These programs will feed into the planned interdisciplinary, intercollege Ph.D. program in Infrastructure and Environmental Systems, which was proposed and submitted for approval last year. Inyang and his associates are also establishing laboratory facilities within the C.C. Cameron Applied Research Center on the UNC Charlotte campus. To perform world-class environmental research we must have the physical facilities for testing and lab work. To promote the international exchange of ideas, Inyang is working with UNC Charlotte faculty and administrators to develop a proposal to establish a Global Institute for Energy and Environmental Systems. The Institute would stimulate collaborations on global environmental issues and policies.
Specific detail are yet to be worked out.
However, the Institute, when established, will host international workshops, visiting faculty, seminars, and international collaboration on research issues. Inyang has already initiated collaborative research programs with universities in Brazil, China and Nigeria. He plans to work to strengthen the links UNC Charlotte's Civil Engineering Department has already established in France. With international ties and cross-disciplinary programs, Inyang sees a synergy developing that will make important contributions to energy and environmental systems research. I truly believe it is possible to have one of the finest environmental programs in the world here at UNC Charlotte.