The recent announcement of the 2023–2024 JUMP into STEM Challenge Winners heralds a fresh wave of innovation in clean energy and building science. This competition, now in its sixth fruitful year, is fostered through the collaboration between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), who aim to empower and nurture the upcoming generation of building scientists.
Unleashing Student Creativity for a Sustainable Tomorrow
“Every year, the imaginative power of the students participating in the JUMP into STEM competition is truly remarkable,” shared Kim Trenbath, the program’s steward and the acting group manager at NREL’s Building Technologies and Science Center. Selecting the finalists was no easy task for the judges, particularly given the intense competition this year, but these bright minds stood out with their exceptional proposals.
Forging Industry Connections for Professional Growth
A vital aspect of the JUMP into STEM initiative is its robust industry ties. Students reap the benefits of insights and career perspectives from leading industry sponsors, bolstering their professional development. These connections are further solidified through activities like sponsor visits and the prestigious summer program; opportunities that provide students with a glimpse into the real-world dynamics of the building industry.
Innovations to Shape a More Efficient World
The challenge for the student teams this season centered around three crucial areas: thermal energy storage, innovations in the building envelope, and ambitious carbon reduction strategies.
Tackling Temperature through Energy Storage and Efficiency
Heat Pump Mastery – First place went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for their innovative modular thermal energy storage system, designed to work seamlessly with mini-split heat pumps. The team’s system promises an expedited entry into consumer markets, offering lower grid energy consumption during peak periods.
Support for Low-Income Housing – Purdue University‘s runner-up concept, “OneGrid,” focuses on assisting low-income communities with an economical and communal thermal energy storage solution.
Refined Kiln Energy Usage – Coming in third, Worcester Polytechnic Institute‘s ingenious use of kilns for energy optimization showcases potential for reducing expenditures and resource consumption.
Revolutionizing the Building Envelope
Nonprofit for Energy Conservation – Claiming the winning spot in this category was the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with their proposal for a nonprofit focusing on improving building insulation and leveraging government funding to benefit low-income households.
DIY Insulation Kits – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University presented an air sealing kit designed for low-income families to easily improve their homes’ energy efficiency.
Accessible Energy Saving Innovations – The University of Texas at Austin secured third place by advocating for practical and accessible kits to buttress energy efficiency in low-income communities.
Championing Carbon Neutrality
Algae-Based Carbon Capture – The University of North Carolina at Charlotte topped this category with their building-integrated algae photobioreactor systems that capture carbon and generate biomass.
Sustainable Building Materials – SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry showcased MODUBE, an interlocking adobe brick reinforced with wood ash, second in line for its sustainability merits.
Mycelium for Green Construction – The University of Texas at Austin’s mycelium-based wall assembly proposal illustrated an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials, landing them in third place.
Onwards to the JUMP into STEM Finals
The next step for these innovative finalists is the JUMP into STEM Final Competition slated for January 25–26, 2024, at ORNL. The event is more than a competition; it’s a platform for students to connect with industry leaders, explore national lab facilities, and discover potential career paths in building science. Winners will be announced live, with the promise of coveted internships at renowned national laboratories such as NREL, ORNL, or Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).
These internships, offering both practical experience and mentorship, are complemented by engaging industry partner visits. The JUMP into STEM program is a concrete expression of the U.S. Department of Energy‘s commitment to energy-efficient buildings. For more information, visit the Building Technologies Office website to learn about the endeavors for greener building initiatives.
