UW SER Launches 20th Anniversary Celebration in Conjunction with Energy Day

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking two decades of impactful research, education and innovation in Wyoming’s energy sector.

To acknowledge this milestone, SER and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences will once again celebrate Energy Day — in partnership with Wyoming Sports Properties — at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Cowboys take on Northern Colorado at War Memorial Stadium.

Building up to the game, SER and the college will host engagement opportunities and events beginning Thursday, Sept. 10, to recognize Wyoming’s energy sector and to share some of the accomplishments in energy research and development at UW.

Kicking off the festivities, SER and the college will host a joint industry careers panel featuring professionals specializing in oil and gas. The panel will discuss subsurface technologies and career strategies in an evolving energy landscape. The free event is geared toward UW students and will take place in the atrium of the Engineering Education and Research Building Sept. 10 from noon-1 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Activities will resume Friday, Sept. 11, with SER’s Distinguished Speaker Series presentation featuring UW alumnus and industry veteran Doug Brooks. The free public presentation will begin at noon in the Energy Innovation Center (EIC) Encana Auditorium. A livestream option also is available.

The evening will culminate with a networking reception at the EIC from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to launch the celebration of SER’s 20th anniversary. The event will include a local food truck, Energy Bingo, and a brief video about the creation of SER, what it has accomplished and where it is headed.

All events are free and open to the public, though online registration for the evening reception is required here.

“This is an exciting year for our Energy Day celebration,” says SER Director of Outreach Christine Reed. “We love to recognize the impact of energy on Wyoming, but being able to recognize the impact of SER as a major success story in support of the energy industry in Wyoming will be meaningful, especially as we are about to embark on a new chapter. Energy Day officially kicks off a full semester of celebration for us, which will culminate with some incredible events in October.”

Gameday activities include a tailgate hosted by the UW Student Chapter of Energy Resources in Tailgate Park. The students will host a raffle to help fund the club. Proceeds will support experiential learning opportunities for students in the energy resource management and development degree program, such as visits to industry sites and professional networking events.

Before the football game, the public also is invited to visit with energy vendors from around the state at booths in the Indoor Practice Facility. SER and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences each will host a booth with giveaways and information on the cutting-edge research projects conducted at SER as well as information about the school’s academic programs.

For more information about the Energy Day schedule of events and gameday information, email Reed at christine.reed@uwyo.edu or visit www.uwyo.edu/ser/events.

SER Researcher Madeleine Lewis Transitions to Academic Faculty Role

The School of Energy Resources (SER) is maintaining its academic instructional capacity by filling a faculty vacancy as Madeleine Lewis transitions full-time to the academic division as an Associate Lecturer.

Lewis is a familiar face to SER students and faculty alike. Her appointment as a full-time Associate Lecturer formalizes her growing presence at SER Academics, where she initially took on a single course alongside her research duties before expanding to a half-time workload last year. In this new capacity, she will focus on core student instruction and curriculum delivery.

With expertise in energy, property, contracts and estate law, Lewis will teach seven courses per academic year across SER’s undergraduate major, minor, and certificate programs, bringing high-level legal and policy insight straight into the classroom.

Joining SER in 2022, Lewis previously served as a Senior Research Scientist within SER’s Jurisprudence of Underground Law and Energy research group, and in the Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis. Her work focused on complex legal frameworks surrounding subsurface resources, environmental regulation, and energy policy. She has published extensively in top legal journals, contributing critical analysis to energy law discussions across the region and nation.

Additionally, Lewis continues to serve as the Principal Investigator on a high-profile grant project funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Her leadership on the Sloan project has showcased her ability to spearhead interdisciplinary research addressing pressing challenges in modern energy systems.

Lewis’s background as a top-tier researcher remains a tremendous asset for SER’s academic programs. By bridging the gap between exemplary legal research and practical coursework, she will equip SER students with applied knowledge of energy regulation, policy, and resource management as they prepare to enter the workforce.

“Energy law and policy isn’t just theory; it affects real communities and real industries,” says Lewis. “I love pushing our students hard and setting high standards, but my door is always open. My goal is to make sure every single student leaves my class confident, challenged, and ready to tackle the real world.”

