Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for the Anaerobic Digester Technician training is students from underserved population including unemployed and dislocated workers and incumbent agricultural workers. Changes/Problems: There was considerable discussion and debate about how best to link the certificate to an existing degree(s) program(s) so that students could get both a degree and certificate. The difficulty arises in not asking too much of the student in regard to credits/time but meeting the DACUM desires. While not perfect, we believe we struck a balance that works for our students at BTC, and have uploaded the curricula, overall design and thought process to the web resource library for others to hopefully use and not reinvent the wheel. An additional concern was how to create modules that could be put on the web and easily used and adjusted by other programs across the nation. Andgar, our industry partner, hired approximately 9 people in their Anaerobic Digestion product area, during the life of this grant (2010-2013). Short- and long-term employment outlook is difficult as the AD projects take a long time to develop and aren’t guaranteed to be built. Andgar does anticipate a need to hire AD technicians in the next 5 years as there will be projects built. Andgar is also interested in taking on an AD Technician intern in the future, but has the capacity to take only one intern on at a time due to the work load in Whatcom County. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? AD Technician Professional Development Workshop Series Once the DACUM was complete, BTC held a workshop for its respective departmental heads and instructors with potential connections to the curriculum to be developed, i.e. Diesel Technology; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Process Technology; Instrumentation and Control; and Electro Mechanical Technology. WSU personnel helped coordinate and provide instruction during this workshop for specific scientific and technical information related to anaerobic digestion (AD) and AD operation and maintenance. WSU personnel prepared computer presentations and oral lectures regarding multiple aspects of AD, answered numerous questions and supported BTC staff in establishing the certificate program. Additionally, BTC staff attended the Future Energy Conference, Green Industrial & Career Expo, Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Conference, and WA Farm Energy Program. These training and professional development provided BTC staff the opportunity to both market the AD program and network with industry, while also developing BTC’s staff within the renewable energy industry. Two of BTC’s faculty attended the Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Conference, which included both developers and consumers of biogas. The overall consensus of the conference was that biogas, as a large-scale commodity, has significant hurdles, including the low cost of natural gas and electricity. However, the application of anaerobic digestion technology in small-scale, industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications will continuously grow over the next decade. Part of this growth rate is sustained by research activity in universities and technical colleges. Also, BTC utilized grant funds to send the BTC student recruiter to a Noel-Levitz National Conference on Student Recruitment, Marketing and Retention. The recruiter was instrumental in facilitating BTC’s involvement and career opportunity tabling at the NW Washington Fair, which had over 100,000 attendees. This Fair is heavily attended by the agricultural community. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? All resource and curriculum materials, including professional videos, lecture capture, modules, publications and background materials are available online. Project planning documents and team history information are also included so that others throughout the country may use this project as a model in their own region. The web-based resource library will be maintained and updated as new research and educational resources become available and are relevant. URL: http://csanr.cahnrs.wsu.edu/anaerobic-digestion-technology-certificate-program/ . WSU personnel took the lead in marketing the BTC program at numerous AD academic and industry conferences, including the US-EPA National Agstar Conferences, the Washington State Bioenergy Conference, and Biocycle West Coast National Conferences. In addition, BTC staff attended the Future Energy Conference, Green Industrial & Career Expo, and the Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas conference, and marketed the program to fellow attendees and industry. Both WSU and BTC personnel attended the WA Farm Energy Program and marketed the program as well. