Michigan Tech Global Campus News

Month: January 2023

Mass Timber, Part II: Growing Michigan’s CLT Potential

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A full-scale hardwood CLT panel undergoing testing.

A full-scale hardwood cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel testing done on sugar maple

Earlier last month, having become fascinated (well, maybe a bit obsessed) with the aesthetics and sustainability of engineered wood structures, I wrote a blog on mass timber construction. Because I work for Global Campus, I focused on the Online Timber Building Design Certificate offered by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. 

Afterwards, a kind and enthusiastic faculty member, Dr. Mark Rudnicki, reached out to me. Although he had enjoyed the blog, he gently reminded me that I had missed “half the story: where mass timber comes from.”

Rudnicki, based in The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, has many impressive forestry-related roles. He is Professor of Practice (Forest Materials), Director (Ford Center and College Forests), HotForest Enterprise Advisor, and lastly, Coordinator of Industrial Research, Innovation, and Commercialization. Rudnicki is also currently leading the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Initiative. So when he starting talking about mass timber, I immediately listened.

A few email exchanges later, I am following up on that blog by highlighting MTU’s innovative work on the development of mass timber fabrication. And the possibilities of developing a full-scale CLT facility in Michigan.

The Biomaterials initiative is an ambitious endeavor to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Michigan by moving purposefully toward a future that takes responsible yet full advantage of Michigan’s renewable resources. Biomaterials hold tremendous promise for innovative developments, uses and applications across the renewable material and energy sectors as well as re-examining traditional biomaterial sectors such as wood production and adding value to wood products.

Faculty Profile of Dr. Mark Rudnicki

Combining Mass Timber Research Expertise

student works in the hardwood biomaterials CLT lab
At work in the Hardwood Biomaterials CLT Lab

Just as with other innovations, Michigan Tech has long lead the charge on mass timber fabrication. That is, the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science has conducted wood product research since 1946.

And this research is transdisciplinary, too. Currently, mass timber expertise at MTU comprises a diverse team of 7 faculty members and 6 research staff. This team consists of members from the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, the Dept. of Civil Engineering, and the College of Computing.

Innovating CLT Products

And these experts are doing something new. Mass timber typically comes from softwood. However, for several years now, this team has been collaborating to develop new cross-laminated timber from hardwoods. Why focus on hardwoods? Because Michigan’s forests consist of approximately 70% hardwoods, many of which are of low value. And, in case you haven’t noticed, in the Upper Peninsula itself, trees vastly outnumber people. That is, of the UP’s 10.5 million acres, 84%, or 8.8 million acres, is forested land. That’s a lot of potential CLT.

The team’s first CLT panel was made from sugar maple. But they also conducted bonding performance testing on other types of Michigan hardwood. These were sugar maple, red oak, yellow birch, white ash, red maple, quaking aspen, basswood. In addition, they tested how these hardwoods bonded to two common Michigan softwood species: red pine and white pine. Their objective was investigating the potential of CLT panels comprised of both hardwood and softwood.

Further testing will be conducted through a research-scale CLT press. This press was purchased with funding from private industry and the state of Michigan. Rudnicki has big goals, too. “We are assembling a CLT fabrication lab, which will be the most capable lab outside of the West Coast.” Furthermore, his team has also raised funds for a finger jointer that can join shorter low-value boards into long boards for large CLT panels.

The CLT press in the fabricationlab.
A research-scale CLT Press in the fabrication lab.

The manufacturing capacity of CLT in the US is currently 1/10th of the demand expected within 10 years . . . .CLT is, therefore, a prime opportunity for increasing the economic resilience of our rural communities.

Dr. Mark Rudnicki

Building a Market for CLT Products While Advancing Michigan’s Economy

A full-scale CLT fabrication research facility would definitely benefit Michigan. Because this facility will focus on hardwood species in Michigan, it will pave the way for both the commercialization of hardwood and the growth of local manufacturing. Thus, it would not only take advantage of abundant local resources, but also support rural jobs and communities.

