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PLATTSBURGH — Janice Padula created the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Program at Clinton Community College.
Now, the professor of chemistry and environmental science is a student.
The program has been operating roughly a year and continues to grow, with new equipment, more students and an evolving curriculum designed to meet the needs of renewable energy and sustainable future for the country.
"This is the technology of the future," said Nancy Neubrand, a student from Peru who is enrolled in the program.
GROWING INTEREST
Early last year, CCC's Board of Trustees approved the new program, which results in an associate in applied science degree.
The erection of local wind turbines inspired the 66-credit program, which is specifically geared toward turbine maintenance. It is a workforce initiative designed to address alternative-energy careers.
New York wants to have 25 percent of all state electricity coming from renewable energy within five years.
"We are in the midst of purchasing training equipment that is the same type of equipment they find in a wind turbine," said Mark Buckley, assistant professor of wind energy and turbine technology and program coordinator.
The program opened spring 2009, enrolling seven students. There are now 20 first-year students.
"We have one student coming from Green Bay," Buckley said.
FLEXIBLE LESSONS
Wind companies have expressed interest in employing CCC graduates of the program.
"Even if students don't want to go into wind energy, we have it set up so the training allows them to go over to steam energy and hydro energy," Buckley said.
"Basically, we are teaching how the parts move and the generation of electricity. They all have the same gear block, generator and electrical controls.
"A student could take a two-year degree and knock on the door of a hydro company, and an employer would know they are getting a well-rounded individual."
Students study technical mathematics, circuits, wind energy, meteorology, environmental health and safety, blueprint reading, industrial electricity, power generation and more.
Before they graduate, they complete an internship with a company associated with wind energy.
CAREER SWITCH
Neubrand is willing to relocate after graduation.
"I have a son in 10th grade, and by the time he is done high school, I will be done this."
She retired from Verizon after 31 years; before leaving, the company sent her to school for telecommunications. Some of the courses overlap, so she decided to retire, study wind technology and change careers.
"They are like giant dinosaurs," she said of wind turbines.
Patrick Cribb of Plattsburgh enrolled in CCC's program after getting done with CommutAir.
"This is an up-and-coming field, and it's challenging."
GOOD PAY
Padula finds the program rigorous in her new role as student.
"In the process of developing any program, there is an assessment piece you are responsible for. I can do that from the faculty point of view, but I wanted to do it from the student point of view."
Students can earn at least $50,000 once they land a job after graduation, a starting salary that is expected to increase as the industry expands.
"We are at the ground floor right now," Padula said. "It is a great time to think about being part of the whole transformation to renewable energy.
"I think we are on the forefront of where it is at."
E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com
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