STEM Salon Connects Mountain State Researchers, Innovators

Sanjaya’s lab leads an active research program to specifically design plants and microalgae to enhance their bioenergy and nutritional value. He also is involved in phytoremediation, or the innovative use of green plants to clean up the environment.

He said green mining projects, especially those with students involved, will help shape the future of the Mountain State.

“We are using cutting-edge technologies such as genomics and genetic engineering to design crops that can grow on reclaimed surface mine land,” Sanjaya said. “Our involvement of students and providing hands-on experience for them to progress in their career, to bring this technology to a reality, is the greatest part of our research at State.”

Anderson has conducted extensive research in developing sustainable energy systems. He said WVU is working with other states and universities to research the best projects and solutions for issues in the state.

“We have been spending a lot of time building teams and partnerships and collaborative efforts, not only within the university to build strong and multi-disciplinary teams at the university, but also we’re leading a few major efforts across multi-state regions,” Anderson said. “Every day is different, and every day is a different project.”

Allen’s research in structural geology focuses on understanding earthquakes preserved in deep fault zones. He said STEM education can prepare students for anything they may face while working now, and can prepare them for the evolving landscape of the job market.

“When you lose manufacturing and other kinds of jobs, one potential replacement for that is high-tech jobs,” Allen said. “Any STEM education actually prepares students for the future. When a student graduates, they’re going to be employed for probably 45 years.

“We can’t really predict today what job tasks they’re going to be doing several decades from now, but what we can do is prepare them to think and be good problem solvers.”

Sanjaya said an increase of textile and STEM-related careers in the state could help to not only retain graduates who are looking for jobs, but also to keep laid-off coal miners from having to look for jobs elsewhere.

“Look at the map; West Virginia is 50th or 40th in every aspect,” Sanjaya said. “What is happening is West Virginia’s top-notch, bright kids are going to leave our state for education or maybe jobs. We do not have enough possibilities for them. We are losing our young and talented kids.

“If we have a good infrastructure, and you create more opportunity, that will certainly help us to retain our talents.”

Anderson said research alone will not solve all the problems in the state, but connecting researchers can help to bring out positive and innovative ideas.

“It’s certainly not researchers that will solve everything; it’s entrepreneurs and innovators.” Anderson said. “We’re working on some efforts to try to connect anybody with great ideas across the state, across the multi-state region, to what the critical needs are.

“We need the population of West Virginia to have a mind that is innovative, is connected to science and technology.”