A native of Boulder, Colorado, first-year Engineering student Doug Koenig came to the University almost by chance. Koenig was encouraged to apply by a friend, and after touring Grounds, decided it would be the place for him. Since his arrival, sustainable energy has become Koenig's cause. Although he is involved in numerous groups at the University, such as the Trigon Engineering Society, Theta Chi fraternity and Engineering Student Council, he perhaps is most excited about his participation in the "Ride Forward" project established by James Durand, a mechanical and aerospace engineering adjunct professor.
As part of the project, students are converting a Ford Ranger to run on electric power, Koenig explained. To create a sustainable source of power for that car's electricity, the students have set up solar panels that feed into the University grid. Koenig believes it is this element of sustainability - something that encompasses more than just clean energy - that will be important for society's future.\n"We have to be self-sustaining in our energy consumption," he said, adding that this is critical not only for the environment, but also for the economy.
After college, Koenig said his goal is to design either a new fuel that is sustainable or to refine processes on fuels that already exist, such as ethanol or natural gas, to make them more affordable and practical. He admits this is a lofty goal, adding that types of plants that he would like to see made into fuel often are high in cellulose, making them very difficult to break down. Still, Koenig remains hopeful, and his work thus far shows he has already made an impact on sustainability here at the University.
Alexi Harrington Hoeft, fourth-year Engineering student double majoring in engineering science and mathematics, said her dream job always was to be a writer. But strangely enough, it was her ninth-grade English teacher who first got her interested in fields of study which are not usually associated with great writers - math and science.
Harrington Hoeft said this teacher offered students the opportunity to go on a trip to the Gal
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