A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Lewis attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., for her undergraduate degree, graduating cum laude in sociology and anthropology before attending the University of Wyoming for her postgraduate education. She earned her M.A. in Environment and Natural Resources from the UW Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources concurrently while earning her law degree from the UW College of Law. While in law school, she was honored as the 2018/2019 Salt Creek Energy Excellence Scholar in recognition of her academic achievement and a commitment to the study and practice of energy law.

Following graduation, Lewis clerked for the Honorable Nancy Freudenthal in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming before joining the regionally based law firm, Crowley Fleck PLLP. While in private practice, Lewis primarily focused on oil and gas litigation, title work, commercial litigation, estate administration, and estate planning.

“Maddie has spent years proving she’s a standout educator who balances rigorous coursework with incredible student support,” says SER Senior Assistant Dean Kami Danaei. “She brings deep legal expertise into the classroom, but more importantly, she brings a genuine enthusiasm for teaching that’s completely contagious. We are so grateful to have her serving in a much larger capacity on our academic team—as are the students!”

UW Energy Resources Council to Meet Aug. 14

The University of Wyoming Energy Resources Council (ERC) will meet at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Laramie’s Hilton Garden Inn for the council’s regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.

During the meeting, UW School of Energy Resources (SER) Acting Executive Director Scott Quillinan will provide an overview of major SER activities. This will be followed by SER division reports and a finance update.

This meeting marks a notable transition for the ERC. It will be the final council meeting led by Quillinan, concluding his period of leadership in this interim role. Additionally, the ERC will welcome UW President Shane Reeves, who will attend his first official meeting as an ex-officio member of the ERC.

Interested members of the public wishing to listen in on the meeting may attend in person or request access to the Zoom link by emailing Christine Reed at christine.reed@uwyo.edu.

The ERC was established by the Wyoming State Legislature in 2006. Made up of industry, state government and academia representatives, the council provides direction to SER priorities for research and outreach.

SER provides undergraduate education and graduate research opportunities; conducts research on existing and emerging energy resources; and disseminates scientific, engineering and economic information to support Wyoming’s near- and long-term energy future.

For more information about SER, go to www.uwyo.edu/SER.

Vogt Named UW Employee of the Second Quarter

While the University of Wyoming’s financial teams work largely behind the scenes, their daily work has far-reaching impacts on individual departments and the wider campus community. From managing budgets to streamlining complex transactions, these efforts keep the university’s vital operations moving forward.

Frankie Vogt excels at this critical work, earning gratitude across the university for his dedication, consistent positive attitude and hard work.

In recognition of these outstanding contributions, Vogt, a business manager on the financial team in the School of Energy Resources (SER), has been named the UW Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2026.

A reception for Vogt — hosted by Staff Senate and the President’s Office — will take place Monday, Aug. 31, from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Peabody Collaboration Room at the Energy Innovation Center. The event is open to the UW community, and refreshments will be served.

The award, which recognizes a UW staff member’s effort toward excellence in the workplace, was established in March 1985 as the Employee of the Month Award. In January 1990, it was revised and became the Staff Employee of the Quarter Award. One current UW staff member is recognized each calendar quarter. The staff employee of the year will be named during the Staff Senate’s Recognition Day this spring.

“I’m honored by this recognition and grateful for the nominations,” Vogt says. “I’m fortunate to work with such a supportive team that is committed to making a positive impact at the university.”

A native of Powell, Vogt brings a deep-rooted commitment and a high level of professionalism to his work within the UW financial system. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting from UW, and his versatile career on campus includes serving as an accountant and business manager for the Office of Global Engagement and SER, a role he has held since 2022.

Nominators praised Vogt for his exceptional work ethic, sharp financial acumen and natural ability to solve complex challenges under tight deadlines.

“Frankie manages the financial management for one of the largest and most complex research portfolios on campus,” a supervisor says. “He consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism, attention to detail and a commitment to transparency while working across numerous departments and stakeholders. I routinely receive compliments from faculty, staff and colleagues regarding his responsiveness, problem-solving ability and collaborative approach to finding solutions that work for everyone involved.”