A new market for hardwood is especially welcome in northern Michigan, where loggers make most of their profit on higher-grade logs, such as veneer. Because of the absence of a good market for lower-grade logs, it is often difficult to make a harvest viable and sustainable management goals achievable.

Making a sustainable CLT product from the state’s plethora of lower-value hardwoods, then, would be an environmental and economic win.

The MTU facility also aims to act as an incubator for startups interested in entering the hardwood CLT market. Building market demand for this engineered wood is a crucial first step. To do so, the team expects to produce demonstration structures that highlight the capabilities of hardwood. In other words, illustrating the strength and the beauty of hardwood structures to consumers will help to open up a market for CLT.

The potential of the CLT facility caught the attention of Senator Debbie Stabenow, who visited Michigan Tech in 2021 in support of the program.

Offering Versatile Forestry Degrees

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science offers several diverse degrees on the understanding and management of forests. For instance, there are MS Degrees in Forestry and Forest Ecology and Management, a PhD in Forest Science, and a Master of Forestry (professional degree).

The College also has an undergraduate degree programs in sustainable bioproducts, with a concentration in sustainable structures. This degree, which is a combination of science, business, and engineering, could be the first step in a mass timber career.

Learn more about programs offered by the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

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Public Policy Experts and Students Attend Conference

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Us government building, where public policy decisions are made.

Presenting at an Innovative Public Policy Conference

Recently, Dr. Adam Wellstead, director of the Online Public Policy Certificate, two colleagues, and several students attended a valuable policy conference. They participated in the Conference on Policy Process Research (COPPR) 2023: Advancing Policy Process, Theories, and Methods, held in Denver, Colorado.

Representing the Department of Social Sciences were Dr. Adam Wellstead and Dr. Angie Carter. As well, eight students attended virtually or in-person: Esther Acheampong,  Madelina Dilisi, Anne Greub, Kathy Huerta Sanchez, Sidney Mechling, Jason Noe, Caitlyn Sutherlin, and Cassy Tefft de Munoz.

At the conference, Dr. Wellstead delivered research that was a collaboration of one of his inter-university research teams. He, along with Dr. Sojeong Kim (University of California-Davis); and Dr Tanya Heikkila (University of Colorado-Denver), presented their paper, “Policy Learning in Data-Based Policy Innovation Labs.” 

Policy innovation labs are one of Dr. Wellstead’s many research interests. That is, previously, he developed a policy lab at Queen’s University. While there, he and students formed a Policy Innovation Lab that consulted stakeholders and developed solutions for the problem of Queen’s homecoming.

Gaining Public Policy Knowledge and Professional Skills

According to Dr. Wellstead, students enjoyed the experience of the conference and its benefits. For instance, they gained insight into the policy process and its leading researchers. They also had the opportunity to explore new public policy topics as well as gain inspiration for future research projects. Furthermore, they advanced their professionalism skills, which they can apply in both future conferences and their careers.

The conference was an incredible learning experience for me. I was exposed to the leading policy scholars within the field with whom I could interact in a student-friendly environment. It was fascinating to see the different research and practical applications for the various theories and frameworks I’ve learned about in my policy courses at Michigan Tech. There are so many fields that apply and derive value from these theories, from healthcare, politics, and environmental studies.

Madelina Dilisi (Acc MS)

Discussing Public Policy With Dr. Wellstead and Conference Attendees

Are you interested in learning more about cutting-edge public policy? Policy Innovation Labs? Or about the versatile skills offered by Michigan Tech’s Online Public Policy Certificate?

If you are curious about the above topics and more, Dr. Wellstead will be hosting an informal discussion with some of the conference participants in the AOB common area. This discussion will take place this Wednesday (January 25th) at 3:30 pm. All are welcome.   

