I am from originally from Mayville, North Dakota. I have undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry from Mayville State University. I currently live in Mayville with my wife and our baby girl who was born in March.
What brought you to the University of North Dakota?
I wanted to obtain a master’s degree and wasn’t sure that a specific degree in biology or chemistry was right for me. I knew that I liked sustainable energy and the University of North Dakota was just starting a graduate program in Sustainable Energy Engineering. I had previously taken a class in wind energy and although it was interesting, it was more of a technical degree. When I looked at other colleges in the area, they too, were technical degrees. I really wasn’t interested in becoming a technician because of the travel associated with the work and I also had the desire to stay close to home. With the UND’s distance engineering courses, I was able to start working on my background courses before I graduated from Mayville State. Now I drive from Mayville to Grand Forks which isn’t too far.
What sparked your interest in Sustainable Energy Engineering?
My interest in sustainability came from my parents. My dad has worked with wind energy for a long time, and has traveled all over the country to work on wind farms. My family has always been into recycling and sustainable ideas, in turn I am also passionate about it. While I was at Mayville State, I was part of a “green team” that focused on making campus a greener place. I guess that I have always been intrigued by sustainability and green areas. When I found this program, I decided to try it out even though I wasn’t too familiar with chemical engineering or the Sustainable Energy Engineering Program. I wondered if the program would be more on the social side of sustainability or if it would be on the energy side. After getting to know the department, I learned that most of the projects in the Chemical Engineering Department involve sustainable/clean energy ideas and projects.
What makes this program different from Environmental Engineering or Earth System Science & Policy?
Sustainable Energy Engineering focuses more on the production of energy and ensures that our current energy needs are met without compromising the needs of those who will come after us. We do this by discovering ways to save energy, making current energy production cleaner and conducting research that will assist us in finding and improving alternative energy sources.
Environmental Engineering looks more into emission and pollution issues, such as water and air pollution control or quality. Earth System Science and Policy focuses on sustainability from the views of environment, society and economy; the Earth system as a whole. ESSP is also a driving force behind policy efforts that deal with the environment and the sciences. All three of these fields work towards environmental solutions, however, Sustainable Energy Engineering works specifically with the energy production aspect.
Are you currently conducting any research?
Yes, I am currently researching microalgae growth and how to improve growth in photobioreactors. Microalgae are able to transform carbon dioxide and water with the help of light energy into lipids and oils. These lipids and oils can be processed into liquid biofuels that are able to be used in place of traditional petroleum fuels. Closed system reactors (as opposed to open ponds) are able to produce high amounts of biomass with small land area requirements. However, improvements are desirable and specific microalgae strain production can be improved through either genetic manipulation or optimization of the reactor. My research is focusing on optimizing reactor conditions, and more specifically investigating light transfer throughout the reactor. We can use computational fluid dynamics software such as FLUENT by ANSYS to model our reactor conditions. We can analyze our model and gain insights as to where there are limitations, and where improvements can be made. Using a computer, experiments can be run much faster than the time scales of the laboratory, this helps speed up development. Ultimately this research can be used in not only reactors dealing with multiphase light transfer (growth medium such as water, bubble interactions, and growing particles), but in any case where light transfer or radiation is deemed important.
Can you discuss the importance of mentorship and faculty advisors?
My advisors, Dr. Yun Ji, and Dr. Gautham Krishnamoorthy have helped guide me down the microalgae research path. Dr. Krishnamoorthy is very skilled in computer modeling and simulation, and has really guided me as far as what I should focus on for the modeling aspect of my research. Dr. Ji has many helpful insights regarding laboratory experiments and what we can do with microalgae samples. Both are able to break roadblocks or problems down into tasks easier to solve, and with their experience and positive attitudes, they really make the difficult look easy.
What is your best advice for a graduate student who is looking at the Sustainable Energy Engineering program?
