OSW Lunch and Learn Events

Join us for an informative afternoon featuring experts in the field of renewable energy. Gain insights into New York State job opportunities in offshore wind, discover training programs offered by SUNY institutions and learn about the clean energy programs offered locally.

Participants will also hear about the online self-pace course, Renewable Energy Fundamentals and Job Opportunities, offered at no cost to a limited number of learners. This event provides a unique opportunity for working age adults to connect with industry experts and ask questions about the exciting possibilites in the renewable energy sector.

• Event Name:
  • Lunch & Learn with the Hispanic Heritage Council
  • This event is open to everyone!    
    
• Date & Time:
  • June 14th
  • 12:00pm - 1:30pm
• Location:
  • Crane Branch Library, 633 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222   

• Event Name (Completed):
  • Lunch & Learn at Alfred State College
  • Please note: This event is for Alfred State College's current students            
• Date & Time:
  • April 18th
  • 11:00am - 12:30pm    
• Location:
  • Alfred State College, Wellsville Campus
    Culinary Arts Building        

• Event Name (Completed):
  • Lunch & Learn at Northland Workforce Training Center
  • Please note: This event is for Northland Workforce Training Center's current students and alumni            
• Date & Time:
  • April 19th
  • 12:00pm - 1:00pm    
• Location:
  • Northland Workforce Training Center  
    Main Lobby Area, Room 126      

Marjaneh Issapour - Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, Farmingdale State College

Professor Issapour is an Electrical Engineer and a professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology department at Farmingdale State College. Issapour is also the Chancellor's award recipient for excellence in teaching service. She has maximized the effectiveness of Farmingdale College to respond to evolving needs of new and nascent industries. She is the creator of the first Wind Turbine Technician Certificate program and first college micro-credential for engineers in the state and among first such in the nation. She also created Farmingdale State College’s first Sustainable Energy Certificate program. Professor Issapour has driven greater clean energy literacy to the entire Long Island region and made a substantial impact. One example is that the Solar PV program has trained more than 90% of solar installers on Long Island. Most recently in 2021 she created the collaborative program with GE which led direct employment for attendees. In addition, she created an introductory wind literacy course, serving 60 people from disadvantaged communities on Long Island introducing them to career paths within offshore and onshore wind.

Khosro Shirvani - Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Farmingdale State College

Khosro Shirvani, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Technology at Farmingdale State College (FSC). His research areas include Tribology, Additive Manufacturing of Metals, Renewable Energy, and Engineering Education. Over the past 8 years, he has developed and taught novel hands-on skill-building courses with a focus on design, manufacturing, and clean energy technologies. He was also involved in creating a certificate program in Wind Turbine Technology at FSC.

Dr. Shirvani is a member-at-large of the Volunteer Orientation & Leadership Training Academy of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and was a 2018-19 ASME ECLIPSE Member of the Board of Governors.

Natalie Terhaar - Community Engagement Manager, National Grid Ventures, and Community Offshore Wind

Natalie is the Community Engagement Manager for National Grid Ventures and Community Offshore Wind. In her role, she administers grants and creates programming for the community, specifically in the areas of STEM education, environment, and sustainability. Natalie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from D’Youville University. She is active with the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, was a Leadership Buffalo graduate in 2020, KidWind Advisory Member in 2023, a UB Leadership Accelerator participant in 2024, and on the fundraising committee for Hospice Buffalo. She is a Buffalo native and lives with her husband and two children.

To register for a Lunch & Learn event, the fields below must be filled in.