Lehigh University's Solutions in Energy, Electrification and Delivery (SEED) program empowers Lehigh's graduate students to become future energy leaders who are equipped to develop effective solutions to complex energy problems.

Supported by the National Science Foundation's National Research Traineeship (NRT) Program, the SEED program offers a unique opportunity for Lehigh graduate students to work with partners and faculty and peers across the University on cutting-edge research in this rapidly-emerging space.

Focused on addressing broad energy challenges, the program engages Lehigh's Master's and PhD students to develop energy systems and technologies. A key strategy for developing these solutions involves students directly engaging multiple stakeholders—industry leaders, community members, and government representatives—to help define, develop and implement energy solutions.

The SEED EF program aspires to:

  • Incorporate relevant stakeholder perspectives to accomplish interdisciplinary energy research
  • Advance graduate students' skills to plan, conduct, execute, and communicate advanced energy solutions
  • Establish a novel, scalable, and sustainable graduate program built on this training model that integrates Lehigh’s interdisciplinary research capacity 

 SEED EF draws students primarily from these academic departments at Lehigh:  Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering   |   Civil and Environmental Engineering   |   Earth and Environmental Sciences   |   Economics   |   Electrical and Computer Engineering   |   Industrial and Systems Engineering   |   Mechanical Engineering   |   Political Science   |   Population Health

SEED EF also draws students from these specialized master's programs at Lehigh: Energy Systems Engineering   |   Environmental Policy   |   Public Policy   |   Public Health

Program Highlights

  • Strong cohort with collaborative focus
  • Emphasis advanced energy innovation
  • Applied research for energy solutions
  • Internships during year 2 of graduate study
  • Meaningful applied research outcomes via active learning
  • Advising and mentor support tailored to each student
  • Professional development opportunities and leadership seminars
  • Financial support
  • Best practices for trainees in impact-driven research teams
  • NSF NRT Fellows receive a laptop at the start of training