My advice for any higher-level degree is to keep your end goal in mind throughout your studies. Sometimes you might get bogged down between classes, literature, and research, so perspective can help keep you on track. As far as sustainable energy goes, there are a multitude of avenues that fit into the overall area. Our future energy portfolio will not consist of only one option, but it will consist of a wide variety of technologies. Research is always needed to help advance us to the next stage. Regardless of what your research and classes entail, they are all meant to help you grow as a researcher and a scholar.
]]>
What is your hometown and background?
I am from originally from Mayville, North Dakota. I have undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry from Mayville State University. I currently live in Mayville with my wife and our baby girl who was born in March.
What brought you to the University of North Dakota?
I wanted to obtain a master’s degree and wasn’t sure that a specific degree in biology or chemistry was right for me. I knew that I liked sustainable energy and the University of North Dakota was just starting a graduate program in Sustainable Energy Engineering. I had previously taken a class in wind energy and although it was interesting, it was more of a technical degree. When I looked at other colleges in the area, they too, were technical degrees. I really wasn’t interested in becoming a technician because of the travel associated with the work and I also had the desire to stay close to home. With the UND’s distance engineering courses, I was able to start working on my background courses before I graduated from Mayville State. Now I drive from Mayville to Grand Forks which isn’t too far.
What sparked your interest in Sustainable Energy Engineering?
My interest in sustainability came from my parents. My dad has worked with wind energy for a long time, and has traveled all over the country to work on wind farms. My family has always been into recycling and sustainable ideas, in turn I am also passionate about it. While I was at Mayville State, I was part of a “green team” that focused on making campus a greener place. I guess that I have always been intrigued by sustainability and green areas. When I found this program, I decided to try it out even though I wasn’t too familiar with chemical engineering or the Sustainable Energy Engineering Program. I wondered if the program would be more on the social side of sustainability or if it would be on the energy side. After getting to know the department, I learned that most of the projects in the Chemical Engineering Department involve sustainable/clean energy ideas and projects.
What makes this program different from Environmental Engineering or Earth System Science & Policy?
Sustainable Energy Engineering focuses more on the production of energy and ensures that our current energy needs are met without compromising the needs of those who will come after us. We do this by discovering ways to save energy, making current energy production cleaner and conducting research that will assist us in finding and improving alternative energy sources.
Environmental Engineering looks more into emission and pollution issues, such as water and air pollution control or quality. Earth System Science and Policy focuses on sustainability from the views of environment, society and economy; the Earth system as a whole. ESSP is also a driving force behind policy efforts that deal with the environment and the sciences. All three of these fields work towards environmental solutions, however, Sustainable Energy Engineering works specifically with the energy production aspect.
Are you currently conducting any research?
Yes, I am currently researching microalgae growth and how to improve growth in photobioreactors. Microalgae are able to transform carbon dioxide and water with the help of light energy into lipids and oils. These lipids and oils can be processed into liquid biofuels that are able to be used in place of traditional petroleum fuels. Closed system reactors (as opposed to open ponds) are able to produce high amounts of biomass with small land area requirements. However, improvements are desirable and specific microalgae strain production can be improved through either genetic manipulation or optimization of the reactor. My research is focusing on optimizing reactor conditions, and more specifically investigating light transfer throughout the reactor. We can use computational fluid dynamics software such as FLUENT by ANSYS to model our reactor conditions. We can analyze our model and gain insights as to where there are limitations, and where improvements can be made. Using a computer, experiments can be run much faster than the time scales of the laboratory, this helps speed up development. Ultimately this research can be used in not only reactors dealing with multiphase light transfer (growth medium such as water, bubble interactions, and growing particles), but in any case where light transfer or radiation is deemed important.
Can you discuss the importance of mentorship and faculty advisors?
My advisors, Dr. Yun Ji, and Dr. Gautham Krishnamoorthy have helped guide me down the microalgae research path. Dr. Krishnamoorthy is very skilled in computer modeling and simulation, and has really guided me as far as what I should focus on for the modeling aspect of my research. Dr. Ji has many helpful insights regarding laboratory experiments and what we can do with microalgae samples. Both are able to break roadblocks or problems down into tasks easier to solve, and with their experience and positive attitudes, they really make the difficult look easy.
