Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape podcast

34:25

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we sit down with Dr. Tim Fischer, Oil and Gas Program Manager at the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER). Fischer brings a wealth of experience from both industry and academia to discuss Wyoming’s energy future, the state’s unique geology, and how SER is preparing students to meet evolving workforce demands. He highlights SER’s hands-on approach to education, including real-world projects and strong industry partnerships, and shares his vision for advancing responsible oil and gas development in the state. It’s a compelling conversation on education, energy, and opportunity in Wyoming.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 50: Geology in Action: Exploring Wyoming’s Hidden Resources with Professor John Kaszuba 36:18

15 days ago36:18

36:18

In this episode, Professor John Kaszuba, the John and Jane Wold Centennial Chair in Energy and School of Energy Resources faculty member, delves into the state's rich geological features and its abundance of critical minerals, including those that can be found in unexpected places. With over 25 years of experience in geochemistry, Professor Kaszuba highlights his research on fluid-rock interactions and their implications for energy development. He emphasizes his commitment to student success through hands-on research opportunities with companies, national labs and the Wold Foundation that has supported his work. The episode underscores Wyoming's unique position as an ideal location for geological research, offering unparalleled natural laboratories for both students and professionals.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 49: Landmen at the Crossroads: Bridging Energy, Land, and Law with AAPL President Nancy McCaskell 27:09

22 days ago27:09

27:09

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we welcome Nancy McCaskell, president of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), to discuss the evolving role of landmen in today’s energy sector. McCaskell shares insights into how land professionals bridge the gap between industry, landowners, and regulators. We also highlight the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources, which offers one of only ten AAPL-accredited Professional Land Management concentrations nationwide. This program equips students with interdisciplinary skills in law, business, and energy, preparing them for dynamic careers in the field.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 48: Rare Earths, Rare Opportunity: Unlocking Wyoming’s Hidden Potential 30:14

29 days ago30:14

30:14

In this episode, we talk with Mr. Davin Bagdonas and Dr. Tyler Brown about the growing potential of rare earth elements (REEs) in Wyoming—particularly from unconventional sources like coal byproducts. Davin and Tyler share their expertise on how Wyoming is uniquely positioned to become a leader in domestic REE production, helping to secure critical supply chains for energy and defense technologies. They discuss current research, emerging technologies, and the role of policy in unlocking these resources. Don’t miss this deep dive into an exciting and often overlooked frontier in energy innovation.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 47: Energy, Education, and Wyoming’s Future with Megan Degenfelder 31:42

5 weeks ago31:42

31:42

There's few places where education and energy are more closely linked than in Wyoming. The state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Megan Degenfelder, joins us to discuss how Wyoming's schools are preparing students for careers in both traditional and emerging energy sectors. Degenfelder addresses the importance of STEM education, vocational training, and aligning curriculum with industry needs. We also delve into how the revenue produced by the state's energy industry funds the education system and how Wyoming is fostering a future generation ready to power our state's economy. Tune in for insights on shaping Wyoming's energy workforce for tomorrow.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 46: Policy, Innovation, and the Future of Wyoming Energy with Matt Fry 33:20

6 weeks ago33:20

33:20

Wyoming's energy sector faces unique challenges and opportunities. Matt Fry, Director of the Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, joins us to discuss the regulatory and policy realities impacting our state. We explore the balance between traditional energy industries and emerging technologies, focusing on the practical implications for Wyoming's economy and how the state can be proactive. Mr. Fry provides insights into the current regulatory environment, the potential role of technologies like carbon capture, and the need for pragmatic energy solutions. We address the importance of maintaining Wyoming's energy dominance while navigating evolving policies and the reality of exporting energy to other states. Tune in for a grounded perspective on Wyoming's energy future.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 45: Computational Solutions & Academic Leadership with Dr. Dimitrios Papavassiliou 42:46

7 weeks ago42:46

42:46

Join us as we explore the intersection of cutting-edge technology and academic leadership with Dr. Dimitrios Papavassiliou from the University of Oklahoma. In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we unpack the role of computational modeling in solving complex energy challenges, from optimizing resource extraction to developing sustainable solutions. Dr. Papavassiliou also shares his experiences navigating the unique leadership demands of heading an academic department at a university and what leadership lessons we can all learn from it.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 44: Federal Lands, Energy, and NEPA: Finding the Balance with Professor Temple Stoellinger 25:59

