This fall, the Advanced Energy Systems Program welcomed 24 new students, including 7 doctoral students and 17 Masters students. In preparation for classes, students participated in the traditional M Climb. After receiving their hardhats, the AES crew walked from campus to add their rock to the infamous M atop Mount Zion. As the students walked up Lookout Mountain Road, various clubs and organizations across the Mines campus lined each side of the road cheering students on. To the right, students are pictured before and after they took the climb.
The celebrating wasn’t over yet! To welcome the new students into the program, the AES team planned a Fall Welcome Reception. The reception included food, drinks, and friends of the AES program. Alumni, NREL mentors, Mines faculty, and current students mingled and made plans for the upcoming academic year and beyond. Alumni were able to update current students and faculty on what they are up to following graduation, NREL mentors met incoming students and learn about their interests, and Dr. Braun shared some takeaways from the AES summer research experience in Denmark.