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David Lawrence: One Man, Several Missions

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Vice President David Lawrence in his Grand Rapids office

“I am deeply committed to the success of our students. That is, as Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education, I want to ensure that students have the programs and support systems they need to embark on and succeed in their unique educational journeys. . . . I am thrilled to continue collaborating with faculty members and researchers to develop new ideas and initiatives. Overall, it is an honor to enhance the university’s reputation and prestige while achieving our fundamental goals for students, faculty and staff, and the institution as a whole.”

David Lawrence, Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education

Catching Up With the Vice President for Global Campus

40: That is the number of times that David Lawrence, Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education, has traveled since assuming this role in August 2021. Whether it’s by car or by plane, or both, David Lawrence will make the trip to advance the goals of both Michigan Tech and its Global Campus. He is always on the road to seek opportunities, build connections, and initiate partnerships. And he rarely, if ever, skips a beat. As his team can attest, he regularly takes meetings in his car or tucked away in some cubicle in an airport.

Although based in Grand Rapids, remotely-working Lawrence hasn’t had much time to sit still. He has traveled to Detroit, Auburn Hills, Lansing, Traverse City, and Kalamazoo. Furthermore, he has visited the Michigan Tech campus at least twenty times.

Not surprisingly, his work ethic and traveling schedule come with some remarkably early hours. He’s usually up before the birds, in fact. You can find him in his seat by 4:30 am, planning his day, setting up appointments, and getting work done.

What’s more: he maintains this schedule while being a proud father of five children and a devoted husband of thirty years. Impressive indeed.

Putting His Passion for Online Learning to Work

He has always had this drive, too, especially when it comes to online learning. That is, he has long been dedicated to providing students with opportunities to accomplish their educational and professional goals. Early on, he understood how the flexibility of online education could allow students to learn while balancing their families and lives. So it is natural that he is leading the charge on making education attainable, affordable, and accessible for non-traditional students.

Passionate, ambitious, forward-thinking, and productive: these adjectives describe David Lawrence to a tee.

Luckily, I was able to catch up with Lawrence after the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester: one of those rare quieter weeks. The goals: asking him about his past year at the helm of Global Campus and inquiring about his upcoming plans for 2023.

Recalling a Very Busy Year for Global Campus

It’s been a very busy year for you. Congratulations! Could you summarize some of the Global Campus accomplishments and initiatives?

Well, first, I’ll talk about enrollment. Through our various Global Campus initiatives, we’ve increased both online graduate student applications and enrollment. That is, applications are up by 7% for Fall 22 and by over 58% for Spring 23. Also, enrollment grew by 13% for Fall 22 and by 28% for Spring 23. In fact, the Global Campus is approaching 20% of the Graduate School’s enrollment. Professional Development revenue also grew to over $350,000.

Over the past year, I have worked diligently to broaden and diversify our student body. For instance, I’ve led the initiative for our corporate partnership programs, which include our Corporate Education Fellowship Program. The latter allows employees to return to school using Michigan Tech fellowships. It also provides opportunities for working adults to enroll in our programs.

In other words, it’s been a good year, one involving several initiatives at the university. Considerable time has been spent with faculty and chairs to ensure that Michigan Tech is in the best position to be the leading institution in online programs. I’ve collaborated with the Graduate School and the Office of Financial Aid to allow students to apply for and receive financial aid for graduate certificate programs.

Advancing the Interests of Michigan Tech and Global Campus

These are impressive initiatives. Some of these seem directly related to Global Campus whereas others do not. Can you further explain your reasoning for pursuing these projects?

Well, I’ll start with the ones that are related. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) proposals benefit the Global Campus. They especially help the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as well as APS Labs. Our MEDC partnership aligns directly with the Global Campus goals for graduate certificates and master’s programs.

And then there are the funding opportunities I’ve participated in. That is, I was involved in two statewide initiatives led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). They were for the automotive industry and the upcoming semiconductor onshoring plan. Both of these initiatives will bring funding and new students to the university. For instance, for the automotive one, we’ve already been chosen for a $165,000 grant for education.