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal I: Create curriculum for an AD Technician program that will provide a pathway into rural, agricultural renewable energy employment. Bellingham Technical College (BTC) created four Anaerobic Digester Technician classes, based on the needs identified from the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process. BTC and Washington State University (WSU) personnel worked together to 1) create the general course plan layout that met the needs identified in the DACUM process while also minimizing impact to students and their pursuit of their major degrees; 2) create a general plan of multiple course modules that would be condensed versions of existing core courses that would allow Anaerobic Digester (AD) certificate students to gain the necessary knowledge and skills identified in the DACUM but reduce overall course credit and hour loads; 3) identify existing BTC staff that could both develop and teach those modules; 4) develop a special AD course module to teach specific knowledge and skills associated with AD that were identified in the DACUM; and 5) develop specific course lectures and presentations that were delivered in person by various WSU AD experts throughout the multiple offerings. Four AD courses were developed: ADTEC 126 Basic Electricity; ADTEC 200 Anaerobic Digestion Essentials; ADTEC 237 Cooling Towers/Water Treatment; and ADTEC 245 Commercial/Industrial Boilers. Three of these courses were developed and offered in an online format only (ADTEC 126, ADTEC 237, and ADTEC 245). ADTEC 200 was a hybrid course, combining both face-to-face instruction and online instruction. These four courses total 12 credits, which is a full-time credit load for students. All four courses were offered in summer 2012, winter 2013 and summer 2013 quarters to align with the Diesel students schedules. Goal II: Deliver AD Technician programming in Northwest Washington, including students from underserved populations such as unemployed and dislocated workers, and incumbent agricultural workers. BTC marketed the Anaerobic Digester Technician certificate to current students, previous Diesel students, and to the general public. BTC focused on the agriculture industry and marketed the certificate during the Northwest Washington Fair, in both 2012 and 2013. The NWWA Fair was visited by over 100,000 people each year. Much of BTC’s student population is not a traditional college-aged student population. In the 2010-2011 year, BTC’s average student age was 35. In 2012, BTC had 2,425 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, with a combined total financial aid grants awards of $7.7 million. BTC’s student population is underserved (20% students of color in a county that has a 9% minority population, for example) and includes many low-income, unemployed and dislocated workers. Goal III: Utilize partner network and program delivery to promote and facilitate development of anaerobic digester technology in the rural agriculture industry in Washington State. WSU personnel took the lead in marketing the BTC program at numerous AD academic and industry conferences, including the US-EPA National Agstar Conferences, the Washington State Bioenergy Conference, and Biocycle West Coast National Conferences. In addition, BTC staff attended the Future Energy Conference, Green Industrial & Career Expo, and the Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas conference, and marketed the program to fellow attendees and industry. Both WSU and BTC personnel attended the WA Farm Energy Program and marketed the program as well. Goal IV: Disseminate an instructional model that can be replicated and adapted on a state and national level. All resource and curriculum materials, including professional videos, lecture capture, modules, publications and background materials are available online. Project planning documents and team history information are also included so that others throughout the country may use this project as a model in their own region. The web-based resource library will be maintained and updated as new research and educational resources become available and are relevant. URL: http://csanr.cahnrs.wsu.edu/anaerobic-digestion-technology-certificate-program/ .
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
http://csanr.cahnrs.wsu.edu/anaerobic-digestion-technology-certificate-program/
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: AD Technician certificate curriculum IN PROGRESS: Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges approved the Anaerobic Digester Technician Certificate in June, 2012. Subject matter experts and curriculum developers reviewed existing BTC Diesel Technology courses and identified courses that teach skills that an AD Technician requires. Four additional ADTEC courses were created to teach the remaining knowledge, skills and abilities. See Outcomes section below for course information. Andgar Corporation agreed to provide subject matter expertise, provide job shadow opportunities where possible, and provide tours of local operating anaerobic digester systems built by Andgar. ADTEC 200 course included a site visit and tours of the Vander Haak Dairy and digester, with explanations of dairy farm operations and how different dairy operations affect digester functions, how a digester system operates, and equipment; guest lecturers (Dr. Zhao and Dr. Frear [Co-PI on this grant] from Washington State University [WSU]) presented on topics ranging from full-scale anaerobic digester design and operating principles, to design and construction of lab-scale digesters; and a tour of the Lynden Farm Power digester. Students observed a digester technician perform operation and maintenance. Students assisted in