Queen's Solar Design Team
The Queen's Solar Design Team has been building world-class solar vehicles since 1988. Our past work (seen on the left) includes 11 different models: Aurum (2007), Ultraviolet (2005), Gemini (2003), Mirage (2001), Radiance (1999), Kinetic (1999), Dawn Treader (1997), Quest (1995), Sunquest II (1993), Sunquest (1990), Photomoto (1988).
This year we have a new mission: we're building a home. In fact, we're building the most sustainable, intelligent, and well-designed home on the face of the planet. While our solar vehicles have brought Queen's to the forefront of innovation, our home will push us even further as we strive to compete on the world stage in the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C.
Energy and the environment have become keystone issues that will profoundly shape the future of our graduates. Therefore, as we strive to prepare our students for the world that lies ahead of them, we must become a leader within these two critical realms.
For three weeks in October 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy will host the Solar Decathlon—a competition in which 20 teams of college and university students compete to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house. The Solar Decathlon is also an event to which the public is invited to observe the powerful combination of solar energy, energy efficiency, and the best in home design.
Click here to learn more.
Mission
To compete and win the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon in 2011.
Vision
A multidisciplinary team building a livable home that will:
1. Educate the public of the benefits of sustainable design,
2. Bring new technologies to market,
3. Establish Queen's University as a global leader in the fields of energy and the environment.
Values
Innovation. Market Viability. Sustainability. Integrity. Livability.
Nate Preston
Project Manager
Nate Preston is preparing for his final year of engineering physics. He led the team across North America last year and looks forward to the new challenges that lie ahead. Nate is excited to lead a team of engineers, architects, and business students to develop zero-energy homes that meet the needs of the community.
Justin Cullen
Director of Structural Engineering
Justin graduated from the Queen’s School of Music in 1995 and is currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering. He was a member of the Solar Vehicle team in 2007-08 and a Director for both the Queen’s Living Energy Lab as well as CEEC. He is devoted to researching and developing sustainable technologies for commercial use.
John Merkley
Business Manger
John graduated from the Queen’s School of Business with First-Class Honours in 2009 and is currently pursuing a Masters of Global Management and a Masters of Science. He has experience as the Chair of CEEC, a consultant for the Queen’s Energy and Commodities Association, and a founding member of Queen’s Backing Action on Climate Change.
Lisa Crofoot
Director of Technical Systems
Lisa is a senior mechanical engineering student passionate about global sustainability. She has acquired extensive leadership experience and an understanding of applied science through her time spent at Morrison Hershfeild. Lisa hopes to establish Queen’s University as a leader in sustainable design.
Sean Seemann
Director of Mechanical Engineering
A fourth year mechanical engineer, Sean looks for creative and alternative solutions to solve traditional energy problems. Sean hopes to develop practical applications from his course work to bring what he has learned in the classroom into fruition in the real world. He also hopes to one day develop cold fusion.
Ben Moyer
Director of Logistics
Ben is currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. His love for nature and his strong interest in sustainable development have led to his involvement with the Queen’s Solar Design Team. He strongly endorses “cradle-to-cradle” design methodology and is seeking a career in sustainable living.
QSDT is grateful to have support from the following acclaimed academics and professionals:
Stephen Harrison, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Mechanical & Materials Engineering
Solar Calorimetry Lab
Joshua Pearce, Ph.D.
John Meligrana, M.Pl., Ph.D.
School of Urban and Regional Planning
Praveen Jain, Ph.D
Electrical Engineering
Vic Pakalnis, P.Eng., MBA, M.Eng.
Kinross Professorship in Mining & Sustainability
Jim Martin, P.Eng., CFA, MBA, M.Sci.
Mining Engineering
Colin MacDougal, Ph.D.
Civil Engineering
David Strong, P.Eng.
NSERC Chair of Design Engineering
Don Beckett, B.Sci., P.Eng.
Alumni Advisor
Bruce Downey, M.Arch.
Architectual Advisor
The Queen’s Solar Design Team has three goals when it comes to fundraising.:
1) create value for our sponsors by helping them recruit the best employees and acquire the best clients.
2) improve our reputation and to seek sponsorship from companies that share our values for quality design and environmental stewardship.
3) partner with organizations that are able to provide effective feedback to assist with continuous improvement.
The 2009 Solar Decathlon provided exposure to:
• More than 923 million impressions with Solar Decathlon messages...
• More than 730 television stories nationwide...
• Programming on 25 international networks including: CNN, CBS, CNBC, PBS, ABC, The Weather Channel, HGTV, Fox National, Discovery, Czech TV, Darmstadt, ZDF German, Aljazeera, Xinhaua...
• Over 300 000 visitors in 10 days...
Want to keep in touch with the team?
Check out our blog at qsdt.blogspot.com
Open Forum and Information Sessions:
We would just like to thank everybody that came out last week. We had a great turnout between the two nights. We will now be starting to keep everybody updated on what’s going on with the QSDT. If you put your name on our email lists your should be hearing from us soon.
If you didn’t have a chance to make it, but want to keep updated on recruitment info, summer jobs, and the current status of the QSDT please send an email to recruiting.qsdt_gmail.com to be added to the list.
For those of you who missed the presentation, here is the link:
http://prezi.com/zayhsdju_yvo/
QSDT
