"Research, problem solution and then manufacturing," are the three steps Clarkson University President Tony Collins sees as the building blocks to help strengthen the economy of the north country, the state and the nation.

That's why he welcomed the creation of a student research endowment being funded by National Grid.

It provides a partnership giving students access to up-to-date research technology in not only wind energy, but in the areas of solar, bioenergy and energy efficiency.
 
"They'll move into the workforce, take many of those ideas, add value to commercial products, solve problems that need to be solved, so it's just a terrific opportunity for Clarkson," said Collins.
 
The National Grid endowment will provide summer research opportunities for up to five students in Clarkson's Honors Program who are studying sustainable energy.
 
Sustainable energy sources such as wind power are being looked at by student researchers at Clarkson University in hopes of one day playing a major role in ending the nation's reliance on oil.
 
National Grid President Tom King sees the $350,000 endowment as a partnership between sustainable energy, engineering and education, allowing students to do cutting-edge research.
 
"It's thinking through how we tap into the wind resources, bio resources, smart grid technology which National Grid is supporting statewide," said Tom King, National Grid President.
 
Clarkson Professor Kenneth Visser has been involved in wind research for years.

He says the push for sustainable energy may be the biggest challenge ever faced.
 
"You can talk philosophy all day long and in the end it comes down to how much it's going to cost," said Visser.

As the ceremonial endowment check was presented, officials said the research opportunities it provides for Clarkson undergraduate students could bring big dividends.

Clarkson also has created a minor in sustainable energy systems for all engineering and engineering and management majors that encourages students to examine the human side of energy issues.