University of Tulsa Hosts Inaugural National Academy of Engineering MLE Event on Energy Futures

University of Tulsa's Groundbreaking Event on Energy Innovations

In a remarkable step for the state of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa, in partnership with the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), has announced the upcoming event titled Carbon Capture, Sequestration, and the Future of Energy. This event marks a significant milestone as it is Oklahoma's first member-led gathering centered around crucial discussions on energy transition and sustainability. The event is scheduled for April 24-25, 2025.

Keynote Address by Industry Leader

Serving as the keynote speaker for this pivotal event is Vicki Hollub, the president and CEO of Occidental Petroleum. With over four decades of experience in the petroleum industry, Hollub has been a trailblazer in integrating carbon management technologies into operational practices. Her leadership has steered Occidental Petroleum towards making substantial investments in direct air capture technologies, showcasing her commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. As an esteemed member of Oxy's Board of Directors since 2015, Hollub's insights will undoubtedly inspire significant discussion among attendees.

A Platform for Collaboration

UTulsa President Brad Carson expressed great pride in this event, highlighting the profound impact it will have on elevating the university's engineering programs and faculty reputation. He mentioned that UTulsa's petroleum engineering program is ranked third in the nation and first among private universities, illustrating the high caliber of academic rigor upheld within the institution. Additionally, the university’s comprehensive offerings in computer, chemical, and mechanical engineering further position it as a leader in technical education.

In the spirit of collaboration, this conference gathers not only leaders from academia but also experts from industry and government. They will share innovative strategies and technologies around carbon capture and sequestration, a key component in the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. Participants can look forward to engaging discussions, exploring cutting-edge research, and touring the exceptional facilities at UTulsa's North Campus.

Industry Veteran James Brill to Chair the Event

The event will be chaired by James Brill, a distinguished member of the NAE since 1997 and the Jeffrey McDougall Eminent Professor of Petroleum Engineering at UTulsa. Brill emphasized the excitement surrounding the event, labeling it as a unique platform for collaborative exploration of energy’s future. He is joined by a dedicated team committed to ensuring that this event fosters vital conversations about energy innovation.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tulsa boasts 1,800 students from diverse backgrounds. Under the guidance of Inaugural Dean Andreas A. Polycarpou, it offers an elite educational experience with degree programs encompassing petroleum, chemical, mechanical, electrical engineering, as well as computer science and mathematics.

About the National Academy of Engineering

Founded as an eminent institution, the National Academy of Engineering is dedicated to providing engineering leadership to serve the nation. Its mission entails promoting a vibrant engineering profession, advancing national well-being, and offering expert advice on matters related to engineering and technology. This encourages the unification of the engineering community towards the shared goal of creating sustainable solutions that benefit society.

As Oklahoma hosts this landmark event, it signifies a commitment to embracing innovation and collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges of energy sustainability. The University of Tulsa, through this initiative, stands at the forefront of engineering education and energy discourse, paving the way for future advancements in the field.