What is your best advice for a graduate student who is looking at the Sustainable Energy Engineering program?
My advice for any higher-level degree is to keep your end goal in mind throughout your studies. Sometimes you might get bogged down between classes, literature, and research, so perspective can help keep you on track. As far as sustainable energy goes, there are a multitude of avenues that fit into the overall area. Our future energy portfolio will not consist of only one option, but it will consist of a wide variety of technologies. Research is always needed to help advance us to the next stage. Regardless of what your research and classes entail, they are all meant to help you grow as a researcher and a scholar.
]]>
As a nurse I have always been interested in a Master’s degree in Public Health with a nursing specialty and offered online. The University of North Dakota is the only university that offered me this unique opportunity at the time.
What is it about the program that you most enjoy?
It is very organized, well designed and structured. The instructors are readily available and would go an extra mile to assist students. The virtual classroom setting accords me the flexibility to travel, engage in my projects across the globe and study all at the same time. It is a wonderful experience.
Recently you returned to Cameroon as the sponsor of the Sanitation and Hygiene in Njinikom project. Can you describe the project and its impact on people in the town?
It is a two phase project with the overall goal to provide improved access to basic sanitation and hygiene practices in the Njinikom rural community. The first phase of the project is currently in progress with the construction of the first public toilet in the Njinikom area and ongoing education seminars on disease transmission through fecal-oral contact, benefits of adequate sanitation and hygiene, and techniques in hand washing. The second phase of the project involves the construction of residential pit latrines. The eligibility requirement for a residential pit latrine is attendance and participation in education seminars. There is a lot of enthusiasm and hope in the community. During my stay in the community I encountered people daily who would walk up to me and say thank you for saving our community. Others lamented the poor state of sanitation practices and I have been offered pieces of land from neighborhood chiefs to construct public toilets. My hope is that the enthusiasm will translate into actual usage of the public and residential toilets once constructed.
Will you be returning for the project's completion?
Absolutely. This is just the first phase of the project and I hope to be there to cut the ribbon. The goal is to complete the first public toilet by summer. I will need to be there to put in place a managerial team to ensure sustainability of the facility. The biggest challenge in a project such as this is sustainability. I will also need to train janitors prior to opening the facility and also ensure that the plan was closely followed.
How has your experience in the nursing program helped with that project?
It has helped tremendously. I have gained a wealth of knowledge being in the program. This has helped shape my vision and propelled me to make numerous revisions in the project. I initiated the project prior to getting into UND and since being in the program I have become proficient in my leadership, collaborative and communication skills. I have also developed proficiency in program assessment, implementation and evaluation.
While you are studying in the United States, you are also busy traveling for work. Can you talk a little about what you are doing?
I am a travel nurse with the VA travel nurse corps. I am required to do one thirteen week assignment a year and have a maximum of 9 months to be in one location. I am currently in Des Moines, IA where I work with VA (Veteran Affairs) and HUD (Housing and urban development) to provide housing to homeless Veterans.
How do you manage your coursework while you are on the road?
I am a very disciplined and organized person and therefore able to structure my time appropriately around my work and school.
What advice do you have for a student considering the graduate program in Nursing?
It is a very rewarding program. It is well organized and structured. Individuals considering the program have to cultivate a culture of self-discipline to be successful.
What would you like to be doing 5 years from now?
Obtain my Ph.D. degree in international or global health and continue working to promote health and prevent the spread of diseases in impoverished communities in Cameroon, the continent of Africa and beyond.
]]>
Irin, you are originally from Cameroon and now based in the US. What drew you to the Nursing program at UND?
As a nurse I have always been interested in a Master’s degree in Public Health with a nursing specialty and offered online. The University of North Dakota is the only university that offered me this unique opportunity at the time.
What is it about the program that you most enjoy?
It is very organized, well designed and structured. The instructors are readily available and would go an extra mile to assist students. The virtual classroom setting accords me the flexibility to travel, engage in my projects across the globe and study all at the same time. It is a wonderful experience.
