Explore every episode of the podcast Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we sit down with Joe Miller of BWXT, a global leader in nuclear technology and manufacturing. Joe shares insights from his own career journey and leadership approach, gives an inside look at BWXT’s mission and capabilities, and discusses why the company is exploring Wyoming as the potential site for a new nuclear manufacturing facility. We explore what this opportunity could mean for Wyoming’s workforce, energy future, and role in advancing innovative technologies.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we're diving into the heart of energy, combustion, and novel technology with a pioneer in the field — Dr. Richard Axelbaum. 
 
Dr. Axelbaum is a professor at Washington University in St. Louis and the Director of the Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization. For decades, he’s been at the forefront of combustion science, from studying soot and pollutant formation to developing cutting-edge techniques to carryout combustion with integrated carbon capture. 
 
In today’s conversation, we’ll explore his novel research, what next steps might be, and why he thinks Wyoming might just be the right place to test his most advanced technology, called staged pressurized oxy-combustion. 
 
 For more information on this technology, please visit: https://cccu-wustl.com/ 

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we talk with University of Wyoming energy economics professor Tim Considine about his popular undergraduate course that uses Daniel Yergin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Prize as its foundation. Professor Considine shares how he brings the sweeping history of global energy—spanning wars, markets, and technological revolutions—into the classroom to help students understand today’s energy challenges. We also discuss Professor Considine's research, relevant for Wyoming, and the service roles he has played over the years for the state and the Nation.  For more information, please visit: https://www.uwyo.edu/business/about-us/directory/considine-timothy.html

Academia and industry often operate in distinct ways—especially on energy issues—but building mutually beneficial partnerships can amplify the impact of both. In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we speak with Angela Ver Ploeg, whose role at the University of Wyoming focuses on forging those partnerships. Angela shares how strategic collaborations—with donors, corporations, and energy companies—are essential to advancing research, workforce development, and innovation at UW. From supporting transformative energy initiatives to aligning university expertise with real-world needs, she offers insights into how these joint efforts are helping shape Wyoming’s energy future.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we sit down with Bryan Hassler, a University of Wyoming alumnus whose career spans the public and private sectors of Wyoming’s energy industry. From leading the Wyoming Pipeline Authority and holding key leadership roles in companies like PureWest Energy, Bryan offers a unique perspective on how policy, infrastructure, and market realities intersect. We discuss his time at UW, what he sees as the most pressing energy challenges and opportunities for Wyoming, and how energy issues have kept him busy across decades of service. Whether you’re interested in natural gas, energy policy, or the future of Wyoming’s economy, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we talk with Kristin DiBona, co-founder of Wyonics, about her journey from scientist to entrepreneur and how her company is advancing energy-focused innovation in Wyoming. Kristin shares her background, the mission behind Wyonics, and the challenges and rewards of launching a tech-forward small business in the state. From research to commercialization, she reflects on what it takes to build a startup in the energy sector—and why Wyoming’s collaborative spirit and unique resources make it a promising place to grow.

In this episode of Energy Frontier, we sit down with Doug Stark, former CEO of Farm Credit Services of America and a proud University of Wyoming alumnus. With a distinguished career in agricultural finance and a deep commitment to giving back, Doug shares leadership insights and the strategies he used to keep his organization dynamic and future-focused. He also reflects on how his time at the University of Wyoming shaped his path—and why he now dedicates his time to educating and inspiring the next generation.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we’re joined by Travis Deti, Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association, to explore the vital role mining plays in the state’s economy and energy future. Deti offers insight into the diverse minerals produced in Wyoming—from coal to uranium to rare earth elements—and discusses how policy, innovation, and environmental stewardship are shaping the industry. He also highlights workforce needs and the importance of public understanding in sustaining Wyoming’s mining legacy. It’s a timely conversation on the past, present, and future of a foundational Wyoming industry.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we’re joined by Pete Obermueller, President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, to discuss the current landscape and future outlook of the state’s petroleum industry. Obermueller shares his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Wyoming’s producers, the importance of state and federal policy, and the critical role of energy advocacy. From workforce needs to innovation and regulatory trends, this conversation offers a front-row seat to the issues shaping one of Wyoming’s most important economic sectors—and the people working to ensure its continued success.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we talk with Harper Pollock, an undergraduate student at the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources, about her internship at the Wyoming Governor’s Office during the spring of 2025. Harper shares what it was like to move from the classroom to the heart of state government, offering insights into policymaking, the intersection of energy and legislation, and how her SER education prepared her for real-world impact. Her story highlights the value of experiential learning and the growing role of young professionals in shaping Wyoming’s energy future.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we sit down with Dr. Tim Fischer, Oil and Gas Program Manager at the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER). Fischer brings a wealth of experience from both industry and academia to discuss Wyoming’s energy future, the state’s unique geology, and how SER is preparing students to meet evolving workforce demands. He highlights SER’s hands-on approach to education, including real-world projects and strong industry partnerships, and shares his vision for advancing responsible oil and gas development in the state. It’s a compelling conversation on education, energy, and opportunity in Wyoming.

