On Sept. 6, 2024, University of Illinois Trustee Wilbur Milhouse III spent the day at the Prairie Research Institute (PRI), engaging in discussions and tours that showcased transformative research in sustainability, innovation, and community impact. As an accomplished engineer and CEO of Milhouse Engineering, Trustee Milhouse brought a unique perspective to PRI’s work, seeing firsthand how the institute is tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental and energy challenges.
Upon his arrival, Trustee Milhouse was introduced to PRI’s mission and history, which align closely with his career dedicated to developing sustainable infrastructure. PRI’s Net-Zero Center for Excellence, a hub for cutting-edge technologies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage, and hydrogen energy solutions, is not just theoretical. It’s where innovation is being implemented in real-world environments to decarbonize the energy sector.
From there, Trustee Milhouse toured the Abbott Power Plant, a “living laboratory” for energy storage and emissions reduction technologies. At Abbott, he observed the biphasic CO2 capture system and explored its role in achieving compressed gas energy storage—technologies that could revolutionize energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints across industries. He praised the facility’s integration of research with practical applications, noting its pivotal role in testing solutions that could be scaled globally.
Following the Abbott Power Plant visit, Trustee Milhouse turned his focus to critical minerals research—an area of increasing importance as the world transitions to cleaner energy. PRI’s work identifying and securing sustainable sources of rare earth elements is vital for technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines. These minerals, often subject to global supply chain vulnerabilities, are crucial to reducing dependence on foreign sources.
In addition to these advanced research projects, Trustee Milhouse was inspired by PRI’s efforts to engage communities through the Traveling Science Center. This mobile platform brings environmental science education to schools and underserved areas across Illinois. The center spreads awareness and helps foster the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Trustee Milhouse’s commitment to education is evident through Milhouse Charities, which supports the education, exposure, and advancement of underrepresented youth and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Milhouse Charities has made a global impact, serving Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, and Africa.
The visit deepened PRI’s connection with university leadership and set the stage for future collaborations, elevating Illinois as a sustainable energy and environmental research leader.