The University of Texas at Dallas has received continuing federal support for the Center for Wind Energy Science, Technology and Research (WindSTAR), a public-private research partnership designed to develop solutions for energy independence and reliability. WindSTAR is an NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) that aims to generate breakthrough research by facilitating collaboration between industry innovators, academic researchers and government agencies. It is part of UTD Wind, the Wind Energy Center at UT Dallas, which is dedicated to advancing wind energy science and engineering. The event will feature participants from academia, government labs and industry, and foster collaboration and innovation in wind energy research. “In addition, participating in WindSTAR’s activities and meetings really exposed me to the different aspects of the wind energy sector beyond my specific field of study.