GREENWASHING  

Rice Sustainability Institute and Chevron partner to empower next-gen sustainable energy leaders

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This year’s fellows are tackling critical energy challenges.

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Credit: Photo by Brandon Martin/Rice University.

By Loren Wilkerson
Special to Rice News

The Rice University Sustainability Institute (RSI) is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the newly created Rice Chevron Energy Graduate Fellowship. Funded by Chevron, this fellowship is a commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders who are developing the sustainable technologies that will shape our future.

“We are excited about our partnership with Chevron, which broadens our students’ opportunities to develop advanced solutions for carbon dioxide management and sustainable energy generation,” said Caroline Masiello, director of the RSI and the W. Maurice Ewing Professor in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences.

Meet the 2024 Chevron Fellows

This year’s fellows are tackling critical energy challenges, focusing on creating real-world solutions that could transform how we live, work and interact with our environment.

Xi Chen, a doctoral student in materials science and nanoengineering, is using microwave-assisted techniques to revolutionize how we recycle lithium-ion batteries. “Recycling lithium-ion batteries in an environmentally and economically sustainable way is essential for global energy security,” Chen said.

Enina Egiebor, a doctoral student in chemical and biomolecular engineering, is working on cost-effective solar-driven technologies to produce green hydrogen, an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. “The fellowship has taken my research beyond the lab. I’m excited to share progress on what could be the next generation of clean energy production,” Egiebor said.

Miriam Gammerman, a doctoral student in Earth, environmental and planetary sciences, is exploring the role of soil minerals in the global carbon cycle. Her research is vital in understanding how climate change affects soil processes and how we can enhance soil carbon storage to combat climate change. “Receiving this fellowship has boosted my confidence in my work and its potential to connect fundamental science with real human impacts,” Gammerman said.

Wesley Hungbui, an MBA student, works at the intersection of business and renewable energy. His research is focused on developing financial models that make it easier for companies to invest in sustainable energy projects. Wesley’s work highlights how smart economic strategies can accelerate the transition to a greener future.

Alexander Lathem, a doctoral student in applied physics, is developing innovative carbon-free methods to produce ammonia, a crucial agricultural fertilizer and an energy-efficient way of storing energy. Lathem’s research demonstrates the potential of novel chemical processes in achieving sustainability goals.

Ziran Wang, a doctoral student in civil and environmental engineering, is focused on understanding the resilience of our power grids and pipelines, even in the face of threats like natural disasters and hardware failures. “This fellowship also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with industry experts, which will enhance both my academic and professional development,” Wang said.

Other fellows include Ahmad El Gazzar and Zina Deriche, doctoral students in chemical and biomolecular engineering, whose research addresses various aspects of renewable fuel production and carbon-capture technologies. Travis Seamons, a doctoral student in systems, synthetic and physical biology, focuses on advanced biological systems to sequester carbon dioxide. Stan Kannegieter, a doctoral student in economics, investigates economic models and policies that can facilitate the transition to a decarbonized industry.

A partnership for a sustainable future

“Rice University is at the forefront of developing scalable, practical, lower carbon solutions that the world needs, and Chevron is proud to support emerging leaders focused on innovative solutions,” said Chris Powers, vice president of carbon capture, utilization and storage at Chevron New Energies.

By partnering with the RSI, Chevron is investing in original solutions and supporting the future leaders who will drive the energy evolution.

The RSI, in partnership with Chevron, established the Rice Chevron Energy Graduate Fellowship program to advance cutting-edge sustainable energy solutions and to nurture the development of future leaders in this critical field.

For more information about the program and the groundbreaking research being conducted by this year’s fellows, please visit the website.