Recently you returned to Cameroon as the sponsor of the Sanitation and Hygiene in Njinikom project. Can you describe the project and its impact on people in the town?
It is a two phase project with the overall goal to provide improved access to basic sanitation and hygiene practices in the Njinikom rural community. The first phase of the project is currently in progress with the construction of the first public toilet in the Njinikom area and ongoing education seminars on disease transmission through fecal-oral contact, benefits of adequate sanitation and hygiene, and techniques in hand washing. The second phase of the project involves the construction of residential pit latrines. The eligibility requirement for a residential pit latrine is attendance and participation in education seminars. There is a lot of enthusiasm and hope in the community. During my stay in the community I encountered people daily who would walk up to me and say thank you for saving our community. Others lamented the poor state of sanitation practices and I have been offered pieces of land from neighborhood chiefs to construct public toilets. My hope is that the enthusiasm will translate into actual usage of the public and residential toilets once constructed.
Will you be returning for the project's completion?
Absolutely. This is just the first phase of the project and I hope to be there to cut the ribbon. The goal is to complete the first public toilet by summer. I will need to be there to put in place a managerial team to ensure sustainability of the facility. The biggest challenge in a project such as this is sustainability. I will also need to train janitors prior to opening the facility and also ensure that the plan was closely followed.
How has your experience in the nursing program helped with that project?
It has helped tremendously. I have gained a wealth of knowledge being in the program. This has helped shape my vision and propelled me to make numerous revisions in the project. I initiated the project prior to getting into UND and since being in the program I have become proficient in my leadership, collaborative and communication skills. I have also developed proficiency in program assessment, implementation and evaluation.
While you are studying in the United States, you are also busy traveling for work. Can you talk a little about what you are doing?
I am a travel nurse with the VA travel nurse corps. I am required to do one thirteen week assignment a year and have a maximum of 9 months to be in one location. I am currently in Des Moines, IA where I work with VA (Veteran Affairs) and HUD (Housing and urban development) to provide housing to homeless Veterans.
How do you manage your coursework while you are on the road?
I am a very disciplined and organized person and therefore able to structure my time appropriately around my work and school.
What advice do you have for a student considering the graduate program in Nursing?
It is a very rewarding program. It is well organized and structured. Individuals considering the program have to cultivate a culture of self-discipline to be successful.
What would you like to be doing 5 years from now?
Obtain my Ph.D. degree in international or global health and continue working to promote health and prevent the spread of diseases in impoverished communities in Cameroon, the continent of Africa and beyond.
On campus or Distance student: Distance Student
Branch of Service: USAF Military Service -
Start Year: 2002
End Year: I'm still serving
Military Job: Instructor for Civil Engineering
Are you using the GI Bill or Tuition Assistance Program?
I am currently using both. The TA covers up to $250 per credit hour in the graduate classes and I use the GI Bill top up to cover the difference.
To what degree does the GI Bill/ Tuition Assistance Program cover your school expenses?
It covers almost everything after we deduct the Top-up from the remaining tuition. The only expenses not covered are the books and I heard talks of letting active duty get the $1000 per year for books down the road.
What prompted you to return to school?
I’ve never really stopped going to school. I gathered 3 AAS from my various fields of expertise in the Air Force and I worked on my Bachelor on my down time. I am now pursuing the field that I always wanted to study into and I will try to change career path within the Air Force.
Was adjusting to university life a challenge?
I believe that after serving in the military, you should have a really good level of motivation, time management skills and the right attitude to get things done. I am still serving while going to school but I strongly believe that it would be easy to adapt to University life.
What has your experience at UND been like?
This is my first graduate class ever, but I have received great service and answers from all the staff at UND. Being a distance student, it does make it a little harder on some of the technicalities to get accomplished but overall I had a great experience.
Do you believe your military experience has made you a better student? If so, how?
Definitely, the Air Force made me aware of my potential and goals, and gave me the tools necessary to achieve and exceed both. We have great support from our education office and supervisors that not only encourage education but highly support it.
What advice do you have for veterans returning to school?
