The Appalachian Energy Center (AEC) at Appalachian State University conducts energy research and applied program activities in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, forecasting and modeling, economic development, and policy analysis in a multi-disciplinary environment that leverages the expertise of faculty, staff, and students from across the University as a resource for private industry, local, state and federal governments, and non-profits. Through its outreach programs and research, the Appalachian Energy Center provides benefits to communities and citizens across the state, including the creation of new jobs and businesses, and increased investment and income.Energy is an integral part of our everyday lives. Today, a broad array of pressures have converged to make energy one of the most critical concerns of our time. Rising concern about high energy prices, increasing pollution, resource availability, supply reliability and other related effects have merged to create numerous opportunities for an aspiring energy-related specialist.Opportunities for energy-related careers are more numerous and varied than ever. Today's student may find themself involved in energy via a wide array of fields, including: building technology, business, political science, physics, chemistry, and economics to name a few. The energy opportunities emerging today could involve project financing, advanced building systems design, research into novel advanced materials, and many other innovation-driven activities.