Moving Beyond Siloed Initiatives

At the same time, I understand the importance of non-siloed work that benefits the entire organization. For example, the Global Campus partnered internally with APS Mobile Labs and externally with Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) in the Propulsion Systems Readiness Program (PReP). Though unrelated to Global Campus, this program does support our undergraduate students. The PReP allows 4th and 5th-year Michigan Tech students to begin a specialized education program, receive scholarships and internships, and begin a career pathway at Stellantis. Additionally, the Henry Ford Corporate Partnership also reaches out to undergraduate students. It provides scholarships and allow them to attend MTU.

I do believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. What we pursue at Global Campus ends up going beyond it: supporting many other departments and forwarding the progress of the university’s goals. That is, our Global Campus initiatives leverage new and existing relationships and ensure that Michigan Tech maintains its national prominence.

David Lawrence, Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education

Remembering Rewarding Experiences

Describe some of your favorite moments and experiences of 2022.

One of the best moments of the year was signing the Corporate Education Fellowship Agreement at Nexteer Automotive. With partnerships like these, we are able to create pathways for employees to pursue Michigan Tech’s graduate programs. We had an impressive number of attendees at our presentations, too. And, of course, spending time on Nexteer’s test track and touring their facility were fun. Nexteer has enrolled five new employees for our spring semester and we have over fifteen applications in for future semesters.

Also, working with the Advanced Power Research Labs to advance the customized training initiative for companies such as Stellantis and Borg Warner has been rewarding. It is an honor and a joy to see employees beginning their education through professional development at Michigan Tech. In fact, over 150 employees from Stellantis and BorgWarner have been through the Mobile Lab training program during 2022.

It was an honor to meet the army chief of staff while I was with the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Houghton. We discussed how Michigan Tech’s education and training could positively impact our National Defense system. I also enjoyed touring Advanced Power System (APS) Labs and visiting the Keweenaw Research Center. Meeting with President Koubek about how Global Campus contributes to Michigan Tech’s mission and vision was, and always is, gratifying.

Leaders from Global Campus and Nexteer at the Corporate Education Fellowship Agreement Ceremony.
At the signing ceremony for the Nexteer Corporate Education Fellowship, leaders from Michigan Tech and Nexteer stand in the background while Robin Milavec (President, CTO, CSO, & Executive Board Director of Nexteer) and President Richard Koubek shake hands. Fifth from the right is Vice President David Lawrence, who is standing in front of Jacque Smith, Director of Graduate School Operations and Enrollment Services. Amanda Irwin, Enrollment Manager, stands on the far right.

Collaborating With the Michigan Tech Community

What Michigan Tech community members have you worked with to advance Global Campus initiatives?

There are almost too many people to mention. I mean, so many people have contributed their hours and their expertise to our initiatives. Still, I will name a few: Dave Reed, Vice President for Research; Andrew Storer, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Will Cantrell, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School. They have all helped advance our objectives.

And several deans have also contributed to Global Campus initiatives. Dean Callahan, Dean Hemmer, Dean Johnson, and Dean Livesay have all been collaborators. Department chairs, such as Jason Blough, Jin Choi, Dan Fuhrmann, John Irwin, Audra Morse, and Jiguang Sun have also supported in and/or led our projects. Then there are the faculty, such as Glen Archer and Guy Hembroff; and the graduate program chairs, which include Paul Bergstrom and Wayne Weaver. In addition, Jay Meldrum (Keweenaw Research Center); and Jeff Naber, Jeremy Worm, and his fine staff at APS Mobile Labs have also been indispensable.

Working Remotely With a Small Team

You’re a remote (but extremely well-traveled vice president) who also has a remote team. Can you say a little about your team and how do they advance the goals and initiatives of Global Campus?

Our small, but mighty and dedicated team comprises Jacque Smith, Director of Graduate School Operations and Enrollment Services; Amanda Irwin, Enrollment Manager; and Shelly Galliah, Marketing and Content Manager.

While devoted to the Graduate School, Jacque Smith has significantly contributed to Global Campus. He has provided advice, direction, and support from its inception to its current state. His experience is indispensable. He knows everyone and is respected, if not loved, by many in the Michigan Tech community.