Sit down and listen! Just follow your goals, if you are sitting in a classroom it is probably because you decided to enhance your future. You will not succeed if your mind is on something else so focus your effort on one thing at a time and excel in everything all the time.
]]>SSgt Felix Gelinas, MS
Space Studies
Graduate Program: Space Studies
On campus or Distance student: Distance Student
Branch of Service: USAF Military Service -
Start Year: 2002
End Year: I'm still serving
Military Job: Instructor for Civil Engineering
Are you using the GI Bill or Tuition Assistance Program?
I am currently using both. The TA covers up to $250 per credit hour in the graduate classes and I use the GI Bill top up to cover the difference.
To what degree does the GI Bill/ Tuition Assistance Program cover your school expenses?
It covers almost everything after we deduct the Top-up from the remaining tuition. The only expenses not covered are the books and I heard talks of letting active duty get the $1000 per year for books down the road.
What prompted you to return to school?
I’ve never really stopped going to school. I gathered 3 AAS from my various fields of expertise in the Air Force and I worked on my Bachelor on my down time. I am now pursuing the field that I always wanted to study into and I will try to change career path within the Air Force.
Was adjusting to university life a challenge?
I believe that after serving in the military, you should have a really good level of motivation, time management skills and the right attitude to get things done. I am still serving while going to school but I strongly believe that it would be easy to adapt to University life.
What has your experience at UND been like?
This is my first graduate class ever, but I have received great service and answers from all the staff at UND. Being a distance student, it does make it a little harder on some of the technicalities to get accomplished but overall I had a great experience.
Do you believe your military experience has made you a better student? If so, how?
Definitely, the Air Force made me aware of my potential and goals, and gave me the tools necessary to achieve and exceed both. We have great support from our education office and supervisors that not only encourage education but highly support it.
What advice do you have for veterans returning to school?
Sit down and listen! Just follow your goals, if you are sitting in a classroom it is probably because you decided to enhance your future. You will not succeed if your mind is on something else so focus your effort on one thing at a time and excel in everything all the time.
]]>
Growing up I have always had an interest in finding out how things work and I guess this is what captured my interest. I was very curious and always seemed to take things apart; I would either put it back together or fail, getting me into trouble with my parents. It’s very interesting to note that everyone in my family is involved in some form of business career, but I took a different route. In college, I started out as a mechanical engineering student but after taking several chemistry classes and participating in a class tour to a refinery, my interest shifted to chemical engineering. I tend to think that chemical engineering gives you the necessary engineering skills, and goes a step further in building both business and social awareness skills. It’s a very versatile degree.
How did you come to study in the US?
My parents always strived and sacrificed to give us something they never had growing up. An education that allows you to look, meet up, grow and compete with peers all over the world was an opportunity they ensured my siblings and I received. Besides studying in Kenya, I also looked at the UK and Australia. The quality of programs at the US universities was an advantage, not to say that the presence of my siblings studying in other US universities wasn’t a factor.
So you had an eye for continuing education abroad?
Yes, I had met with former students from my high school who had studied abroad and they sort of cemented my thoughts on getting my college work done abroad. At the same time, it is typical for Kenyan students to take a year off prior to joining college. Having attended boarding school from age five, the one year sabbatical helped me focus on what I really wanted to do for a career.
Then you came to UND to do your Master's. Why did you choose UND?
I had some experience in the petro-chemicals industry as a process engineer. In the back of my mind I knew I wanted to further my studies, I just didn’t know when. I have always had a penchant for the energy and environmental fields, and as a matter of fact, at age eleven I was selected to present a paper on pollution control and benefits of agroforestry at a United Nations Environmental Program meeting in Nairobi. I was looking at a change of industries and talking with some of my former professors who had previously taught at UND, they encouraged me to look into UND’s graduate programs. I enjoyed the fact that UND is renowned for its expertise in the energy and environmental fields, and this was a strong factor in my choosing UND.
Why do you think mentorship is important?
