Summer Webinar Series: Energy + Higher Ed

Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe.

Once again this July, Thursdays are Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Join Fresh Energy and special guests for four separate fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives. Stay tuned to this page for speaker information, topic schedules, and more.

This conversation will cover:

• Energy + Higher Ed: Minnesota colleges are modeling net zero innovation—and teaching the next generation of leaders. What’s next on the horizon for these important institutions?

Meet the speakers!

Martha Larson | she/her | RMF Engineering

Martha Larson is currently the Director of Sustainability at RMF Engineering. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1999 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Martha began her career in Chicago as an acoustical consultant and project manager for complex visual and performing arts projects. In 2010, Martha became the first Manager of Campus Energy & Sustainability at Carleton College where she helped the college reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 70%. Notable projects included the Kracum wind turbine installation and an eight-year transition of the College’s district energy system from steam heating to low temperature hot water with geothermal heating and cooling.

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Rose Patzer | Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence

Rose Patzer has an MBA in Business Administration and a B.A. in Chemistry. Rose has served as faculty at Minnesota West since 2007 in the Biofuels Technology and Energy Technical Specialist programs. She also provides project management services to the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence activities and actively participates in the Minnesota Energy Consortium meetings. She has a number of publications, presentations, awards, and certifications in areas renewable energy, biodiesel and agriculture. She enjoys promoting awareness about the renewable and traditional energy industries and has actively participated in a variety of energy-related federal and state grants throughout her career. Rose currently serves as the interim executive director for the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence.

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Amelia Vohs | she/her | Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy

Amelia Vohs is a regulatory attorney with the local non-profit Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) and an instructor of the Environment and Energy Law Clinic through the University of Minnesota. She litigates clean energy cases, specializing in matters before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and other state utility boards.

Amelia holds a B.A. in English from Coe College and graduated magna cum laude from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2011. Prior to joining MCEA, Amelia worked on water policy and litigated factory farm and RCRA cases for the Hoosier Environmental Council.

Upcoming conversations will cover:

Thank you to our series sponsors!