troubleshooting the internal combustion reciprocating engine. Students also developed an experimental design for a lab-scale digester. During the DACUM chart review of the knowledge, skills and abilities, and discussions with Andgar, it became apparent that training in and certification of front-end loader was required. BTC purchased a Simformotion Caterpillar Small Wheel Loader simulation system trainer. Outreach/Marketing materials COMPLETE: The 17-minute Anaerobic Digester video was posted to BTC Publications website at: http://www.youtube.com/user/BTCPublications. This video documents typical job duties that an Anaerobic Digester Technician performs, including preventive maintenance, scheduled maintenance, and digester health. In October, 2011, Dr. Frear, presented at the Future Energy Conference in Seattle, WA. BTC created and distributed a flyer including the Northwest WA Fair, which was attended by over 100,000 people. Web-based resource library IN PROGRESS: WSU's Web Designer completed drafts of pages that will comprise the resource library and website and feedback was solicited. The online library will be populated with curriculum materials and resources when finalized. BTC will host the website. AD Technician Certificate students/completers IN PROGRESS: BTC developed and offered courses during summer 2012 quarter. Four students completed the ADTEC courses. Bench-Scale Anaerobic Digesters IN PROGRESS: During summer 2012 quarter, students developed an experimental design for a lab-scale digester, produced a parts list, assembled parts, and constructed a prototype which was filled with and circulated water. Due to time constraints, the digester was not tested with appropriate feedstock for biogas production, but will be used as a basis for further development during future courses. PARTICIPANTS: RaeLyn Axlund McBride, Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Bellingham Technical College (BTC) Robert Costello, Dean & Instructor, BTC Christine Eder, Project Director, BTC Dr. Craig Frear, Co-PI, Assistant Research Professor, Washington State University (WSU) Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR) Kyle Juergens, Biogas/Renewable Energy Construction, Project Development Manager, Andgar Corporation Chad Kruger, Director, WSU CSANR Scott Stidham, Instructor, BTC Dr. Quanbao Zhao, Research Associate, WSU CSANR Tara Zimmerman, Web Designer, WSU TARGET AUDIENCES: BTC's Diesel Technology program students and completers are the targeted group for this certificate because of their skills working with diesel engines are very similar to the skills needed to run and maintain a stationary natural gas, gen set engine that digesters utilize. BTC decided to offer all four of the Anaerobic Digester courses during winter and summer quarters because that is when Diesel Technology students have time in their schedules to take the entire 12 credit certificate. Students in other closely aligned programs, such as Electro Mechanical Technology, can participate in the Anaerobic Digestion Technician certificate training. Curricula modules will be offered and made available to other higher education institutions nationwide. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None
Impacts
The Outcomes of this project are: OUTCOME #1) Number of colleges using (DACUM) charts to inform curriculum 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 1 college (Bellingham Technical College) 09/2011-08/2012 Year 2 Outcome Progress: N/A - accomplished in Year 1 OUTCOME #2) Number of (AD Technician Professional Development Workshop Series) participants 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 20 09/2011-08/2012 Year 2 Outcome Progress: N/A - accomplished in Year 1 OUTCOME #3) AD Technician certificate curriculum model implemented at BTC, replicable to addressing other renewable energy and adoptable by other colleges nationally 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 0 09/2011-08/2012 Year 2 Outcome Progress: BTC implemented four classes, one was a hybrid offering (both face-to-face and online instruction) and three were completely online. Courses were: ADTEC 126: Basic Electricity ADTEC 200: Anaerobic Digestion Essentials ADTEC 237: Cooling Towers and Water Treatment ADTEC 245: Commercial and Industrial Boilers These courses were implemented during summer 2012 and evaluated and will be revised, as needed, for the winter 2013 offering. During year 3, BTC will offer two sessions of the Anaerobic Digester certificate training (winter and summer 2013). BTC's Diesel Technology program students' skills working with diesel engines are very similar to the skills needed to run and maintain a stationary natural gas, gen set engine that digesters utilize. During year 3, BTC plans to organize each course's content into replicable modules with the intent to distribute the modules to other institutions of higher education to create and implement Anaerobic Digester Technician training OUTCOME #4) Number of participants/graduates 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 0 09/2011-08/2012 Year 2 Outcome Progress: 4 students completed the Anaerobic Digester Technician certificate training during summer 2012 quarter OUTCOME #5) Portable working bench-scale anaerobic digester demonstration model(s) that illustrates