Amanda Irwin, who began in February of 2022, contributes extensive enrollment experience from both a private university and a community college. Residing in Midland, Michigan, Amanda assists students from the initial inquiry through to the program and registration processes. Her strengths are working with all types of students, making them feel at ease, comprehending their goals, and guiding them toward success.

Shelly Galliah, who began in May 2022, resides in Hancock but works from home. She has held various positions at Tech for the past decade. Holding a Ph.D. from the Humanities Department, Shelly has experience designing and leading online courses, writing professional and technical communication, evaluating countless documents, and teaching MTU students. She writes, researches, and copy edits all kinds of communications for Global Campus.

Leading With Trust and Vision

In your opinion, what is essential for a remote team working together successfully?

Trust is definitely fundamental to remote work. Possessing high-quality individuals who work with dedication and initiative allows the university to have the best employees possible and create the optimal working environment.

The dynamics of working together are complex but rewarding. They include trusting each other, communicating clearly, understanding goals, prioritizing tasks, and focusing on short- and long-term strategies and initiatives. Working remotely can be challenging, but it also creates skills that will be definitely be in high demand in the future, such as conducting productive brainstorming sessions, holding productive virtual meetings, and fostering teamwork.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

What are some of the more challenging aspects of your job?

Well, I would say that one of the most challenging aspects of my position is spreading awareness about the benefits of online education and about Global Campus itself. Although online education is not new, it is newer in some areas of Michigan Tech.

Location is so important to our identity as a university. Therefore, it is often difficult for prospective students to see Tech as offering that same rigorous, high-quality education online. Another associated challenge is determining which programs can be delivered online.

I noticed you didn’t mention the traveling. Surely, that has to be tough. What advice can you give to those who travel regularly?

Traveling is just a part of my job; it’s not really a challenge if you’re prepared for it. Still, my travel advice is to plan, plan, plan. The rigorous schedule, demands, and expectations of the meetings, as well as the outcomes that must result from the meetings, can sometimes make travel difficult. My advice for frequent travelers is quite simple: stay focused, have a plan, and get follow-up afterward. Ensure that the meetings you attend are necessary and cannot be accomplished in a remote venue.

Also, make sure that your family and close associates know and support your schedule. Being prepared to delegate while traveling will allow you to be more productive. I would recommend sticking to a schedule and routine that allows you to take care of your health and that provides mental breaks

Looking Forward to 2023

Considering your past successes and your future goals, what parts of your job or initiatives are you most passionate about? And why?

I remain deeply committed to the success of our students. That is, as Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education, I want to ensure that students have the programs and support systems they need to embark on and succeed in their unique educational journeys. I am very passionate about establishing internal partnerships with university departments and external ones with organizations, associations, and nonprofits. Lastly, I am thrilled to continue collaborating with faculty members and researchers to develop new ideas and initiatives. Overall, it is an honor to enhance the university’s reputation and prestige while achieving our fundamental goals for students, faculty and staff, and the institution as a whole.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

It is gratifying to hear the stories of our alumni, visit corporations with Tech connections and tour their facilities, and observe MTU’s impact on the state, the nation, and beyond. These experiences not only make me proud of the university but also inspire me to advocate for the university and spread the good news about our achievements.

Whether it is through increasing enrollment, developing initiatives, or building partnerships, I look forward to promoting and growing Global Campus in Michigan, the United States, and, of course, the world.

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The Future of Electric Vehicles and Vehicle Electrification

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Close up of an electric vehicle being charged.

The Future is Definitely Electric

Despite common perceptions, electric vehicles are not a new phenomenon. In fact, the first battery-powered electric vehicle was built in 1834—more than 50 years before the first gas-powered internal combustion vehicle. In fact, according to an IEEE Proceedings article by Chan (2013), more than one-third of automobiles in the United States were electric by 1912.

