- Home »
- Leadership »
- Generation-E »
- Lucas McConnell
Lucas McConnell
by Tara Campbell
As president of Renewergy Cooperative Corporation, McConnell is the recipient of an Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Renewergy, a member of the Regional Science Consortium at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, has contracted with the Erie Waste Water Treatment Plant to construct a bioreactor to cultivate high oil content algae. McConnell is using his passion for the environment and his entrepreneurial spirit to develop alternative energy technology that converts pollution into biodiesel, ethanol and organic fertilizer.
When McConnell is not busy working in his laboratory to help save the planet, you might find him enjoying vegetarian cuisine at the Whole Foods Co-op Café, where he serves on the board of directors. McConnell also serves as president of the Penn State Cooperative Extension of Erie County Master Gardeners and chair of the Erie County Environmental Coalition. Time spent outdoors enjoying the “amazing natural attributes” that the Erie area has to offer with his four-year-old son Orion brings extra joy to McConnell’s life.
McConnell shares his three words to live by: “Why not me?” through his volunteer involvement with the Erie County Americorps Vista program and Mercyhurst College’s Green Team. It was said in his nomination that McConnell “doesn’t just talk the talk.” He is actively doing something to help our environment, by encouraging people to take responsibility and think about the future of the planet for our children. He not only “walks the walk” - he rides his bike to work!
McConnell sets a wonderful example for all young people in Erie by teaching others that we should not only appreciate our environment, but also do everything in our power every day to preserve it for generations to come.