A Tale of Learning, Growth, and Recognition

A year ago, I faced a tough decision: whether to pursue my master's in Energy, Earth, and Resources at Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin , leaving behind a secure job and promising career growth as a young professional. The idea of returning to student life and starting anew was daunting, especially with the responsibilities of being a 28-year-old adult with family commitments. However, my unwavering passion for learning drove me to take the risk. Today, I am grateful for that choice and for the people who helped me make it.

A few months ago, I was selected for the 2024 IEAGHG 16th International CCS Summer School in Darwin, Australia. Some questioned the worth of traveling from the US for this event, considering the many available conferences within the US. However, being an active participant is different from merely observing. Out of over 200 applicants, being chosen as one of the 45 students and young professionals worldwide, all dedicated to CCS and reducing GHG emissions, was an honor. Participating in the Summer School was a transformative experience. The event was intense, with sessions from 9 am to 9 pm for five days, packed with lectures, valuable information, learning opportunities, and group work that far exceeded classroom experiences. We explored technology, economics, policy, and the global direction of the energy market, particularly the CCS world. It was well worth the journey from the US to Australia. As Ibn Battuta said, “Traveling: it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” I wholeheartedly agree.

Working with a dynamic team over those five nights was exhausting but rewarding. Our topic, "Will CCS be required as part of a sustainable, low-carbon hydrogen economy?" was challenging, but the diverse team and supportive mentors made it manageable. I had no clue about the topic at the beginning, but by the end, I learned a lot about hydrogen. And the notion we proposed was CCSYes. We are no experts, but the teamwork was one of the best I've experienced. Thank you to my team members Paul Bridger , Noventino Fernandes , Mirla Nazaryeta Verdial Da Silva Guterres , Beata Lysiak , Sergio Sammarchi , Arijit Upadhyay , Vincent Woon Kok Sin , and Alison Troup . Special thanks to Linda Stalker and Paul Freeman for steering the boat, and Patrick Hartley for the 101 crash course on hydrogen.

A significant moment for me during this trip was a session with Meg Alexander, which led to personal reflection on CCS and my motivations. It reaffirmed my mission to pioneer technological advancements and contribute to breakthroughs in the field. I want to continue learning, spreading my wings, sharing my knowledge, and keeping the momentum going. I am sending this message to the universe and believe I will walk the path. "Focus on your path, and recognition will come your way." I felt my journey, which started in 2021 as an obsession that became a passion, was recognized when I was awarded the Most Outstanding Student Award at the end of the event, along with fellow participant Dillon Ramsook . I accept the award with the utmost honor. Honestly, all the participants I met are extraordinary. The positive feedback from mentors and peers, who saw my potential, was incredibly validating. I also realized that there are no failures, only stepping stones on the journey to success. As a movie quote suggests, "Be excellent, put your heart and soul into what you do, and success shall chase you." I traveled miles to Darwin, Australia, to be recognized, and it was worth the journey.

Reflecting on the past year, I owe my progress to Sue Hovorka , Alex Bump , Katherine Romanak , and the Gulf Coast Carbon Center . The learning they provided has been instrumental in my growth. I didn't realize how much I had learned until I had to put it to work, apply it, relate, and upgrade it. I am satisfied that I am on the right path, despite the ups and downs and more work to be done. A special thanks to Dr Fred Beach, Ph.D. , and the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin for their support, which enabled me to participate in this event. Without the school and faculty, it would have been almost impossible to make this trip across the globe. I am a proud Longhorn for sure. Thank you, IEAGHG , Tim Dixon , Samantha Neades , Julie Hood , and the organizing committee, for this incredible opportunity. The people, experiences, respect for First Nations people, and the country from this journey will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you to the organizing team, speakers, mentors, participants, and sponsors who made the event a success and provided five memorable days.