(Lancaster, KY, November 2023.) - Madeline Petty, a Geoscience master’s student at Western Kentucky University is conducting research on perceptions of renewable energy in Lancaster.

The research hopes to determine the public’s understanding of and opinion on renewable energy due to different conditions. Aspects considered in the research include whether large scale renewable energy is present in one’s community, physical and cultural location, and more.

If Lancaster residents complete the anonymous survey, which takes no more than 20 minutes, they will be eligible to be entered into a drawing for one of multiple $100 gift cards. 

The survey results will be used by Petty in completing her master’s thesis. Thesis completion is a requirement for graduation in the WKU Geoscience master’s program. Students are able to choose a topic of interest to research related to Physical, Cultural, Environmental, Climate, or Geographical Information Sciences. Petty’s interest in renewable energy implementation and background from a small town in Kentucky spurred her interest in this research topic. 

“Small towns in America have started to see growing numbers of renewable energy power plants. I am interested in figuring out how residents of these areas feel about renewable energy being in their community in order to inform others on how to best manage the implementation of these developments. I am excited to contribute to the scientific community with this research.”

The research is taking place through the department of Earth, Environment, and Atmospheric Sciences at WKU. If you are interested in completing the survey, scan the QR code, or type in this secure URL: bit.ly/wkuenergy.

Responses will contribute to a growing scientific understanding of the influence that implementation of renewable energy systems has on different communities. 

For further information or questions, contact the lead researcher, Madeline Petty at madeline.petty516@topper.wku.edu