I think aligning yourself with successful experts who are open to guiding you is very important for both personal and professional growth. Mentors have gone through the same hoops, made mistakes and have learned through them. This gives them a better understanding and appreciation for what they do, and in turn can pass that critical knowledge to someone else. I believe mentors open doors and take learning to a whole new experience.
Can you talk a little bit about your research?
Definitely; I have been very lucky to be involved in several multidisciplinary projects. Perhaps the most interesting one has been on carbon dioxide capture from fossil fired powered stations. Fossil fired electric generation power plants are the highest stationary emissions source of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Together with other collaborators, we have developed a technology that uses solid sorbents that potentially have lower energy requirements and will not significantly add to the cost of electricity than competing technologies currently in development. Another project I was involved with was looking at innovative ways of using North Dakota sourced lignite coal for steam and electricity generation, while at the same time creating a saleable product. Relative to other types of coals such as a sub-bituminous grade, North Dakota lignite coal has very unique and interesting characteristics such as high moisture levels and alkali constituents, both of which tend to reduce the efficiency of any boiler and gas clean-up systems. These characteristics have sort of labeled North Dakota lignite as a troublesome fuel. To circumvent this issue, I looked at partial gasification as a way of generating syngas that could be fired in a boiler to generate high pressure steam while simultaneously producing carbon products that can be sold for profit. In simpler terms, value addition of North Dakota resources. A third project has been on mercury control, where my research group is looking at ways of increasing the capture and sequestration of mercury generated during taconite pellets processing. These are some of the high level projects I am working on, and are centered on the energy and environmental fields, which is always what I have always wanted to be involved with.
You got some positive results, are you continuing the research or switching gears a little?
Yes, the results from these projects are very positive. Each of the projects is at a different level, therefore will require a different focus. We are always trying to improve on our achievements and hence continual research and testing will be critical. Our research platform is always expanding and to stay competitive we have to approach businesses, industries and organizations alike in-order to capture the opportunities out there, ultimately growing our research portfolio.
You’ve graduated and you are now a researcher with UND’s brand new Institute for Energy Studies (IES), which is a multi-disciplinary campus-wide institute. Energy, clean energy and energy efficiency are huge buzzwords in industry, politics and education, so this Institute s very timely for our university, too.
Yes, it is. Energy security, efficiency and integration of renewables as a way to reduce or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions is a great challenge facing many nations. UND is renowned for its energy-related research and what the IES brings to the table is incorporation of other parallel parties such as public policy, education, business and law to the table. All these parties need to work hand in hand in creation of policies that affect our lives and the IES is expected to play a very big role.
Its mission is educating the community and students, but it also has research and outreach components making it accessible and vital for not only the people on campus but also for the broader community.
Yes, you’re right on the money! The institute incorporates the university’s mission of being a premiere energy university while also leading in educational programs. The institute brings a variety of people and stakeholders to the same table, and provides a platform where issues related to energy and policy can be discussed. Doing this through the university allows for easier accessibility to the community.
In many graduate programs the focus is on labs and classrooms. But the Institute of Energy Studies is drawing upon expertise from various other colleges, for collaborative work, can you talk about them?
One of the key missions of the Institute is provision of quality educational programs for both university students and the community. A key aspect of learning is collaboration and the institute takes this to a higher level by encouraging and incorporating partnerships between several colleges. Some of these colleges include engineering, education, aerospace science, business and economics, just to name a few. Utilizing the unique skill set and resources available at various colleges within the university allows for a richer student and community learning experience.
What’s your role in the Institute?
I am mainly involved in the research aspect of the institute where we’re looking at integrating various research programs within the university such as energy, law, public policy and economics under a single umbrella. One advantage of this umbrella research program is that information related to the impacts of various technologies and programs we study, and their subsequent impacts on economic and political decisions can be seamlessly communicated to stakeholders. This allows for advancement in the state of knowledge while significantly improving the efficiency in decision making.
Statewide, energy is such part of our day-to-day life, and it seems like research at UND is a perfect way to make people aware of that.