Vogt also has built deep ties across campus through his extensive leadership and service within UW’s Staff Senate. He served as the Staff Senate representative from SER for two years, chairing the Staff Recognition Day committee and organizing popular community events, including the Staff Senate Holiday Market. His dedication to connecting university staff earned him the prestigious Pete Simpson Golden Gloves Award in 2025.

“Frankie’s commitment to this institution extends well beyond our immediate department,” a nominator says. “His former service to the Staff Senate demonstrates a long-standing dedication to the well-being of the entire campus community. By advocating for staff interests and participating in shared governance, he has contributed to the broader mission of our university.”

Colleagues also note that Vogt’s contributions extend beyond daily tasks, highlighting his willingness to mentor peers and assist other departments whenever needed.

“Frankie consistently works toward improving our team’s methods of processing transactions and takes our team of students under his wing to help them grow in their proficiency,” a close colleague says. “He also assigns projects to these students to develop systems that improve forms and information transmission to our department, which has been a huge asset to SER.”

An Employee of the Quarter nominee can be any UW staff employee, and each must receive three nomination forms from three separate individuals. Nominations must be submitted to the Staff Senate office. Forms can be found here.

For more information, call the Staff Senate office at (307) 766-5300.

UW Researchers Chart a Roadmap for Selecting Underground Gas Storage Sites

Researchers at the University of Wyoming have published a comprehensive review that presents a unified, “gas-aware” framework for evaluating subsurface storage sites for carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen (H₂) and natural gas.

Their article, “Subsurface storage of CO₂, H₂ and natural gas: A review of site-selection criteria and decision-support approaches,” appears in the open-access journal Advances in Geo-Energy Research.

The article was written by Prince Duah, a doctoral student in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering; Matthew Johnson, an associate research professional in the UW School of Energy Resources’ (SER) Center for Economic Geology Research, who specializes in subsurface modeling and remote sensing; and Saman Aryana, Occidental Chair in Energy and Environmental Technologies and associate dean for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

The publication addresses a critical challenge in emerging energy technologies, especially how to safely, economically and efficiently select geological storage sites tailored to the unique chemical and physical behaviors of different gases.

“Selecting a storage site is not only a geological question. It requires weighing geological, technical, environmental, economic and social criteria, while recognizing that carbon dioxide, hydrogen and natural gas each behave differently underground,” Aryana says. “By combining multicriteria decision methods, spatial analysis, reservoir simulation and machine learning in a transparent framework, this work provides a roadmap for industry, regulators and communities to make better-informed, science-based decisions.”

Selecting suitable underground storage — whether in deep saline aquifers, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs or salt caverns — requires balancing geological integrity, technical feasibility, environmental safeguards, economic viability and social acceptance. The paper synthesizes traditional multicriteria decision-making with advanced tools, such as geographic information systems spatial analysis, reservoir simulations and machine learning techniques for large-scale screening and uncertainty quantification and mitigation, moving away from one-size-fits-all geological models and directly incorporating the unique physical and chemical characteristics of specific gases into site evaluation and reservoir management.

“Prince led a broad synthesis spanning three gases, three storage settings and evolving analytical methods,” Aryana says. “The paper reflects genuine cross-departmental collaboration, and the framework it presents gives developers, regulators and communities a common basis for comparing candidate storage sites while highlighting where future gas storage research is most needed.”

A key finding of the article is that no single method is sufficient on its own. Robust site selection requires hybrid workflows that combine structured ranking, spatial screening and physics-based evaluation — all while explicitly accounting for the unique behavior of each gas.

Additionally, the effectiveness of these approaches depends on high-quality data, transparent assumptions and seamless integration across different technical scales.

The authors emphasize that future research and deployment should prioritize expanded, large-scale hydrogen demonstrations — particularly in deep saline aquifers and depleted reservoirs –alongside transparent decision frameworks that support broader strategic energy goals.

The work was supported by the Hydrogen Energy Research Center and the Mowry Shale initiative at SER.

To download the paper, go to www.sciopen.com/article/10.46690/ager.2026.06.08.

