Jim Bosch has been working in the Public Relations Department at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) since 2000.  At NREL, Jim has developed renewable energy education programs, led tours of the laboratory for domestic and international dignitaries and helped organize one of the longest solar-car races in history. NREL has recognized Jim’s performance, as he has received awards for Outstanding Public Information in Technology Transfer, Employee of the Month, two Director’s Awards and an NREL Staff Award for Outstanding Performance. 

Prior to working at NREL, Jim worked in the horticulture and utility industries, as well as the outdoor and environmental education field.  Jim earned his Bachelor’s in Biological Science in 1991 from Olivet College, in Olivet, Michigan.  At Olivet College, Jim managed the Biological Preserve and Biological Collections, and also established a campus environmental group called the Earthbound Organization in 1989, which is still in existence today.  In 1995, Jim earned his M.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Illinois.  At NIU, Jim crafted his skills as a naturalist and specialized in curriculum development and outdoor and environmental education. 

After NIU, Jim spent three years working in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan, where he was able to teach students about natural resources, the environment, and the ecology of the Great Lakes.  Students were exposed to ichthyology, ornithology, aquatic biology, forestry and ecology—all through the use of four outdoor camp properties owned by the Michigan Metro Girl Scouts.

In his career, Jim has educated people of all ages about the natural environment and renewable energy.  Some of Jim’s greatest memories include helping people witness the beauty of nature through science.   Seeing children experience a star-filled sky, catch their first fish, study algae under a microscope or call in owls during the night are all part of an exciting teaching career.  Through his work at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Jim continues this excitement by integrating renewable energy content inside and outside the classroom—helping people understand that the sun, wind, water and biomass are abundant, clean and renewable sources of energy.