapts to an ever-changing environment After spending two decades working as an engineer in the oil and gas state of Louisiana, I appreciate the tremendous growth North Dakota is experiencing

At NDSU, there are numerous ways we use research to provide options to assist companies and government in this economic boom Researchers at NDSU investigate workforce characteristics in the Bakken of western North Dakota, assisting cities with population projections to plan for the future, compiling data on jobs and investment, and mapping historical sites Faculty researchers assist law enforcement and community leaders as they work to match enforcement needs to population changes

Other NDSU scientists analyze North Dakota clay samples to determine composition and suitability for processes used in oil extraction. Additional scientists offer expertise in sensors that can monitor equipment and expertise in corrosion that can lead to pipeline degradation.

NDSU representatives, particularly from the Extension Service, are among those participating with the state to find answers to challenges such as dust that affects crops, animals and people.

Natural resources expertise of NDSU faculty is being used to evaluate native grassland reclamation methods to reestablish native vegetation and restore landscape in partnership with a pipeline company. Research findings will be published to help support future land reclamation related to the state’s energy boom.

NDSU researchers are also looking at nanoscale energy harvesting of the future, through quantum dots or nanowires to generate solar energy. Others are evaluating coatings for wind turbine blades and unmanned aerial vehicles Still others work in areas of biofuels and biomass, looking at ways to use agricultural waste as building blocks for additional energy resources

The energy, finance and manufacturing sectors and many others bring opportunity to the state. As a land-grant university, NDSU can play a substantial role in enhancing that success through research, through educating the state’s current and future workforce, and through technology-led economic development The relationship between a land-grant research university and the students and region that it serves, truly represents a mechanism to provide opportunity.

Through research, we strive to provide an innovative and scholarly human enterprise to solve today’s challenges, anticipate those of tomorrow and impact the economic well being of the region and beyond Put simply, we want to help you make positive things happen

We are opening new laboratories to continue working with private sector partners to enhance products and to bring NDSU-developed technologies to market We invite you to contact us to learn more PB

Kelly Rusch Vice President for Research and Creative Activity North Dakota State University

Kelly Rusch@ndsu edu

Twitter: @NDSU