UW SER Critical Minerals AI Proposal Selected to Build Wyoming-Idaho-Nevada Coalition

A collaborative team — representing the University of Wyoming, the University of Nevada-Reno and the University of Idaho — was selected for funding under the Intermountain Critical Minerals Research Launchpad (ICMRL) to advance technologies across the critical minerals supply chain by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

The partnership established the ICMRL to build on momentum generated at an AI and ML in critical materials workshop, which took place in March. The program provides seed funding to interdisciplinary teams whose work spans all three institutions and directly addresses the role of AI/ML in advancing technologies across the critical minerals supply chain.

The project, titled “Critical Mineral Intelligent Data Observatory (CM-IDO),” will build a federated knowledge base that performs optical character recognition, catalogs, extracts, structures, links and exhibits most available critical mineral documents and data from Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada in an AI-ready form.

Along with Tyler Brown, minerals program manager in the UW School of Energy Resources (SER), and Alathea Davies, a research scientist in the UW School of Computing, the team includes Luke Sheneman, director of research  computing and data services at the University of Idaho; Simon Jowitt, state geologist and director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology; and Claudio Berti, director and state geologist at the Idaho Geological Survey.

“We identified a gap between the vast records held across our three states and institutions and our ability to integrate them into new AI/ML models,” Brown says. “Together, our institutions bring complementary strengths across geoscience, process engineering, separation chemistry, sustainability assessment and machine learning to address that challenge.”

Unlike standard databases, CM-IDO will serve as a continuously updated cyberinfrastructure engineered specifically to train and ground downstream AI/ML systems against a live corpus of regional geoscience data.

The yearlong project kicked off this month and is expected to stimulate additional competitive external proposals for enhancements and continued operation.

“No single institution can tackle the critical minerals supply chain challenge alone,” says Scott Quillinan, acting executive director of SER. “Through the administrative support of UW’s Office of Research and Economic Development, this multistate collaboration allows us to combine our technological and scientific strengths, laying the groundwork for long-term technological advancement.”

UW SER Research Team Publishes Analysis of Nuclear Facility Licensing

A newly published legal article by the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources’ jurisprudence of underground law and energy (JOULE) research group examines the state and federal procedures through which new nuclear utilization facilities are licensed.

Published in the Ohio State Law Journal, a top-ranked national flagship U.S. law review, the article is titled “Just Nuclear.” It evaluates the licensing and siting processes for advanced nuclear facilities through the lens of procedural justice.

The article was led by Tara Righetti, SER professor of law and the Occidental Chair in Energy and Environmental Policies, and director of JOULE, as part of a multidisciplinary project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program. Co-authors are Madeleine Lewis, associate research scientist in JOULE; Scarlett Forrest, assistant research scientist in JOULE; Rachael Budowle, an associate professor at Virginia Tech University and a UW adjunct professor; and Lainee Jones, a 2025 UW College of Law graduate.

“Rapid load growth is driving an exponential demand for clean, firm power,” says Righetti, who also co-directs SER’s Nuclear Energy Research Center. “With the U.S. government’s ambition to quadruple nuclear energy production and accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, it is vital to scrutinize who participates in decisions regarding the authorization of those facilities, ensuring that the groups most impacted have a meaningful voice in the process.”

Using TerraPower’s Natrium Reactor in Kemmerer as a core case study, the article analyzes whether existing federal and state regulatory pathways uphold the core tenets of procedural justice: transparency, public participation and accountability. It found that the combination of local, state and federal processes applied to the TerraPower project cumulatively provide greater participation opportunities to people most directly impacted by the project.

“In addition to the ability to influence facility locations through the exercise of land use authority, community members in close proximity to new nuclear generation projects have greater participation rights than the general public in the federal licensing processes,” Lewis says. “Wyoming’s industrial siting process also provides formal opportunities for impact mitigation and public involvement.”

The publication stems from the legal and regulatory analysis milestone report — titled “Engaging Wyoming Communities in an Environmental Justice Approach for Advanced Nuclear Energy Facility Siting” and led by Budowle — for the broader U.S. Department of Energy-funded project.

While the TerraPower project received its construction license in March, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is comprehensively revising its licensing regulations. The authors emphasize that legal requirements assuring transparency, accountability and public participation are the bedrock of good governance and public trust. They caution that prioritizing speed over public input could undermine support for nuclear projects, making state-level control even more important.

