# MSU Forestry and Ecotek Labs Partner to Expand Science Education

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/msu-forestry-and-ecotek-labs-partner-to-expand-science-education/
- Published: 2022-05-11T15:26:05-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State University Department of Forestry is continuing
to build its partnership with Detroit-based [science](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/01/6-ways-to-get-kids-interested-in-science/)
research organization Ecotek Lab. For they are now providing hands-on lab experience.
That’s to high schoolers once a month.

In addition, MSU Forestry is a proud collaborator of Ecotek Lab. The focus is on
understanding the [importance](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/02/climate-change-education-why-it-matters-now/)
of diversity in [natural resources](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/05/surfrider-foundation-victorious-in-effort-to-save-worlds-fastest-wave/)
and providing opportunities and connections. That’s through which Detroit youth 
can pursue higher education careers. Also in natural resources and [sustainable bioproducts](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/waste-to-energy-process-transforming-organic-waste/).

![Msu forestry and ecotek labs partner to expand science education](https://i0.wp.
com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/group1.jpeg?resize=413%2C420&quality
=52&ssl=1 "MSU Forestry and Ecotek Labs Partner to Expand Science Education - The
Green Living Guy")

Photo from Michigan State University

Ecotek Lab, a recruiting partner of MSU Forestry since 2019. It’s a research and
innovation laboratory. Thereby made up of aspiring student scientists and engineers
from major urban centers.

“This partnership provides a unique opportunity to expose Detroit’s youth to educational
and [career development opportunities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/sustainable-education-for-a-better-future/).
For that’s in natural resources and sustainable bioproducts. This integrated program
of experiential learning, academic training, and mentoring. For it can increase 
the likelihood of [students](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/celebrating-40-years-of-saving-energy-and-training-students-in-industrial-efficiency/)
applying for, undertaking. Also the completing STEM-based undergraduate degrees.”
This was said by Justin Kunkle, MSU Forestry Director of Undergraduate Studies.

## Ecotek Students

Ecotek scientists made up of middle and high school students, explore challenging
projects and areas of study. They are preparing them for college-level advancement
and providing a foundation for a rewarding career in the scientific world.

“I started the lab back in 2005 with the expectation that kids in urban communities
didn’t necessarily get an appreciation for innovation. They would consume what came
out of companies and labs but they wouldn’t necessarily appreciate what that meant
to really do it on their own,” said Dr. Keith Young, CEO, and Founder of Ecotek 
Lab.

Dr. Mojgan Nejad, Assistant Professor of Green Bioproducts in the Department of 
Forestry, hosts Ecotek students in her lab once a month, where lessons are taught
by her graduate students.

“Each time they come to the lab, we teach them how to make different bioproducts.
For example, using lignin to replace petroleum-based polyols in rigid and flexible
foam applications or making fully [biobased](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/samsung-ontario-solar-energy-facility-launches-production/)
adhesive and biocomposite,” Nejad said.

MSU Forestry is currently home to three Ecotek alums, with a fourth enrolled for
the upcoming Fall 2022 semester. Dyllan Nelson, joining the forestry program in 
the fall, is grateful for her time at Ecotek.

“Ecotek has really helped me build my opportunities and introduced me to so many
people. Without Ecotek, I wouldn’t have this opportunity [at MSU], and I’m thankful
for it,” said Nelson.

## Science Lessons

Nelson said her favorite part of coming to the Dr. Nejad lab has been [learning about natural sciences](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/11/ladybug-jane-blending-fun-science-and-learning/)
and how she could apply the lessons to her everyday life. She has taken an interest
in bioproducts and the potential for different applications of bioproducts.

“I really love the campus and the community I’ve met so far. I’m just really excited
to come here in the fall,” said Nelson.

Ecotek alum and forestry senior, Davien Graham, initially explored the program on
behalf of his younger brother, Alexander.

“When I heard about [Ecotek], I knew I had my little brother who was, in my eyes,
smarter than me, at his age. So, I was thinking it would be a better idea if he 
was able to do it. So, I initially went to an interview to ask Mr. Young to let 
my brother be a part of the program,” said Graham.

## Gaining Experience

Young instead took a liking to Graham and his scientific background. He offered 
him a position in the lab for his remaining year of high school with his brother
joining the lab afterward.

Kayla Young has been a member of Ecotek Lab since she was in second grade. She saw
a lot of students come and go. And as a result, was able to learn a wide variety
of disciplines.

She has particularly enjoyed learning from the graduate students in the labs and
the experiments and equipment they have shared.

“We were going to find the density of [lignin-based] foam, how to make it, cooling,
that was really cool,” said Young.

Reflecting on her time at Ecotek, Young says she would definitely recommend the 
program.

“When you go to Ecotek, Dr. (Keith)Young doesn’t teach you about what’s going on
now. He’s teaching you about what’s going on in the future, and what’s going to 
happen,” said Kayla Young.

## The Department of Forestry

The Department of Forestry is proud to continue this important partnership with 
Ecotek, and is continually looking for pathways for students to make connections
and to provide learning opportunities in our programs and facilities.

“We really appreciate the partnership with Ecotek,” said Dr. Richard Kobe, Chairperson
of the Department of Forestry. “While MSU can bring new opportunities to Ecotek 
students, the students also contribute greatly to our program with their enthusiasm,
curiosity, and insight.”

“Partnerships are core to who we are in fulfilling our land-grant mission. Meeting
people where they are at, providing solutions that face a multicultural society,
and providing opportunities to develop the next generation of talent,” said Dr. 
Quentin Tyler, Associate Dean and Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.“
Our Department of Forestry continues to be a leader in inclusion, equity, diversity,
outreach, and engagement.  We are equally excited and proud to partner with Ecotek
Lab in Detroit in providing a space and place for today’s dreamers to become tomorrow’s
leaders.”

To learn more about Ecotek Lab, [visit them online](https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=fnjKVEtEq7-2F-2B3m6pq3DC0A0kOlon4ZcCVuRQ8f9bbPI-3Dknjf_INCA-2FPyIhC63I1FHQ-2FtwXKsMamN5mBOz6hLuWKtOi7lGFa34m3XTTCutzwz1Sll-2BARJKn3U1QJ2lMzKpz3H0k9OzKF06xv8R7FTPWXQ3wCZOA0EKbgEYFouyerpkC5u1Bpvqz3igDQuCDbfwTKwQgnsEg5833vbxluoY-2Bik5qb669lxPKKSuW93Xh2L1TKHtAKK6V7MNp-2FEzAWxW0MVMOb1J6hQYpDv-2FPbqlABQ96diTpI5FBGBGOp2xH97VeBLNV-2FrAl9-2FC5BVSBJejx7kKFvUakAHL75LxsRszcGiupgQR5XzR0iaOqmrWDsgq7PmSLKcluq9x0KMJyNEO26kRpMCuKIAxqTGo-2FX-2FlJj2nxkM-3D)
or contact [Dr. Keith Young](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/msu-forestry-and-ecotek-labs-partner-to-expand-science-education/ecoteklab@gmail.com).
For information about the forestry undergraduate program, contact [Dr. Justin Kunkle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/msu-forestry-and-ecotek-labs-partner-to-expand-science-education/kunkleju@msu.edu).

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)