CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Duke Energy has once again committed $150,000 to support the Plant Pathways Elucidation Project or P2EP, enabling more than 30 students from 10 colleges and universities to intern at the N.C. Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis.
Beginning June 9, the group will research the bioactive compounds in blueberries, strawberries, oats and broccoli that benefit human health.
P2EP is a collaborative, $1.9 million research program that pairs NCRC's leading scientists from industry and academia with high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Together they map plant pathways to discover how the beneficial bioactive compounds are produced. They then create a bioinformatic knowledge base of genetic data.
This is the second year Duke Energy has contributed to the program.
"Engaging students in science through hands-on and collaborative learning experiences ignites excitement and interest in science-related careers," said Randy Welch, Duke Energy government and community relations manager. "Duke Energy is proud to help support this P2EP at the N.C. Research Campus."
The University of North Carolina System is a founding sponsor of P2EP.
"The UNC system values this program because it draws together every element of the NC Research Campus," said Chris Brown, PhD, vice president for research and graduate education for the University of North Carolina System.
"P2EP epitomizes what the NCRC is all about: combining in one place the best in research, education and public-private partnerships. I am pleased to see corporate partners like Duke Energy recognize this and contribute to the scientific and workforce development of North Carolina," said Brown.
The 32 interns represent Catawba College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, NC State, UNC Wilmington, Johnson C. Smith University, Pfeiffer University, Winston Salem State, and Johns Hopkins University.
Two North Carolina high schools are represented as well. They are Cannon School (Concord) and AL Brown High School (Kannapolis).
Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. Over the foundation's long history in local communities, it has identified focus areas that maximize the foundation's dollars and guide the foundation's giving. The foundation makes grants supporting the environment, economic development, education and community vitality. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community.