“Even if federal rules change substantially in a way that limits public involvement, states can assure robust participation rights for their citizens in proceedings related to non-safety matters,” Righetti says. “The role of the NRC is to determine whether a reactor can be safely constructed and operated, but it’s the role of the state to decide whether it should be.”

For more information on siting procedures and the emerging nuclear industry in Wyoming, the JOULE group released community information guides to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the industry’s development. These documents can be accessed on the JOULE website.

UW Names Obermueller to Lead UW School of Energy Resources

The University of Wyoming has named Pete Obermueller as the new executive director of the School of Energy Resources (SER).

Obermueller, currently the president and chief executive officer of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW), is a leading voice and policy leader for the state’s oil and gas industry.

Obermueller’s appointment was approved by the UW Board of Trustees and the UW Energy Resources Council (ERC), the two governing bodies for SER. Obermueller was selected following a national search conducted by the ERC and Spencer Stuart, a leading global executive search and leadership consulting firm.

“The Energy Resources Council is pleased to welcome Pete Obermueller as the new executive director of the School of Energy Resources,” says David Emery, ERC chairman. “As a Wyoming native with nearly two decades of experience across government, industry and public policy, Pete brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of our state’s energy heritage and fiscal realities. His demonstrated capacity to build strategic partnerships and align diverse stakeholders will be invaluable as we advance energy-driven economic development for the state of Wyoming, the mission of UW’s School of Energy Resources.”

“The School of Energy Resources plays such a key role in the university’s support of Wyoming’s biggest industry, and we’re delighted that a proven leader in this sector has agreed to lead this research, service and teaching unit,” UW President Ed Seidel says. “We’re confident Pete will work with various partners and stakeholders on and off campus to build on the strong foundation that is in place and lead SER to even greater heights.”

With more than two decades of experience in legislative affairs, natural resource and energy policy, and community relations, Obermueller has championed major initiatives to advance Wyoming’s economy and reduce regulatory burdens, including cultivating research partnerships with UW.

Before leading PAW, Obermueller was executive director of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, coordinating policy for all 23 Wyoming counties. His experience in Washington, D.C., includes serving as executive director of the Congressional Western Caucus and working as legislative director for U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., where he was a principal adviser on energy, environmental and public lands issues. He also served as a legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo.

He holds a master’s degree in public policy from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Concordia University. A Wyoming native, he is a graduate of Natrona County High School in Casper.

“Wyoming is truly an energy workhorse, to the great benefit of everyone who calls this state home,” Obermueller says. “At the forefront of that work are the incredible researchers, faculty, staff and students at the School of Energy Resources who strive every day to find new and better ways to harness and produce Wyoming’s resources. I am honored and excited to work alongside these exceptional people who are dedicated to advancing Wyoming’s energy economy through innovation, industry collaboration and educational excellence.”

Scheduled to start at UW Aug. 31, Obermueller will take the helm from Acting Executive Director Scott Quillinan, who has served in the role following the departure of Holly Krutka in late 2025.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Scott Quillinan for his exceptional service as acting executive director during this interim period,” Emery adds. “Scott’s steady leadership ensured organizational continuity, and we deeply appreciate his dedication.”

About the School of Energy Resources

The School of Energy Resources collaborates with stakeholders at the state, national and international levels to develop energy technologies and policies to grow and support Wyoming’s robust energy sector. SER’s mission is to advance energy-driven economic development for the state, and it leads the University of Wyoming’s talent and resources for interdisciplinary research and outreach, fulfilling Wyoming’s promise to be a global leader in a thriving and sustainable energy future.

School of Energy Resources Welcomes Bailey Dagen to Financial Team

The School of Energy Resources (SER) is pleased to announce the transition of Bailey Dagen into a full-time role on its financial team as a business manager.

Originally from Torrington, Wyo., Dagen is a familiar face at SER, having spent the last two years serving as a dedicated student worker. She graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in finance, which she completed under the prestigious Trustees Scholarship.

Throughout her academic career, Dagen maintained a spot on the honor roll every single semester. Her academic journey also included a summer studying abroad in Ireland, where she took honors courses and focused on political science in Belfast.

In her new full-time capacity, Dagen will expand upon the foundational skills she developed as a student. Her responsibilities will include executing business management tasks related to state appropriation and foundation funds, as well as taking on additional oversight of several grants.

