This engaging workshop will introduce educators to national laboratory research in bioenergy. Participants will explore how the Bioenergy Research and Education Bridge (BRIDGES) Program, a case study-based bioenergy education curriculum, can be effectively incorporated into the classroom and help to educate students on this clean energy STEM pathway.

The case study-based bioenergy education curriculum is intended to be taught in diverse settings including community colleges, technical colleges, universities, and upper-level high school classrooms. Created by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory, BRIDGES provides background and foundational materials for students and instructors with no prior bioenergy knowledge.

The agenda will include presentations by scientists, tours, discussions, and training on teaching the Bioenergy Research Education and Bridge (BRIDGES) Program case studies developed by DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory. Each BRIDGES case study toolkit includes guides for students and instructors, with a focus on careers in biofuels, plastics upcycling, sustainable aviation fuel, and more!

The workshop will take place at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, and participation is by application only. Space is limited. College faculty from across the nation are invited, with priority going to applications from instructors from community colleges and technical colleges. Travel support is available for those located more than 50 miles from Argonne National Laboratory’s physical address.