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A great opportunity awaits Lexington County science and engineering students

Publication Date:18-August-2005
06:50 AM US Eastern Timezone
Source: Jerry Bellune-Lexington Chronicle
A great opportunity awaits Lexington County science and engineering students...

Universities, labs and industries involved in developing hydrogen as the next energy source need young, dedicated researchers.

“That’s one of our major challenges,” said Neil McLean of EngenuitySC, a company created to help with the development of hydrogen technology and other business opportunities in Columbia, Lexington and Richland counties and central South Carolina.

We need to develop strategies to attract and retain graduate students to do research.”

In meetings last week at the USC Research University in Columbia, the National Lab at the Savannah River Site near Aiken and the Clemson-BMW auto research center in Greenville, McLean said educators, scientists and business leaders tried to resolve what it will take to make South Carolina s serious contender in developing hydrogen as the next energy.

“We need to market South Carolina as the place to come to do your research,” he said.

Lexington County leaders envision a county research park where scientists could live and work in a secure community.

Jim Gollub of ICF Consulting, which works with EngenuitySC, told those meeting last week:

• “Tell us about a challenge you’re willing to work on.”

• “What are some of the solutions you see?”

McLean said he is concerned with the need to engage state lawmakers. He was encouraged that representatives from U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint were present.

The next meetings are open to anyone interested on:

• Thursday, Sept. 1, 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Capital City Club.

• Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 3:30 p.m., Columbia Convention Center.