Heikkila Chemistry & Advanced Materials Science Building

October 30, 2018

Mindy Granley

The newest building at UMD was built with sustainability in mind!

The Heikkila Chemistry and Advanced Materials Science (HCAMS) building is a 56,000 square foot research and laboratory building that will serve as a teaching resource for students from across disciplines and house a research lab, the Advanced Materials Center. The new building will help UMD meet the demand for STEM graduates in our region, along with upgrading important research facilities.

Erin Bengtson

Biography

Bio

I'm from the small town of Crosslake, Minnesota, which is about two hours west of Duluth (or forty minutes north of Brainerd). Growing up, my family went on lots of road trips to state parks and spent hours upon hours outside playing sports or going on hikes, which sparked my interest in the outdoors. I am currently a second year student at UMD studying Environment, Sustainability, and Geography with a minor in Communications.

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Mary Parsatoon

Biography

Bio

I was born in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Growing up I loved making new discoveries whether it was through finding a new item at local thrift stores or discovering new scenic areas while picking up trash on walks by the Minnesota River. My interest in sustainability and the environment sparked while at my Grandma’s house in the countryside of Northern Minnesota. She had the coolest garden and some of my favorite memories are picking vegetables with her. She also introduced me to composting which is part of the reason why I am so passionate about compost today.

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Riya Milan

Biography

Bio

I grew up in Minneapolis and was fortunate enough to have a family that loved the outdoors so I was exposed to activities like skiing, gardening, and biking at a very young age. Even as a child, I hated the disrespect that people showed to the environment. Now, as a mechanical engineering major, I hope to use my skills and creativity to solve pollution problems within our community. I also aim to educate others on environmental issues and ways that we can help. I try to live my most sustainable life which includes reduced plastic use, composting, and a plant-based diet.

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Kaija Schlangen

Biography

Bio

I grew up in Two Harbors, MN on a healthy diet of hiking, climbing, and giving tourists directions to Betty’s Pies. I am a junior at UMD studying Psychology and Latin American Studies. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hanging out with other people’s dogs, and planning my next trip. 

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Jonna Korpi

Biography

Bio

Jonna Korpi serves as the Director for the Office of Sustainability at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She works to move the needle on campus greenhouse gas reductions, climate resilience, and community engagement. Jonna earned a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Washington Tacoma and has a B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Criminal Justice Studies from the University of North Dakota.

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Solar Basics

Electricity from the Sun

Most of us have an idea of what a solar panel is and what they do. In fact most of us use them on a daily basis. Solar panels are commonly found in calculators, satellites, and on road signs around UMD campus. We are becoming more and more environmentally conscientious and finding cleaner and sustainable energy is becoming a popular trend.

Oakland Aspen Building

The Oakland Aspen building has 126 solar panels installed on the roof. The array contains three rows of 42 modules which are connected to the grid.

The project was championed and led by the SUN Delegation, a group of students passionate about expanding solar on campus and reducing the schools carbon footprint. The project was funded through student service fees, UMD green revolving fund, and housing and residence life.

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