UB TCIE develops online energy course series

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new set of online courses developed by the University at Buffalo and SUNY Buffalo State, in collaboration with National Grid and Stony Brook University, ventures through foundational concepts of the energy industry and highlights traditional and emerging career opportunities.  

The four-course Energy Industry: Production, Distribution & Safety specialization is available on the online learning platform, Coursera.

Material spans the past, present and future of electric power systems, natural gas and safety. It is intended for those considering an affiliated career – whether a technical, hands-on field position or role in the clean energy sector – as well as current industry employees with less than three years of experience who have not completed similar training.

“We at National Grid are proud to partner with the University at Buffalo and SUNY Buffalo State to provide individuals with a convenient way to learn about our energy industry,” says John Bruckner, president of National Grid’s New York business. “Raising awareness of all the exciting and significant facets of our industry will enable students to see how they can be part of it and together build a strong future.”

“The state of New York is facing a deficiency of available workforce with technical skills and interest in the clean energy sector,” says Jim Mayrose, PhD, SUNY Buffalo State interim provost. “These online courses will give job seekers a look inside the energy industry and go a long way to helping the state build a sustainable energy workforce.”

Registration for the first three courses of the specialization is open. The fourth launches on Oct. 8.

Courses are as follows:

·         Electric Power Systems: covers standards and policies of the electric utility industry, segments of the electric power system, and common components like power cables and transformers.

·         Natural Gas: explores characteristics and properties of natural gas, key factors behind formation of the natural gas industry, and gas and carbon monoxide safety procedures.

·         Safety in the Utility Industry: introduces basic utility industry safety knowledge, including personal protective equipment, fire safety, hazardous materials and their symbols.

·         Energy Industry: The Enterprise: examines regulations of the U.S. power industry, the price structure for electricity and natural gas, the various actors in setting rates, and industry challenges and opportunities.

Leading course development was UB’s Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE), the business outreach center of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Instructors are:

·         Ilya Grinberg, SUNY Buffalo State engineering technology professor

·         Tom Russo, president of Russo on Energy LLC of Arlington, Virginia

·         Richard A. Stempniak, SUNY Buffalo State associate professor of engineering technology

·         Martin K. Casstevens, business formation and commercialization manager for UB’s Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships and executive director of Directed Energy

Content consists of video lectures complemented by reading materials, assessments and peer interaction. Learners create a roadmap to achieve their own personal goals related to a profession in the energy industry.

Learners may sign up for individual courses or the complete series. There is no charge to access videos and readings. The fee for gaining access to all content – which includes assignments – and the opportunity to earn a certificate in energy industry fundamentals is $49 per month.