Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
CCUS-STRP Project
Southwest CCUS Training and Research Partnership (CCUS-STRP)
Advancing Clean Energy Research and Diversity in STEM
The CCUS-STRP is an initiative by New Mexico Tech aimed at developing a university training and research consortium for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). We focus on providing hands-on research opportunities, internships, and training for students from underrepresented backgrounds, in collaboration with minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and industry partners.
Overview:
The Southwest CCUS Training and Research Partnership (CCUS-STRP) aims to bridge the gap between underrepresented students and the clean energy industry by offering research opportunities in carbon capture, storage, and utilization. In collaboration with industry leaders and research institutions like LANL, our program provides immersive research experiences, helping prepare students for future careers in STEM.
Key Objectives:
- Build partnerships between research facilities and MSIs.
- Provide hands-on research and internship experiences.
- Develop expertise in CCUS technologies.
- Promote diversity and inclusion in the energy sector.
Visiting Scholars Program:
Our Visiting Scholars Program is a 10-week summer internship for 30 undergraduate students from partner MSIs. Students will engage in advanced research, develop new skills, and contribute to cutting-edge CCUS projects.
Key Focus Areas:
- CO2 injection and seismicity mitigation.
- Reservoir rock chemo-mechanical alteration.
- Machine learning for risk assessment.
- CO2 capture and storage modeling.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student at a partner MSI.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
- Available for full-time participation during the 10-week summer program.
Collaborating Institutions:
The CCUS-STRP works with a network of minority-serving institutions to provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Our partners include:
- Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (TCCU)
- Southeast New Mexico College (HSI)
- San Juan College (NASNTI)
- Prairie View A&M University (HBCU)
- New Mexico State University (HSI)
Our Research Focuses On:
- Scaling Criteria for CO2 Injection: Preventing seismicity with advanced modeling and laboratory experiments.
- CO2-Induced Rock Alteration: Investigating the chemical and mechanical changes in reservoir rocks.
- Risk Assessment Using Machine Learning: Developing models to predict potential risks at CCUS sites.
- CO2 Trapping Mechanisms: Understanding how CO2 is securely stored underground.
Integrated CO2 Capture, Transport, and Storage Modeling: Optimizing CCUS infrastructure for safe and efficient operation.
Benefits of Participation:
- Stipend: $750/week for undergraduate students and $850/week for graduate students.
- Housing: On-campus housing or a $200/week housing stipend for off-campus living.
- Mentorship: Students will receive multi-tiered mentorship, including primary advisors and peer mentors.
- Professional Development: Attend the CCUS-STRP Research Symposium, present your research, and collaborate with industry experts.
How to Apply:
Interested students can apply by submitting their application online. You’ll need to provide the following:
- Completed application form.
- Current transcript.
- CV/Resume.
- Two recommendation letters.
Application Deadline:
November 15, 2024