8 weeks ago25:59

25:59

How does federal environmental policy shape energy projects in Wyoming? Join us as we speak with Temple Stoellinger, an expert in NEPA from the University of Wyoming, about the intricacies of the National Environmental Policy Act. Learn how NEPA's regulations influence everything from oil and gas development to renewable energy initiatives on the Wyoming landscape.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 43: Beyond the Blades: Innovation in Wyoming Wind 46:49

9 weeks ago46:49

46:49

Wyoming's wind energy potential is unsurpassed. How much of that potential will ultimately be developed remains to be seen. On this episode, we sit down with UW Mechanical Engineering professors Jonathan Naughton and Michael Stoellinger, co-directors of the Wind Energy Research Center, to discuss the true potential of Wyoming's abundant wind resources, as well as the economic development opportunities, technological advancements, and the challenges that still need to be addressed. Join us as we uncover the facts and explore the exciting opportunities that wind energy presents for the Cowboy State.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 42: Energy & Leadership: Rita Meyer's Wyoming Story 42:21

10 weeks ago42:21

42:21

From coal mines to rare earths to a cutting-edge nuclear reactor, Wyoming has a rich energy history (and future). On this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, Dr. Holly Krutka sits down with Rita Meyer, a long-time Wyoming resident with a front-row seat to this evolution. They discuss Rita's remarkable career, her insights on the state's diverse energy landscape, and why Wyoming's unique blend of resources, expertise, and supportive environment makes it a prime location for energy innovation – including the exciting potential of nuclear power and her involvement with TerraPower's Natrium power plant under construction today. They also discuss Ms. Meyer's leadership approach, developed from her life in the military, public service and the energy sector. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the past, present, and future of energy in The Equality State.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 41: Paving the Road of Innovation with Coal-Derived Asphalt 39:03

11 weeks ago39:03

39:03

This episode explores the cutting-edge world of coal-derived asphalt with experts Trina Pfeiffer, Director of the UW School of Energy Resources, Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion, and Dr. Jeramie Adams, Vice President at Western Research Institute. Discover how Wyoming, a state rich in coal resources, is leading the charge in developing sustainable and high-performance asphalt for our roads and infrastructure. Learn about the innovative processes, environmental benefits, economic potential, and collaborative research and development process underpinning this groundbreaking technology.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 40: Regulating Power and the Wyoming Public Service Commission with Chairman Mary Throne 35:30

12 weeks ago35:30

35:30

Despite some recent increases, Wyoming continues to have low cost electricity compared to national averages – even as the state weighs different energy sources and innovative options like nuclear energy and carbon capture and storage. The current Chairman of the Wyoming Public Service Commission, Mary Throne, talks about her journey to serve on the Commission, how the Commission functions, and why she thinks Wyoming is the right place for energy innovation.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 39: Revolutionizing Subsurface Energy with Digital Innovation 38:00

13 weeks ago38:00

38:00

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and other forms of digital innovation have become buzzwords, but these increasingly common terms underly powerful technologies that can be applied to the energy sector. In this episode, Dr. Krutka sits down with Dr. Soheil Saraji, the director of the newest center of excellence at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources – the center for Subsurface Energy and Digital Innovation, to discuss how these technologies work, why they might be useful to Wyoming’s energy sector, and what opportunities may await students entering this field of study.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 38: Wyoming Wildlife and Energy with Bob Budd 37:32

14 weeks ago37:32

37:32

As the least populated state in the nation, and a place where outdoor recreation is a way of life, Wyomingites deeply value wild lands and wildlife. Balancing energy production with Wyoming’s respect for the natural world requires diverse stakeholders to work together to find balance. Perhaps no organization is more emblematic of such collaboration than the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, led by executive director Bob Budd. Mr. Budd sits down with Dr. Krutka to talk about the Trust, the sage-grouse implementation team (SIGT), how industry, state and federal stakeholders, conservation groups have successfully increased habitat for this important bird, and how Wyoming’s process might be a model for protecting wildlife habitat in the west and beyond.…

Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

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Episode 37: Communicating the Future of Nuclear Energy in Wyoming and Beyond 44:00

15 weeks ago44:00