“SCI supports all levels of interest in solar cooking; from novice to advocate. SCI’s new website design and tool kit are great. We encourage schools to use the Wiki for resource information along with our programs. We appreciate the mission of SCI and believe that through effective and meaningful collaboration, we can build productive relationships. With SCI’s global reach, our youth can build a foundation of sustainable living using solar cooking.”-Jennifer Gasser, Solar Cookers International Representative to the United Nations
Ms. Gasser, and longtime solar cooking educator Mary Buchenic, created the Solar Education Project. SEP is a growing solar cooking education and consultation nonprofit. The partners promote solar cookers as tools for STEM education, wellness, economic empowerment and ecosystem recovery. SEP programs include real-world extension activities through community involvement and entrepreneurship.
In the past 4 years, Mary and Jennifer’s program presentations reached close to 500,000 people. Highlights include guest instruction at the University of Notre Dame, Haiti for the Solar Cooking and Biogas Classes, presentation of original research at the CONSOL Food Conference in Portugal, Carnegie Science Center Engineer and Solar Programs and working with SCI at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. Mary and Jennifer’s Solar Suitcase is the latest project to debut in 2020. Jennifer and Mary consider grassroots problem-solving at the local level to effect change very important.
Jennifer is a youth advocate and employer in NE Ohio, and she believes in the power of work. Past positions include the Butler County Conservation District, Owner of the Chestnut Ridge Park and Gasser Associates Green Program. Jennifer utilizes her education, nonprofit and business experience to promote solar cooking as a Solar Cookers International representative to the United Nations and as SEP’s Business Consultant.
Jennifer has a B.S. degree with Research Honors from Geneva College and holds sustainability and entrepreneurship certificates. Jennifer, and her husband, enjoy finding the road less traveled and making new memories with their three daughters.