About Us

Who we are
The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR), a collaboration between the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), was established in April 2006 to conduct research on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and energy conservation; and to expand economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Nebraska and the nation.


see: http://www.nppd.org/Newsroom/NewsRelease.asp?NewsReleaseID=193

Mission
To conduct energy research that produces new technologies, processes and systems that provide new or significantly enhanced renewable energy sources and improves the quality of life and economic opportunity for all Nebraskans.

Goal
The overall goal of the Center is to develop research and education programs in energy sciences by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty and with other research institutions, public-sector agencies, and private sector companies with similar interests. The Center supports both basic and applied research and has a broad mandate to explore a range of renewable energy opportunities (including biofuels, wind, and solar energy), as well as opportunities for energy conservation.

Center Organization and Administration
The Center is a university-wide Center that reports to the UNL Senior Vice Chancellor for Research, with oversight provided by the External Advisory Committee, and guidance from an Executive Council on strategic planning and program coordination across UNL. Faculty participate in the Center's programs through the competitive research and education grant programs, seminar series, the annual Energy Workshop Conference, and other events and activities sponsored by the Center.

Director
Dr. Kenneth G. Cassman is the current center director, which represents a 50% appointment. The remainder of Dr. Cassman's time is devoted to research and education as a Systems Agronomist in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. Chancellor Harvey Perlman announced the appointment of Dr. Cassman as the Center Director on June 2, 2006. (See: http://newsroom.unl.edu/releases/2006/06/02/Ken+Cassman+named+director+of+UNL%27s+new+energy+center)

Associate Director
Dr. Jerry L. Hudgins became the associate director effective August 1, 2009. Dr. Hudgins is developing, coordinating and evaluating NCESR's physical sciences research. He provides leadership and expertise in solar, wind and geothermal energy; energy storage and distributed power systems; architectural engineering; and energy conservation for commercial buildings and residences. He also leads UNL's efforts to connect with industry and government agencies in these areas. This is a part-time appointment and Hudgins will continue his research and serving as chair of electrical engineering.(See: http://research.unl.edu/stories/story.php?ID=339)

Executive Council
The Center Director is assisted by an Executive Council, which is comprised of representatives of UNL faculty and administration engaged in energy research. The Executive Council helps guide the Center by helping to establish a coordinated strategic vision for energy science programs at UNL. They also provide input to the content and format of Center-sponsored grant programs, seminar series, and annual conference. Members of the Executive Council include: Executive Council List

External Advisory Committee
The External Advisory Committee (EAC) is comprised of three representatives from NPPD, the UNL Chancellor, and the UNL Vice Chancellor for Research. The EAC has responsibility for oversight of the Center's programs and makes final decisions on allocation of grants within the research and education competitive grant programs. The Committee advises the Center Director on strategic directions and program development, and makes final decisions on allocation of funding to research and education grants funded by the Center. Members of the External Advisory Committee include: External Advisory Committee list