At the University of Houston, students learn not just through books and class lectures, but also by tackling real-world problems and coming up with innovative solutions. The Energy Trilemma – the challenge of balancing energy security and affordability with sustainability – is one of the most pressing issues facing society today.
“Energy is a topic that is on everyone’s mind these days, especially in Houston – the “Energy Capital of the World.” The challenges posed by energy transition are immense and will demand solutions from a diverse set of problem-solvers,” said Ben Rayder, executive director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards at UH. “It’s no surprise that our UH students and faculty members are researching energy topics from so many academic disciplines as part of the Energy Scholars Program.”
Established in 2023, the Energy Scholars program provides UH undergraduate students the opportunity to work on energy research projects under the guidance of a UH faculty mentor. This initiative provides a constructive forum for students from multiple disciplines across the University – engineers, architects, writers, chemists, and economists to name a few – to advance discussions and ideas related to energy at the highest academic levels.
"The 2024 UH Undergraduate Research Day, hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards and Honors College, featured a special section showcasing innovative energy-related projects by Energy Scholars. They joined over 360 UH students presenting research findings across various disciplines and offering promising solutions."
Doug Erwing, director of UH Energy Leaders, noted that the diverse research unfolding within the Energy Scholars program enables students to interact with senior-level professionals and open their eyes to a myriad of possibilities and opportunities.
“This is a unique opportunity for companies to get a firsthand look at the students and their capabilities,” Erwing said. “Through their work with these companies’ students receive recommendations from top companies like Baker Hughes, BP, Evolve Houston and so on.”
Among the Scholars who presented was upcoming senior architecture major Tessnim Mohammed, who is passionate about investigating sustainable architecture and its environmental and building performance effects. Her research explores architectural firms, specifically Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) accredited firms and further analyzes their utilization of sustainable material and energy.
“I’m very blessed to be a part of the Energy Scholars program since it’s something I’m so passionate about. It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for me and my future and helped me network to meet people interested in my research,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed plans to take this research along with her talents to Pittsburgh to a summer internship with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program.
Mustafa Khan, a junior economics major, and Aaron Hinkle, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, presented an exploratory analysis focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the Port of Houston. Their work identified challenges the Port dealt with in the efficient transportation of goods and how removing the hurdles could positively impact global trade and environment.
“Ultimately, we want to achieve an emissions free world and our project is an important step towards that end. By helping the nearest polluter to people – transportation – get cleaner, we will improve the air we all breathe, which will reduce disease and health issues,” Khan said. “UH Energy has copious research opportunities available for students. Everyone should get involved because there is a place for everyone in the sustainable future we are working to achieve.”
Rami El-Haibe, a senior mechanical engineering major said the Energy Scholars program is very important to students looking for opportunity in the energy field, as it has provided him the opportunity to grow confidence as a researcher and showcase his work on pipeline inspection safety.
“When I first joined the team, I didn’t know much about research but since then I feel like I’ve gained a valuable opportunity to excel,” he said.
El-Haibe’s research focuses on nondestructive testing (NDT) in order to detect pipeline defects without having to go through the economic hassle of physically digging up pipelines and inspecting them. El-Haibe plans to parlay his work into a hands-on experience in the next few months and credits the program for expanding his investigative skills.
Honors College Dean Heidi Appel emphasize the importance of students participating in URD because it helps prepare them to be future energy leaders who will be responsible for shaping the future of energy and the world we live in.
“I find the energy research posters showcased here very exciting because they are so diverse in their topics,” Appel said. “The partnership with energy industries in the Houston area is so important to our students and university as a talent pipeline. It gives the students a chance to develop their professional skills while interacting with industry professionals.”
The work of the Energy Scholars contributes to the unique research supporting UH’s Energy Transition Institute, which focuses on the creation and use of reliable, affordable, environmentally responsible energy for all through a just and equity-driven pathway. The ETI emphasizes work in three critical areas: hydrogen, carbon management and circular plastics, as well as other energy-related topics.
“I am encouraged by the sheer volume and breadth of research being conducted by our Energy Scholars,” said Joe Powell, founding executive director of ETI. “Their efforts and creative solutions is a great testament to the education and opportunities students have at UH, a Carnegie-designated Tier 1 research university.”