My final project for my Reading, and Writing Online course in 2010 as part of my three year B.A. combine major in Economics & Rhetoric, Writing, & Communications at the University of Winnipeg. I wanted to deliver a final assignment that combine my skills and strengths in technology, climate policy, and new media. A combination of original content, and previous course work was used. This included a paper I originally wrote for my environmental economics class on implementing a carbon tax in Manitoba.
As part of my course requirements for Algonquin College's social media certificate, I was required to write blog posts on subjects relating to social media marketing. One post during my Applied Social Media in Business course, I analyzed new possibilities for marketing departments to capitalize on the emerging Internet of things (IoT), which offer incredible possibilities, according to many technology experts.
I co-authored a final paper in my Energy Economics course at the University of Winnipeg discussing and implementing smart grid technology. The analysis included a background on the electrical grid system; the challenges it faced thanks to blackouts and climate change; what is a smart grid?; the benefits and drawback of a smart grid; and finally what policies would encourage acceleration of this technology.
For one of my assignments in my University of Toronto Wind Energy course, I investigated the media bias covering wind energy from politically right and left leaning publications: The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic. This involved comparing two articles from both outlets and analysis from academic sources to provide recommendations in reducing political inclinations in covering the wind energy industry. I learned the importance to provide a complete analysis to provide a thorough picture for readers to make sound decisions on wind energy development.
For our final assignment for the Wind Energy course, as part of the University of Toronto professional development renewable energy certificate program, we were required to propose a new wind farm development within Ontario. This included determining location, financing, and legal requirements. I assisted in research to craft the environmental assessment section pertaining to the New Glasgow, Ontario wind farm development proposal.
In Applied Social Media For Business at Algonquin College, I had prepared a S.W.O.T. analysis on The Pembina Institute's social media strategy. This involved expanding its reach in content outside of its biggest markets (Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia) by using social media.
As part of my Solar Energy course requirement at the University of Toronto, I wrote an analysis on the investment potential of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) within the emerging solar energy market. I analyzed the history, technological advantages and challenges CdTe thin-film solar cells face. This paper provided me an opportunity to learn more about the technical aspects of thin-film, but also allow me to use my knowledge of the solar energy markets to provide a rich analysis of why this solar technology may provide investors a great opportunity as solar energy marches on into the future.
The Potential and Challenges of Microalgae Biofuel Production
In my Biofuels course at the University of Toronto, I wrote a research investigation on the possibilities of developing microalgae biofuels as a source of clean energy. I analyzed the background, advantages, and concerns involving all aspects of microalgae biofuel development. This analysis provided me the opportunity to grasp key aspects needed to scale microalgae biofuels commercially, but also how this source of biofuels can provide abundant clean fuel required for long distance transportation needs.
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The Role of Biofuels Within the Context of Climate Change Mitigation
In my final paper in my University of Toronto Biofuels course, I wrote an analysis of how biofuels can play an important role within mitigating climate change. My research involved evaluating how wood based biomass feedstock can provide a strong source of bioenergy needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes wood waste, forest and pine beetle damaged wood, as they provide the best carbon payback from wood based feedstocks. After writing this report, I feel wood based bioenergy, if properly harvested in forest rich areas including Northern Canada, can provide a plentiful clean energy heating source, transportation fuel, create new economic opportunities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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