Pittsfield, Maine – May 7, 2019 – More than 400 middle and high school students participated in the 7th Annual Kleinschmidt Windstorm Challenge at the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center on May 17. The Kleinschmidt Windstorm Challenge has students design, construct and test a scale-model floating wind turbine platform. The students then present their efforts to a panel of judges. A total of 74 high school and middle school teams participated in this year’s event, making it the largest competition to date.
Lakes Region High School’s ‘The Lakers’ captured first place in the high school division while King Middle School (Portland) ‘Raman Noodles’ placed first in t
he middle school division. In addition to a paid internship at the UMaine Composites Center, the three members of the winning high school team, along with their advisor, won a trip to Germany to visit an offshore wind farm, hosted by EnBW.
“This truly hands-on STEM experience is the only one of its kind in the country and is developing Maine’s next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and engineers to lead Maine and the U.S. in harnessing renewable energy opportunities in the Gulf of Maine and beyond,” says Dr. Habib Dagher, Executive Director of the UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center, “the creativity and commitment exhibited by these students is extraordinary and gives me great confidence in the future of renewable energy in our state.”
“Kleinschmidt has been honored to sponsor the 2019 Windstorm Challenge at the University of Maine. It is thrilling to see the students actively engage in problem-solving and construction of unique, creative support systems. This challenge promotes intellectual curiosity among students who may someday become engineers and scientists that solve great human challenges in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable environmental practices”, says Jon Christensen, President and CEO of Kleinschmidt, “ We were happy to recognize that outcome when an engineering student recently told me that the Windstorm Challenge helped reinforced her decision to become an engineer. What a great opportunity for students in Maine, and for the future of STEM in our state! Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all the contestants who participated.”
About Kleinschmidt
Kleinschmidt Associates performs engineering, regulatory and environmental consulting for North American energy companies and governmental agencies who strive to protect and enhance the natural environment without compromising performance. We work at the intersection of regulatory requirements, environmental science, and engineering solutions to achieve our client’s objectives.
For over half a century, Kleinschmidt has continually delivered new ideas that offer practical solutions to tough problems and sensitive issues. Our goal is to bring energy, water, and the environment into balance so future generations will thrive. For more information, visit www.kleinschmidtgroup.com.