how other instructional programs can incorporate this technology 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 0 09/2011-08/2012 Year 2 Outcome Progress: In Progress - BTC students in the ADTEC 200 course, held in summer 2012 quarter, developed an experimental design for a lab-scale digester, produced a parts list, assembled parts, and constructed a prototype which was filled with and circulated water. However, due to time constraints, the digester was not tested with appropriate feedstock for biogas production. We anticipate having the winter 2013 cohort of students test out the bench-scale anaerobic digester demonstration model created by the summer 2012 cohort. OUTCOME #6) Web-based central AD digester resource for education and industry 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: Web-based resource library is underway 09/2011-08/2012 Year 2 Outcome Progress: Progress continued on the web-based resource library. Curricula modules will be posted to the AD digester resource as they are finalized.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: DACUM chart COMPLETE: A DACUM (Developing A CurriculUM) specialist was hired to work with a select committee of industrial, governmental, research and educator specialists. The DACUM process is a quick, effective method of analyzing jobs and occupations to determine knowledge, skills and tools required for the occupation. The panel specialists were chosen for their knowledge in the fields of anaerobic digestion, renewable energy, regulation, and curriculum development. A full day session produced a DACUM chart, which led to further curriculum development at Bellingham Technical College (BTC). The DACUM chart was created in October, 2010 and used to develop the actual curriculum. AD Technician Professional Development Workshop COMPLETE: Craig Frear, Co-PI on the project and anaerobic digestion research/extension specialist at Washington State University (WSU), along with a WSU sustainable agriculture specialist and an industrial anaerobic digestion engineer and project developer from nearby Andgar Corporation were enlisted for a second full-day workshop for BTC instructors and administrators. This AD (anaerobic digestion) 101 conference utilized a combination of power-point presentations and group discussion to educate the group on AD basics, both from a basic science standpoint and an industrial processing standpoint. A significant portion of the discussion focused on how to translate these scientific and industrial concepts into a viable classroom curriculum. AD Technician certificate curriculum IN PROGRESS: Due to the DACUM chart, we determined that much of the AD Technician knowledge needed is within existing BTC programmatic coursework. The only additional course needed is a single AD Science and Management course (AD Tech 200). The AD certificate program analysis indicates that BTC Diesel Technician students would most easily meet the electrical and mechanical theory requirements and as such will be recruited into the initial cadre of students. Therefore the entire sequence of required coursework, either existing or new as in the case of the AD Tech 200 course, will be designed in mind of auxiliary knowledge needed that falls outside of their normal diesel technician coursework. Only an additional 16 credits is needed for diesel technician students to receive their AD Technician certificate. 4 of these credits are in the new AD Tech 200 course, 12 credits will come from selected units within already existing courses at BTC. Outreach/Marketing materials IN PROGRESS: In July 2011, a videographer shot the video and the project is in the editing phase. Web-based resource library IN PROGRESS: WSU's Web Designer began working with BTC's Director of Computer Support Services to host the AD Website on the BTC server. BTC provided access for WSU's web designer on BTC's server. AD Technician Certificate students/completers: NOT YET STARTED: Coursework implementation is planned to occur during the 2011-2012 academic year. Bench-Scale Anaerobic Digesters: NOT YET STARTED: We have not yet built or purchased bench-scale Anaerobic Digesters. The plans are to build or purchase bench-scale digesters during the 2011-2012 academic year. PARTICIPANTS: Craig Frear, Co-PI on the project and anaerobic digestion research/extension specialist at Washington State University (WSU), along with a WSU sustainable agriculture specialist (Chad Kruger) and an industrial anaerobic digestion engineer and project developer (Kyle Juergens) from nearby Andgar Corporation were enlisted for a second full-day workshop for BTC instructors and administrators. This AD (anaerobic digestion) 101 conference utilized a combination of power-point presentations and group discussion to educate the group on AD basics, both from a basic science standpoint and an industrial processing standpoint. Importantly, a significant portion of the discussion focused on how to translate these scientific and industrial concepts into a viable classroom curriculum. AD 101 power-point presentations from the conference will be placed on the project website. Joe Hebert is the curriculum development writer for Bellingham Technical College. Rob Costello is BTC's Dean of Trades and Technology. TARGET AUDIENCES: The