What’s behind this rapid growth? What benefits of electric vehicles attract consumers? What is the future of electric vehicles beyond our highways? And how can we continue to build electrical cars responsibly? Read on for more.

Accelerating into the Future with Electric Vehicles

Despite sputtering in the 1990s and early 2000s, advances in electric vehicles have evolved rapidly in recent years. After the wildly popular launch of electric vehicles from Tesla, automakers scrambled to expand their foothold in the market. And they’re getting plenty of help.

Government Cooperation

National governments worldwide are fast-forwarding the future of electric vehicles by setting specific benchmarks. For instance, in the U.S., the Biden administration’s wants half of all vehicles sold in 2030 to be electric. Furthermore, the Inflation Reduction Act  encourages companies to install EV chargers at their properties. Those that do so can receive a 30% tax credit.

Also, the European Union’s goal by 2030 is to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent. They plan to do so through a combination of policies that are collectively called the “Fit for 55” program. Even local governments are undertaking strong sustainability initiatives. Paris is in the midst of an ambitious “Bike Plan” initiative to create 112 miles of new permanent bicycle lanes. Furthermore, the city aims to triple the number of bike parking spots to 180,000 by 2026.

Consumer Behavior

These government-sponsored measures are a response to shifting attitudes by consumers about alternative modes of transportation—especially among those who live in cities. One recent survey indicated that inner-city trips with shared bicycles and e-scooters have risen 60 percent year over year. This number is no surprise when you consider that, in 2020, electric bikes outsold electric cars in the U.S. by more than 2 to 1. Also, public consumers aren’t the only ones shifting to electric: The U.S. Army is planning to transition its non-tactical fleet of 177,000 to electric vehicles by 2035.

Improvements in Electric Vehicle Technology

And investors are taking notice of these electric trends. That is, nearly $330 billion in investments have been granted to more than 2,000 mobility companies over the last decade. These companies are focused on automation, connectivity, electrification, and smart mobility (ACES). Thanks to these investments, automakers may research and invent new and innovative ways to increase the quality and durability of electric vehicles. One ultimate goal: making electric vehicles less expensive than gas-powered cars.

By 2035, the largest automobile markets will go electric.

McKinsey Center for Future Mobility

Considering Electric Vehicles Beyond Automobiles

When it comes to the future of electric vehicles, the possibilities go beyond highways and byways. From keeping electric vehicles on the road to changing the perception of electric vehicles in other modes of transportation, there are many innovations to get excited about and challenges to conquer.

Charging Infrastructure

There has been substantial growth in electric car sales. However, nearly half of U.S. consumers say battery or charging issues are their top concern when considering an electric vehicle. As a result, there have been increasing calls for improving charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This infrastructure entails the network of charging stations, cables, and other equipment needed to power up these vehicles. A summary of this infrastructure is below.

  • Public charging stations
  • Home-based charging points
  • Workplace chargers
  • Necessary installation services
  • Software
  • Energy management systems

To help make charging easier for Americans, the US government has recently stepped in. For instance, the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $7.5 billion toward strengthening charging infrastructure nationwide. A main objective is installing half a million public chargers by 2030.

Sustainable Mobility in Cities

As previously mentioned, Paris wants to become a “100 percent cyclable city.” However, Paris’s vision is not the only option for cities seeking to increase both mobility and sustainability. One possible potent solution from the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility is called “Seamless Mobility.” This solution is a flexible, highly responsive network of transportation options. These include a shared fleet of public electric vehicles, electrified mass transit, and urban planning meant to reduce emissions. Therefore, an average-sized city could reap up to $2.5 billion per year by 2030 by implementing Seamless Mobility practices.

Look! Up in the Sky!

The future of electric vehicles, however, isn’t limited to the road. That is, interest continues to grow in electric air travel through eVTOLs (pronounced “ee-vee-tols”)—electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Think of them as safe, quiet, affordable, and environmentally friendly helicopters. Using eVTOLs as “flying taxis” for short flights or for trips normally taken by cars could substantially reduce emissions. Airbus Innovations, for example, is experimenting with electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems.

