The Future Circular Economy Hands-On Lab is a workforce development and STEM education initiative designed to align with the priorities of NYC, NY State (including NYSERDA), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in clean energy, environmental justice, and critical materials recovery.

The Future Circular Economy Lab brings hands-on experience in clean energy strategy, STEAM education program design, and the wind energy sector specifically — including work on wind turbine blade life-cycle management covering plastic deformation and pyrolysis-based recycling technologies, as well as developing research and education partnerships such as capstone proposals with university programs.

The program delivers hands-on training in e-waste, lithium-ion battery, and solar panel recycling, preparing a diverse talent pipeline for careers in the circular economy and promoting a scientific approach to recycling among the younger generation, underserved communities, and future women engineers.