Sure, in terms of energy resources, the state of North Dakota is rich particularly with regard to coal, oil and natural gas as well as renewables such as wind. UND has been a clear supporter and leader when it comes to developing technologies of interest to the energy industry. This has been done through collaborative research with assistance from both the state and private entities. I believe that the continual support UND has received has allowed for really great ideas and solutions to materialize, and in turn the community has benefitted economically as wells as through other avenues such as education.
Where do you see your future research?
I love being a chemical engineer as there’s no single day where all problems are solved. I see a lot of potential in the areas of carbon dioxide clean-up, development of newer engineered materials, water and wastewater treatment, and the advancement and integration of fossil and renewable energy sources.
What advice do you have for students?
There’s quite a myriad of advice out there, but just to name a few; patience, hard work, willingness to learn, openness to new ideas, learning and moving on from past experiences, and most importantly utilizing the vast resources available at the university for one’s personal and professional growth. At the same time, having the capability to translate what you learn in the classroom to the start of a career is where most students have difficulty in. I would recommend getting an internship during the course of study as this experience really changes the way one views things.
]]>
What sparked your interest in Chemical Engineering?
Growing up I have always had an interest in finding out how things work and I guess this is what captured my interest. I was very curious and always seemed to take things apart; I would either put it back together or fail, getting me into trouble with my parents. It’s very interesting to note that everyone in my family is involved in some form of business career, but I took a different route. In college, I started out as a mechanical engineering student but after taking several chemistry classes and participating in a class tour to a refinery, my interest shifted to chemical engineering. I tend to think that chemical engineering gives you the necessary engineering skills, and goes a step further in building both business and social awareness skills. It’s a very versatile degree.
How did you come to study in the US?
My parents always strived and sacrificed to give us something they never had growing up. An education that allows you to look, meet up, grow and compete with peers all over the world was an opportunity they ensured my siblings and I received. Besides studying in Kenya, I also looked at the UK and Australia. The quality of programs at the US universities was an advantage, not to say that the presence of my siblings studying in other US universities wasn’t a factor.
So you had an eye for continuing education abroad?
Yes, I had met with former students from my high school who had studied abroad and they sort of cemented my thoughts on getting my college work done abroad. At the same time, it is typical for Kenyan students to take a year off prior to joining college. Having attended boarding school from age five, the one year sabbatical helped me focus on what I really wanted to do for a career.
Then you came to UND to do your Master's. Why did you choose UND?
I had some experience in the petro-chemicals industry as a process engineer. In the back of my mind I knew I wanted to further my studies, I just didn’t know when. I have always had a penchant for the energy and environmental fields, and as a matter of fact, at age eleven I was selected to present a paper on pollution control and benefits of agroforestry at a United Nations Environmental Program meeting in Nairobi. I was looking at a change of industries and talking with some of my former professors who had previously taught at UND, they encouraged me to look into UND’s graduate programs. I enjoyed the fact that UND is renowned for its expertise in the energy and environmental fields, and this was a strong factor in my choosing UND.
Why do you think mentorship is important?
I think aligning yourself with successful experts who are open to guiding you is very important for both personal and professional growth. Mentors have gone through the same hoops, made mistakes and have learned through them. This gives them a better understanding and appreciation for what they do, and in turn can pass that critical knowledge to someone else. I believe mentors open doors and take learning to a whole new experience.
Can you talk a little bit about your research?
Definitely; I have been very lucky to be involved in several multidisciplinary projects. Perhaps the most interesting one has been on carbon dioxide capture from fossil fired powered stations. Fossil fired electric generation power plants are the highest stationary emissions source of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Together with other collaborators, we have developed a technology that uses solid sorbents that potentially have lower energy requirements and will not significantly add to the cost of electricity than competing technologies currently in development. Another project I was involved with was looking at innovative ways of using North Dakota sourced lignite coal for steam and electricity generation, while at the same time creating a saleable product. Relative to other types of coals such as a sub-bituminous grade, North Dakota lignite coal has very unique and interesting characteristics such as high moisture levels and alkali constituents, both of which tend to reduce the efficiency of any boiler and gas clean-up systems. These characteristics have sort of labeled North Dakota lignite as a troublesome fuel. To circumvent this issue, I looked at partial gasification as a way of generating syngas that could be fired in a boiler to generate high pressure steam while simultaneously producing carbon products that can be sold for profit. In simpler terms, value addition of North Dakota resources. A third project has been on mercury control, where my research group is looking at ways of increasing the capture and sequestration of mercury generated during taconite pellets processing. These are some of the high level projects I am working on, and are centered on the energy and environmental fields, which is always what I have always wanted to be involved with.
