Apr 16 2009
Alliant University and EcoDynamics LLC form Unique Partnership to solve one of California's major environmental challenges, develop renewable energy and create new Green Jobs.
EcoDynamics, LLC has selected Alliant International University to be its primary educational partner in global projects involving renewable energy production, environmental conservation and sustainable business development. Alliant’s President, Geoffrey M. Cox and EcoDynamics Executive Vice President Glenn L. Barroga signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 13.
EcoDynamics is developing several international projects combining alternative energy production with resource recovery and conservation. The first proposed project will focus on one of California's most serious environmental problems, the polluted New River in California's Imperial Valley that flows from Mexico into the Salton Sea. EcoDynamics’ integrated proposal will involve water purification processes, waste-to-energy production, the development of bio-fuel agricultural areas and the restoration of the Salton Sea. Other projects in several countries are also in the planning stages.
Alliant’s Marshall Goldsmith School of Management (MGSM) is home to a variety of degree offerings in the fields of business and international relations, including the Bright Green MBA program, which provides students interested in “green” business enterprise with management and entrepreneurial skills. MGSM students will work on a variety of EcoDynamics projects, providing them with real-world project management experience in a broad range of areas related to sustainability and conservation.
EcoDynamics will also create an Alliant International University Sustainability Center that will house research, educational and outreach activities related to energy production, resource management, sustainable development and conservation. This Center will provide further opportunities for Alliant’s faculty and students to participate in research, planning, and educating the public about these topics.
Alliant’s participation will also include the World Council on Curriculum and Instruction, a U.N.-sponsored non-government organization dedicated to promoting international collaboration in peace education and stewardship of global resources. WCCI is based at Alliant’s San Diego campus.
“We are very pleased to be part of EcoDynamics’ ambitious efforts to bring comprehensive solutions to communities suffering from environmental degradation,” said Alliant’s President Cox. “These projects involve technical, social and political challenges that require broad, integrated solutions, not piecemeal ones. EcoDynamics has ambitious plans that will provide unparalleled opportunities for our students to gain cutting edge, real-world experience in these important areas.”
EcoDynamics Executive Vice President Barroga said. “Alliant is a perfect partner for us in this work. Their innovative work in sustainable management and their focus on social change complements the work of our technical and scientific partners. “