UGA’s Complex Carbohydrate Research Center showcased its research potential when a U.S. congressman and a U.S. Department of Energy agency director visited the university’s Athens campus Aug. 26.
U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall of Lawrenceville and Ellen Williams, the director of the Advanced Projects Research Agency for Energy, or ARPA-E, were given a tour of the CCRC complex and met with faculty and administrators to discuss faculty research and potential energy solutions that CCRC is developing.
ARPA-E advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. The agency’s projects have the potential to radically improve U.S. economic security, national security and the well-being of the environment. ARPA-E supports these researchers with funding, technical assistance and market readiness.
“ARPA-E invests in the best ideas that have the potential to change how we use, generate and store energy,” Williams said. “I was thrilled to visit the University of Georgia with Congressman Woodall to hear about the exciting research underway that’s helping to solve our nation’s energy challenges.”
Woodall, a supporter of UGA and the CCRC in Washington, D.C., joined the tour to learn more about CCRC’s energy capabilities.
“The research being done here at UGA and in this facility doesn’t just move us closer to long-term energy solutions across the country—it grows our economy, creates jobs in our communities and drives innovation even further,” Woodall said. “I’m excited to see that kind of progress right here in our own backyard.”
The tour and follow-up discussion between Williams, Woodall and UGA faculty helped build connections between UGA researchers and decision-makers in Washington, D.C., said David Lee, UGA’s vice president for research.
“Having such visits by those responsible for major research and development funding programs is a great way to make them aware of strengths at UGA and also for us to learn more about their programs and their developing priorities,” Lee said.