Some major airlines are thinking even bigger when it comes to electric aircraft. For instance, United Airlines Ventures, Air Canada, and Mesa Airlines have made significant financial pledges. After joining the investment group for Swedish-based electric aviation startup Heart Aerospace, these companies ordered several 30-passenger electric planes.

Close up of a hybrid-electric plane by the company Airbus. Planes are also electric vehicles.
Airbus Innovations is an initiative launched by Airbus to drive the development of new technologies and capabilities for the aerospace industry, such as electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, autonomous flight systems, and more.

Or Maybe Down to the Sea.

Cars and planes are not the only vehicles going electric. That is, electric boats are becoming more popular due to their low emissions, quiet operation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness over traditional gas-powered boats. Some examples of electric boats include electric sailboats, electric ferries, electric speedboats, and electric fishing boats. More and more boat manufacturers are beginning to offer electric models, and electric boats are becoming more widely available.

Several boat manufacturers are offering electric models, including Sea Ray, Yamaha, Beneteau, Bayliner, Chris Craft, Viking, and Four Winns.

Building Electric Vehicles Responsibly

Although the benefits of electric vehicles can be substantial, it’s important to ensure those benefits aren’t canceled out by the environmental and human impact of manufacturing electric vehicles and infrastructure.

Sourcing and Mining Raw Materials

Virtually all batteries used by electric vehicles require lithium. And its price has skyrocketed—by about 550 percent in one year—as the demand for electric vehicles has grown. Mining more lithium, as well as other necessary elements such as cobalt, means more manpower. However, this mining, which often occurs in countries such as China, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, can be a dirty business. Miners are often subject to unsafe working conditions and potentially toxic side effects of dust and fumes. As with other human and workers’ rights campaigns in recent years, raising awareness of the plight of these workers can pressure on manufacturers and governments to regulate and improve working conditions.

Ensuring Equitable Electricity

The U.S. government’s investment in charging infrastructure is substantial. Nonetheless, this investment will only be successful if those chargers are equitably distributed among its citizens. Currently, most chargers tend to be installed in higher-income areas. For example, California has 112 chargers per 100,000 people in high-income urban districts. Contrast this number with only 24 chargers per 100,000 households in urban districts with low to moderate incomes.

States that have taken specific action to improve their electric vehicle infrastructure include the following:

  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Washington

Furthermore, several other states, including Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia are working to promote electric vehicle adoption.

A charger for electric vehicles.
Charging stations in remote, rural areas will ensure electricity equity and encourage more Americans to buy electric vehicles.

7 in 10 survey respondents who don’t own electric vehicles said the areas near their homes lack a significant number of chargers.

McKinsey Report

Promoting Electric Vehicles

Nonetheless, roadblocks to even greater adoption of electric vehicles can be overcome. And manufacturers and governments can be catalysts for meaningful change. For example, the European Union recently introduced legislation that would require battery manufactures to identify and respond to human rights or environmental issues in their raw-material supply chain. To help create greater equity in charging infrastructure, “cities and states should “think creatively about providing chargers that work well in public settings such as curbsides, parking lots, and rest stops” (McKinsey Group).

How Will YOU Influence the Electric Future?

You can play a role in creating electric vehicles and in helping others understand the benefits of vehicle electrification. One way to start is by furthering your education through an online graduate certificate or master’s program at Michigan Tech, which has a long and respected history of collaborating with the automotive industry.

Our university also offers several online graduate certificates and programs that meet the cutting edge needs of this industry. Some of these are the following:

Investigate these and other graduate programs at our Global Campus. Explore how Michigan Tech can help prepare you for the challenging, but exciting future of electric vehicles.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This article is a joint effort of the brilliant Sparky T. Mortimer and Shelly Galliah. Whereas Mortimer provided the initial research and solid content, Galliah provided guidance for more material and then copyedited and formatted the content for this blog. All images, which are copyright-free, are from Creative Commons.

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