Given her background in wind research, the IEA Wind Energy group’s goal of promoting the use of wind power throughout the world has been a good fit for Pat.  She has traveled to Europe, Australia, and soon South Korea, to attend IEA meetings and she loves this window into the “worldwide perspective on energy.”  Since starting as the editor of IEA Wind Energy’s annual report back in 1997, Pat has continued to expand her role and will now be helping to write the 5-year strategic plan for IEA. 

Due to this increased responsibility at IEA Wind group, Pat is stepping down as the SOARS writing instructor after five successful years.  Reflecting on her time at SOARS, Pat says, “it’s been a wonderful experience, satisfying, and educational.” Through this partnership, Pat says that she has learned a lot about mentoring and how it contributes to the success of students.  Her favorite part of the program has been watching “the transformation of protégés’ writing and presentation skills” over the course of the summer.  Indeed, through her careful instruction and editorial guidance, Pat has helped numerous protégés gain confidence and skill in the difficult task of scientific writing and oral communication.  While Pat’s new IEA duties will keep her busy this summer she hopes to stay connected to the SOARS community and cheer protégés on at the final Colloquium.

In recognition of all of Pat’s contributions to the SOARS writing workshop and to the professional development of our protégés, please join us in thanking her and wishing her all the best.

- the SOARS staff

Dear protégés,

As you have seen from the Web site, you have a new coordinator for the writing workshop who will bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the ever-evolving SOARS program. I was asked in September 2007 to work this summer on the 5-year strategic plan for the International Energy Agency Wind Energy group. I made the hard decision to leave the SOARS program and work on this new project.

It has been a wonderful experience working with you and your predecessors these past 5 summers. I will really miss seeing your progression from struggling with initial problem statements to delivering a professional report of your research results. But I will be in Boulder most of the summer and plan to attend your Colloquium presentations. Although I will not get to see the whole progression, at least I will see the final result!

I wish you all the best of luck along with the just rewards from your hard work and creativity.

Take good care,

Pat Weis-Taylor