Central State University Receives National Science Foundation Grant

Contact: Edwina Harris, eharris@centralstate.edu, (937) 376-6198

For Immediate Release

WILBERFORCE, OH – The International Center for Water Resources Management at Central State University (CSU) was awarded $390,969 by the National Science Foundation to prepare the workforce needed by the Oil and Gas Industry in Ohio over a three year period effective July 1, 2013.

Dr. Krishnakumar  Nedunuri, professor and chair of the Water Resources Management Program will serve as the principal investigator. Other co-principal investigators are Dr. R. (Ray) Kandiah, associate professor for air quality studies; Dr. Xiaofang Wei, associate professor for remote sensing and graphic information systems studies and Dr. Ning Zhang, assistant professor for wastewater treatment for hydraulic fracturing.  Ms. Nancy Bridgman, director the Environmental Technology Incubator, will serve as liaison between the University and the oil and gas industry.

The grant affords the development of a certification program for students majoring in environmental engineering, geology, geography and water resources management to work in the oil and gas industry with a focus on shale development.

The University will expand its capacity in instruction and research in collaboration with area universities in the different facets of shale development such as site development and preparation for drilling; drilling; fracturing and well completion and fracturing fluids management.

The goal is to train 7- 10 students a year for the oil and gas industry with a focus on shale development technologies at the end of the project period in the different geoscience areas in the WRM department. The certificate program will include completion of a field report on a required internship in the industry, in addition to courses in similar areas.

The Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OGEEP) is a non-profit statewide organization that provides education and public outreach in support of these projects.

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About Central State University:

Founded in 1887, Central State University academically prepares students with diverse backgrounds and educational needs for leadership and service in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. The University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.