SEF Blog

Moving toward a regenerative energy future requires people who have the knowledge, experience and connections to help shape it.

Through Energypath, a program of Regenerative Energy Initiative (Regen), students and educators gain opportunities to engage directly with energy technologies, learn from industry professionals and explore the career pathways that will contribute to the future of energy.

For East Stroudsburg University student Kevin Mitchell, that opportunity came to life this summer at the 2026 Energypath program at Moravian University.

Kevin, who is studying physics with a minor in mathematical statistics, participated in Energypath’s Bootcamps, where he explored bioenergy and biofuels and the career opportunities connected to them.

During the program, Kevin gained firsthand experience with the production of biogas and biodiesel in a session taught by Energypath alumnus and Dickinson College Farm Director of Energy Projects Matt Steiman. Working with his team, Kevin helped construct biodigester batches using manure slurry and produce biodiesel from used cooking oil.

“Seeing how waste materials such as manure, food scraps, greases, and used cooking oils can be transformed into useful fuels deepened my appreciation for the role science and innovation play in addressing energy and environmental challenges,” Kevin shared.

The experience extended beyond technical education. Kevin connected with professionals in the energy field, participated in career development sessions, toured the Bethlehem Wastewater Treatment Plant and attended Energypath’s one-day professional conference exploring the changing energy landscape.

For Kevin, those experiences helped turn an interest in energy into a clearer vision for his future.

“The experience strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in the energy sector,” he said.

Enabling Action Through Education

Kevin’s experience reflects a broader purpose behind Regen’s work.

Regenerative Energy Initiative is working to advance energy systems that renew, revitalize and regenerate. At the core of that work is a commitment to enable action and help energy users and creators overcome the educational, financial and regulatory barriers that can prevent progress toward a regenerative energy future.

Education and workforce development are an important part of that effort. Creating a different energy future requires not only new technologies and systems, but people who understand them, work with them and have the opportunity to influence what comes next.

Energypath is one way Regen puts that purpose into practice.

By bringing together students, educators and energy professionals, Energypath creates opportunities to move beyond the classroom and engage directly with energy technologies, career pathways and the people already working across the industry.

Kevin’s experience demonstrates what those connections can make possible. What began as an interest in energy became hands-on technical experience, professional connections and a stronger interest in pursuing a career in the sector.

His experience was also recently featured by Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support (SEEDS) in its August 2026 newsletter.

As Regen continues expanding its mission and impact across Pennsylvania, programs like Energypath help build the knowledge, relationships and capacity needed to move from learning to action.

By helping prepare people to participate in and influence our changing energy systems, Regen is taking another step toward its core purpose: realizing a regenerative energy future.

Read Kevin’s full Energypath story →

View more information about the 2026 Energypath Bioenergy camp here