FECM Welcomes the 2024 MLEF Class!

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Helin Henstridge is a rising senior at the University of California, San Diego, majoring in biophysics. She is working at the Los Alamos National Lab this summer, synthesizing seismic waveforms to study underground hydrogen storage. As part of the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) project Helin is using Python to analyze the waveforms and create video comparisons of the seismic wave velocities, over time. FECM’s commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 drives this study, as it is imperative to understand underground hydrogen storage; if it can work long-term, globally, and if hydrogen plumes can be monitored from the surface. Underground hydrogen storage, if successful, would provide a large source of renewable energy that will allow for the decrease of carbon emissions and usage of fossil fuels. 

Helin knows the importance of having a good mentor, especially when performing research in a new field. She hopes to maintain her positive relationship with her MLEF mentor after the program ends; “My mentor has been excellent so far and is someone I would love to stay in contact within the future.” The credit to her first mentor, however, goes to her sister. She inspired and motivated Helin to pursue a career in STEM, just as she did. “Watching how she created a future for herself and found joy in the STEM field gave me the courage to continue within this field, eventually discovering a passion for physics and chemistry.” After earning her bachelor’s degree, Helin plans to pursue her graduate studies.  

Outside of the lab, Helin’s hobbies include reading – especially fantasy and fiction – as well as crocheting and cross-stitching. 

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Thomas Venarde is a rising junior at Yale University, studying mechanical engineering. He is working at NETL Morgantown this summer to complete a project on a system model for e-methanol production using co-electrolysis of carbon captured carbon dioxide and water. Currently, the processes used to produce methanol – an important fuel type – are carbon-intensive. Thomas’ project aims to create a system model that can produce methanol in a carbon-neutral way. The larger goal of the project is to use this model to analyze how e-methanol can be produced most efficiently for industrial use and how a renewable energy-based grid could use an e-methanol plant.

FECM’s mission of minimizing the environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuels and industrial processes aligns with Thomas’ ultimate career goals. He wants to make access to energy more widespread and support the country’s clean energy transition, which is what made him apply to the MLEF program. He has been interested in STEM since his third-grade science and math teacher introduced him to the subject (and introduced him to NASA), and he sees the STEM field as a professional path that has the most immediate effects on the world around him. 

Thomas is excited to learn more about government research and gain experience in a National Lab. Outside of his academic pursuits, Thomas enjoys hiking, especially with his family in the Adirondack mountains. He even leads backpacking trips at his university for the First-Year Outdoor Orientation Trips (FOOT) program!

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Chiara Bruzzi is a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is earning her bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering and matriculating in a master’s in materials science engineering. This summer, she is learning about carbon capture at the National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (NETL) site in Pittsburgh. She is studying the capturing properties of different mixtures of calcium oxide with ferric oxide. Carbon capture is one of the most important aspects of FECM’s mission to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Chiara’s project aims to determine the thermodynamic properties of these calcium oxide compounds and test their carbon capture properties to obtain the operational temperature range based on the gas pressure versus temperature.

Entering college, Chiara knew her passion for STEM and desire to focus on climate justice would lead her down the right path. As she completed labs and worked on complex computations and theories, she fell in love with both the grit and creativity needed to excel in a STEM environment. She drives to stay curious and to keep learning, especially in the realm of carbon capture, which is what compelled her to apply for the MLEF program. Chiara’s natural curiosity also compels her to continue pursuing her education, as she plans to complete a PhD after graduating. 

Chiara’s passionate nature extends beyond academia. She has been sailing since she was 6 years old! She even competitively sails at her university. Chiara also enjoys traveling, walking, and spending valuable time with her friends and family. 

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Rumeysa Gurler is a rising fourth year student at California State University, Fullerton, where she is majoring in biochemistry. She completed her MLEF research project at the Idaho National Laboratory where she observed the growth and impact of a microorganism, Haliscomenobaster hydrossis, under expanded mining, refining, and recycling of technology-critical minerals. Critical mineral mining, currently, is unsustainable. The United States is making waves to change this process, but the effects of changing the process are still unknown. Rumeysa’s project focused on observing those effects which is especially important since the microorganism she observed is found in wastewater treatment facilities and can-do harm if it rapidly grows. 

