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Research, Education, and Laboratory Services
 Through its three divisions, WIST offers laboratory services, outreach education, and research to create sustainability solutions for businesses and organizations. Technology and ideas developed by WIST and its partners will spur economic growth in Wisconsin and the region and help all of us preserve and protect a healthy environment for future generations.
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Greetings!
Summer is typically a slower time on university campuses with students away, but the pace at WIST hasn't abated. Our research and testing labs and pilot paper machine are all going full steam. And we continue our work to develop new projects and secure the funding needed for the innovative research that will create sustainable solutions to grow the economy. Thank you for your continued interest in the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology. Best regards,
Paul Fowler
Executive Director
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Eric Singsaas, WIST director of research, left, talks about WIST research with UWSP Chancellor Bernie Patterson, middle, and Paul Jadin, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, right. |
WIST hosts CEO Paul Jadin
The CEO of the newly created Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation visited UWSP in early July to learn more about WIST first-hand. Paul Jadin was tapped earlier this year by Governor Scott Walker to lead a major change in the state's Department of Commerce, transitioning it to the public-private WEDC.
Jadin's title changed from Secretary to CEO but changes in the organization are expected to be more substantial than mere title changes. The new organization seeks to aggressively promote job growth in Wisconsin, working to attract and retain businesses.
During his stop at UWSP, Jadin was briefed by Paul Fowler on WIST's overall goals and current initiatives. Don Guay and Eric Singsaas described the biofuels research underway and explained the goal of developing a biorefinery that can operate in existing pulp and paper mills, leading to job growth and added revenue. That's a key part of the institute's mission to develop and transfer to private industry sustainable technology to improve Wisconsin's environment and economy.
Barb Fleisner, executive director of Centergy, and Lori Dehlinger, executive director of the Portage County Business Council, also attended the briefing.
UWSP Chancellor Bernie Patterson joined Jadin on a tour of the institute's pilot paper machine and research labs.
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Demand growing
for bioplastic
You may have noticed the trend yourself: major brands such as Pepsi and Coca Cola are competing in "green packaging" - offering their products in containers made in whole or in part from renewable materials. This is helping drive a growing demand for bioplastics. NET Radio's Grant Gerlock looked at the bioplastics industry for a story on Nebraska Public Radio. The story is part of a series that explores science and the environment. While researching his story, Gerlock learned of Paul Fowler's involvement in bioplastics research and interviewed him about some of the differences in various bioplastics. You can read or listen to the full story at this link. |
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Education at WIST
Education is one of three divisions at WIST, along with research and laboratory services. Currently the education division is putting together a portfolio of classes to be offered over the next 12-18 months. Some courses, such as the popular Hands-on Papermaking course, are already developed (next course scheduled for Oct. 6&7). A color school for paper industry professionals also will be offered this fall. Other courses in the works include life cycle assessment and kraft recovery.
If you've seen a need for a particular course or topic that WIST may address, contact Gerry Ring, director of education, to discuss possibilities. We like to hear from you.
In the meantime, you can check the WIST website for updates on course offerings and watch for more detailed announcements of courses in the coming months.
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