overarching goal of this project is curricular design and training of highly qualified technicians for operation and maintenance of rural and/or farm-based anaerobic digesters (AD). AD has risen to the industrial forefront for renewable energy because of its proven abilities to simultaneously solve issues related to energy, waste management, environmental impacts, and climate change, all in a decentralized, rural manner. The US government and dairy industry signed a commitment to reduce farm-based greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020, a declaration contingent upon the installation of a large number of digesters. Audience is rural-located young or working adults trained in the emerging sector of sustainable, renewable energy and faculty. Beneficiaries are rural waste farms and industry needing qualified technicians and local and federal governments, which can parlay grant investment into increased adoption of renewable energy projects and outputs in sustainability, green energy, jobs and locally retained dollars and taxes. Impacts will include improved long-term AD operation, enhanced yearly runtime of the digester and engine systems, and economic impact of rural-based, well-paid jobs in communities. The AD Technician curriculum is still being completed and implemented, and therefore, we have not yet enrolled any students into the AD Technician certificate training. However, training marketing is being put into place. For example, an Anaerobic Digester Technician 10-minute video was planned to show an overview of an AD Technician's daily routine, highlight the industry and the AD technician training opportunity at Bellingham Technical College. Video footage was shot in July, 2011. The video is currently in post-production and should be available by the end of the year. Plans are also in place for some print media in BTC's quarterly bulletin to highlight the training being offered and help recruit students for training. WSU Energy Program highlighted the training opportunity in its (WSUEEP11-023) publication. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The Outcomes of this project are: OUTCOME #1) Number of colleges using (DACUM) charts to inform curriculum 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 1 college (Bellingham Technical College) OUTCOME #2) Number of (AD Technician Professional Development Workshop Series) participants 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 20 OUTCOME #3) AD Technician certificate curriculum model implemented at BTC, replicable to addressing other renewable energy and adoptable by other colleges nationally 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 0 OUTCOME #4) Number of participants/graduates 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 0 OUTCOME #5) Portable working bench-scale anaerobic digester demonstration model(s) that illustrates how other instructional programs can incorporate this technology 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: 0 OUTCOME #6) Web-based central AD digester resource for education and industry 09/2010-08/2011 Year 1 Outcome Progress: Web-based resource library is underway. Dissemination Activities: Proposed targeted audiences for dissemination efforts are two-year colleges located in agricultural communities in the Pacific Northwest as well as nationally; agricultural sector industries, including dairy, food processing and waste facilities, and workforce organizations, including WIBs, EDCs, farm industry associations and labor unions. Additional dissemination plans include multimedia and personal touch strategies, and include the project website where results, products and practices will be posted, allowing for release of project products to a wide audience. And, more traditional avenues of dissemination, including conferences, presentations, and community partnering will be used. The partners will work with other collaborators for release, discussion, and use of project products, results and impacts. WSU CSANR engages in regular AD and renewable energy outreach activities, some of which are specific to this project and particularly effective avenues for disseminating the products, results and impacts. Future Initatives: Both aforementioned videos have been shot with raw video with final production activities now ongoing. Web design has been in the discussion and early design stage, with plans to begin actual programming and content implementation to begin shortly. A limited cadre of existing diesel technician students will be recruited upon final hiring of course personnel. As alluded, alterations of the week-to-week curriculum per specific teacher needs will also be taking place as well as to a degree during the entire next academic year. In particular, laboratory modules utilizing batch and floor scale anaerobic digesters are in need of further development and construction respectively. Dean Costello began identifying and approaching potential instructors to teach the AD course during the 2011-2012 school year. Plans are underway to employ an existing BTC staff member as well as a representative from Andgar Corporation, the local leaders in AD installation and maintenance.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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