When Karah Hook realized she could delve deeper into her focus area – green energy and the environment – and earn a certificate, it was an obvious choice to pursue it.

Hook, from Belvidere, Illinois, will earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical and biochemical engineering this month. She will also be the first student to earn Iowa’s new Applied Climate Science and Energy Technologies (ACSET) certificate.

“I want to use engineering to solve climate challenges,” Hook said. “This program gave me insight into companies trying to achieve sustainability goals and using engineering to reduce emissions and climate impact.”

The College of Engineering recently launched the ACSET program as a multidisciplinary approach to understanding how the physical principles of the atmosphere are connected to research in weather, climate, environment, and energy technologies. Changing climate affects everyone, and students explore solutions that include emissions reduction, adaptation, and geoengineering.

The certificate is designed to provide a broad foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in areas such as air quality, sensor development, emerging energy technologies, and environmental consulting.

“The ACSET program is designed to equip students with the understanding and skills needed to pursue rewarding careers developing solutions to help mitigate our changing climate,” said Matthew McGill, professor of chemical and biochemical engineering and ACSET certificate coordinator. “Whether through modeling, measurements, new technology development, or improved energy sources, there are many career paths for students to choose.”

While the certificate targets engineering disciplines including chemical and biochemical, civil, and environmental, it is open to all students at the university. Other target areas include the School of Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability; the College of Public Health, and the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

As for Hook, she said any student who is passionate about sustainability and developing different energy sources should consider earning the ACSET certificate.  “A single person can have a big impact,” Hook said.

For more information about the certificate, contact matthew-mcgill@uiowa.edu or visit https://admissions.uiowa.edu/academics/applied-climate-science-and-energy-technologies.