Rumeysa continues to work on finding alternative renewable energy sources on her campus, where she works with a fuel cell that utilizes reduction-oxidation reactions of selected sugars and catalysts. Motivated by her passion for renewable energy, and by her passionate father and high school chemistry teacher, Rumeysa chose to major in biochemistry when she realized research was her strong suit. Having good role models and a good support system helped Rumeysa when she first applied to MLEF in 2023. Her perseverance to apply again paid off when she was accepted this year. She found herself warmly welcomed by her mentor and has continued to be encouraged to push her academic limits.

Rumeysa hopes to pursue a Ph.D. after working in industry once she graduates. She also loves to travel. Whether it be new countries or national parks, you can find Rumeysa on the road. You may also find her on a farm with lots of animals!

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Nathalie Larios Chavez is a recent graduate from California State University, Bakersfield, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental resource management. This summer, she completed a research project at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where she developed an understanding of underground hydrogen storage and hydrogen flow in porous rocks. She characterized rock properties and analyzed pore structures and chemistry of the rock surfaces. She also observed flow experiments to further understand the transport ability of the rock porous media. 

Through her MLEF research experience, Nathalie gained practice in laboratory methods that can help minimize greenhouse gas emissions and provide a sustainable energy source. She also learned about the various policies and regulations that help mitigate emissions. This relates to her future hopes of pursuing a master’s in environmental policy and management. Nathalie hopes to be an advocate for more equitable, sustainable, and innovative practices for environmental protection and conservation, especially in terms of how environmental policy affects minority communities.

Nathalie’s various past opportunities have helped solidify her interest in environmental resource management, such as learning about the negative effects of human development on the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park and working at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge researching the endangered Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew and San Joaquin kit fox. Outside of her academic endeavors, Nathalie enjoys watching movies and TV, specifically The Office, 10 Things I Hate About You, and That 70’s Show.  

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Julius Yoh is a rising senior at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, majoring in chemical engineering. Julius completed his MLEF project at NETL Pittsburgh where he researched existing dispersion models to determine which model would most accurately predict the behavior of carbon dioxide plumes following a pipe rupture. The goal of Julius’ research was to determine the optimal dispersion model – a way to predict heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and chemical reactions occurring in a system – to address accidental carbon dioxide leakages in pipelines. 

Julius’ MLEF project relates to his immediate post-bachelor’s degree goals of working in the carbon capture industry to improve the efficiency of electrochemical systems. He was first enamored with science research after completing a high school project where he researched seawater desalination in an electrodialysis process. Julius’ fascination with chemical engineering combined with a motivating research mentor inspired him to continue his studies in college. When he learned about the MLEF program, he was excited about the learning opportunities available at a national lab and the ability to gain valuable literature review experience. 

Outside of academia, Julius enjoys playing chess, both in person and online! His analytical skills from chess have greatly translated to his research and academic work.

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Majd Awarkeh is a graduate student at Texas A&M University majoring in petroleum engineering. This summer he completed his MLEF project at NETL Morgantown where he evaluated drilling parameters to improve the effectiveness of drilling projects. Majd processed real-time data in MATLAB from a drilled well and analyzed the results. He then configured an optimized version of the drilling project for better drilling efficiency. Improving well-drilling processes is an important part of FECM’s mission of minimizing the environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuels and industrial processes while working towards net-zero emissions.

Majd’s project is connected to his passion for working in the energy field. He understand society is dependent on energy and he believes improving energy efficiency and distribution can improve livelihoods. After gaining more hands-on petroleum engineering experience upon completion of his master’s degree, Majd hopes to come back to the research and education field to expand on his knowledge.

Outside of academia, Majd enjoys hiking and camping. When he isn’t outside, he enjoys flexing his creative skills in drawing.