You got some positive results, are you continuing the research or switching gears a little?
Yes, the results from these projects are very positive. Each of the projects is at a different level, therefore will require a different focus. We are always trying to improve on our achievements and hence continual research and testing will be critical. Our research platform is always expanding and to stay competitive we have to approach businesses, industries and organizations alike in-order to capture the opportunities out there, ultimately growing our research portfolio.
You’ve graduated and you are now a researcher with UND’s brand new Institute for Energy Studies (IES), which is a multi-disciplinary campus-wide institute. Energy, clean energy and energy efficiency are huge buzzwords in industry, politics and education, so this Institute s very timely for our university, too.
Yes, it is. Energy security, efficiency and integration of renewables as a way to reduce or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions is a great challenge facing many nations. UND is renowned for its energy-related research and what the IES brings to the table is incorporation of other parallel parties such as public policy, education, business and law to the table. All these parties need to work hand in hand in creation of policies that affect our lives and the IES is expected to play a very big role.
Its mission is educating the community and students, but it also has research and outreach components making it accessible and vital for not only the people on campus but also for the broader community.
Yes, you’re right on the money! The institute incorporates the university’s mission of being a premiere energy university while also leading in educational programs. The institute brings a variety of people and stakeholders to the same table, and provides a platform where issues related to energy and policy can be discussed. Doing this through the university allows for easier accessibility to the community.
In many graduate programs the focus is on labs and classrooms. But the Institute of Energy Studies is drawing upon expertise from various other colleges, for collaborative work, can you talk about them?
One of the key missions of the Institute is provision of quality educational programs for both university students and the community. A key aspect of learning is collaboration and the institute takes this to a higher level by encouraging and incorporating partnerships between several colleges. Some of these colleges include engineering, education, aerospace science, business and economics, just to name a few. Utilizing the unique skill set and resources available at various colleges within the university allows for a richer student and community learning experience.
What’s your role in the Institute?
I am mainly involved in the research aspect of the institute where we’re looking at integrating various research programs within the university such as energy, law, public policy and economics under a single umbrella. One advantage of this umbrella research program is that information related to the impacts of various technologies and programs we study, and their subsequent impacts on economic and political decisions can be seamlessly communicated to stakeholders. This allows for advancement in the state of knowledge while significantly improving the efficiency in decision making.
Statewide, energy is such part of our day-to-day life, and it seems like research at UND is a perfect way to make people aware of that.
Sure, in terms of energy resources, the state of North Dakota is rich particularly with regard to coal, oil and natural gas as well as renewables such as wind. UND has been a clear supporter and leader when it comes to developing technologies of interest to the energy industry. This has been done through collaborative research with assistance from both the state and private entities. I believe that the continual support UND has received has allowed for really great ideas and solutions to materialize, and in turn the community has benefitted economically as wells as through other avenues such as education.
Where do you see your future research?
I love being a chemical engineer as there’s no single day where all problems are solved. I see a lot of potential in the areas of carbon dioxide clean-up, development of newer engineered materials, water and wastewater treatment, and the advancement and integration of fossil and renewable energy sources.
What advice do you have for students?
There’s quite a myriad of advice out there, but just to name a few; patience, hard work, willingness to learn, openness to new ideas, learning and moving on from past experiences, and most importantly utilizing the vast resources available at the university for one’s personal and professional growth. At the same time, having the capability to translate what you learn in the classroom to the start of a career is where most students have difficulty in. I would recommend getting an internship during the course of study as this experience really changes the way one views things.