“I am incredibly excited to continue working at SER,” says Dagen. “Over the past two years, I was slowly introduced to more responsibilities, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience with foundation funding and grants. I’ve really enjoyed learning about diverse funding streams, especially within the context of what is happening in the energy field right now. I am very happy to take this next step full-time and take on a larger role within the team.”

Bringing Dagen into this full-time role strengthens the department’s capacity to efficiently navigate the evolving financial demands of the state’s energy sector.

“Bailey has already proven herself to be an invaluable asset to our department over the last two years,” says Rachel Ferrell, director of business operations. “Her exceptional academic background and her familiarity with our unique financial structures made her the perfect fit for this position. We are thrilled to watch her take on this expanded role and help steer our state appropriations and grant management into the future.”

UW SER Leads Energy Study-Abroad Field Course in Norway

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) led its inaugural study-abroad field course in Norway to explore energy synergies between Norway and Wyoming.

^{Participants in the recent UW study-abroad course in Norway were, from left: back row, Xavier Waltman, Liam Devine, Alexandru Ispas, James Gallegos, Austin Quillinan, Kolten Harmsen, Anna Nielsen, Madeleine Lewis and Libby Krugerud; front row, Selena Gerace, Seth Needham, Cassidy Lolley, Christine Longnecker, Erin Phillips and Matalin Mohr. (Madeleine Lewis Photo)}

Co-led by Erin Phillips, SER’s acting senior director of research; Selena Gerace, program manager of the energy education, leadership and careers group; and Madeleine Lewis, an associate research scientist in the jurisprudence of underground law and energy group, the course focused on the interdisciplinary social, economic, technical, legal and policy frameworks that bear on the development of new energy industries and technologies in Norway. The course also highlighted the varied energy sectors in the country.

Stemming from Phillips’ experience as a Fulbright Scholar at the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE) in spring 2025, the course leveraged high-level connections with Norwegian energy experts. It focused on pivotal sectors, including critical minerals, carbon capture and storage, and traditional oil and gas exploration and recovery.

“Norway is an ideal location for an energy-focused study-abroad opportunity for UW students, as Wyoming and Norway both have energy-focused economies and face similar challenges and opportunities,” Phillips says. “Collaborative solutions to global energy challenges begin with international education. Immersing students in Norway’s energy and minerals industries and economy empowers them to work with global entities in these fields, creating a pipeline of talent ready to lead the future of critical minerals and energy innovation.”

Over the course of two weeks in late May and early June, 12 UW students explored energy hubs in Bergen, Stavanger and Oslo. Highlights of the trip included site visits to the Ministry of Energy and Equinor — a Norwegian multinational energy company — as well as technical briefings at NORCE and the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, and a networking dinner with UW alumni living in Norway.

The visits provided an on-the-ground perspective to strengthen students’ understanding of how Wyoming and Norway are socially, geographically and economically similar and distinct, creating an opportunity for critical thinking about how these dimensions inform energy development.

“Learning about energy in Norway and comparing it to Wyoming was an eye-opening experience,” says Libby Krugerud, a senior in the Energy Resource Management and Development Program. “I developed a new interest in carbon capture and storage and learned firsthand how Norway’s practices connect to our own energy production. This experience gave me a global perspective on everything from hydropower to oil and gas, proving just how valuable international learning is in an industry that never stops evolving. From this opportunity, I came home with a more open mind about what energy production is like in other countries and have found myself frequently comparing what we see in Wyoming to what we learned in our brief time in Norway.”

Given the course’s success and continued interest in collaborating, the team hopes to continue offering it in future years.

Participating students included Liam Devine of Cheyenne, Wyo.; James Gallegos of Santa Fe, N.M.; Kolten Harmsen of Casper, Wyo.; Alexandru Ispas of San Ramon, Cali.; Libby Krugerud of Aurora, Colo.; Cassidy Lolley of Littleton, Colo.; Christine Longnecker of Riverton, Wyo.; Matalin Mohr of Casper, Wyo.; Seth Needham of Thermopolis, Wyo.; Anna Nielsen of Lander, Wyo.; Austin Quillinan of Laramie, Wyo.; and Xavier Waltman of Cypress, Tex.