​In this episode, Professor John Kaszuba, the John and Jane Wold Centennial Chair in Energy and School of Energy Resources faculty member, delves into the state's rich geological features and its abundance of critical minerals, including those that can be found in unexpected places. With over 25 years of experience in geochemistry, Professor Kaszuba highlights his research on fluid-rock interactions and their implications for energy development. He emphasizes his commitment to student success through hands-on research opportunities with companies, national labs and the Wold Foundation that has supported his work. The episode underscores Wyoming's unique position as an ideal location for geological research, offering unparalleled natural laboratories for both students and professionals.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we welcome Nancy McCaskell, president of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), to discuss the evolving role of landmen in today’s energy sector. McCaskell shares insights into how land professionals bridge the gap between industry, landowners, and regulators. We also highlight the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources, which offers one of only ten AAPL-accredited Professional Land Management concentrations nationwide. This program equips students with interdisciplinary skills in law, business, and energy, preparing them for dynamic careers in the field.

In this episode, we talk with Mr. Davin Bagdonas and Dr. Tyler Brown about the growing potential of rare earth elements (REEs) in Wyoming—particularly from unconventional sources like coal byproducts. Davin and Tyler share their expertise on how Wyoming is uniquely positioned to become a leader in domestic REE production, helping to secure critical supply chains for energy and defense technologies. They discuss current research, emerging technologies, and the role of policy in unlocking these resources. Don’t miss this deep dive into an exciting and often overlooked frontier in energy innovation.

There's few places where education and energy are more closely linked than in Wyoming. The state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Megan Degenfelder, joins us to discuss how Wyoming's schools are preparing students for careers in both traditional and emerging energy sectors. Degenfelder addresses the importance of STEM education, vocational training, and aligning curriculum with industry needs. We also delve into how the revenue produced by the state's energy industry funds the education system and how Wyoming is fostering a future generation ready to power our state's economy. Tune in for insights on shaping Wyoming's energy workforce for tomorrow.

Wyoming's energy sector faces unique challenges and opportunities. Matt Fry, Director of the Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, joins us to discuss the regulatory and policy realities impacting our state. We explore the balance between traditional energy industries and emerging technologies, focusing on the practical implications for Wyoming's economy and how the state can be proactive. Mr. Fry provides insights into the current regulatory environment, the potential role of technologies like carbon capture, and the need for pragmatic energy solutions. We address the importance of maintaining Wyoming's energy dominance while navigating evolving policies and the reality of exporting energy to other states. Tune in for a grounded perspective on Wyoming's energy future.

Join us as we explore the intersection of cutting-edge technology and academic leadership with Dr. Dimitrios Papavassiliou from the University of Oklahoma. In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we unpack the role of computational modeling in solving complex energy challenges, from optimizing resource extraction to developing sustainable solutions. Dr. Papavassiliou also shares his experiences navigating the unique leadership demands of heading an academic department at a university and what leadership lessons we can all learn from it.

How does federal environmental policy shape energy projects in Wyoming? Join us as we speak with Temple Stoellinger, an expert in NEPA from the University of Wyoming, about the intricacies of the National Environmental Policy Act. Learn how NEPA's regulations influence everything from oil and gas development to renewable energy initiatives on the Wyoming landscape.

Wyoming's wind energy potential is unsurpassed. How much of that potential will ultimately be developed remains to be seen. On this episode, we sit down with UW Mechanical Engineering professors Jonathan Naughton and Michael Stoellinger, co-directors of the Wind Energy Research Center, to discuss the true potential of Wyoming's abundant wind resources, as well as the economic development opportunities, technological advancements, and the challenges that still need to be addressed.  Join us as we uncover the facts and explore the exciting opportunities that wind energy presents for the Cowboy State.

From coal mines to rare earths to a cutting-edge nuclear reactor, Wyoming has a rich energy history (and future). On this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, Dr. Holly Krutka sits down with Rita Meyer, a long-time Wyoming resident with a front-row seat to this evolution. They discuss Rita's remarkable career, her insights on the state's diverse energy landscape, and why Wyoming's unique blend of resources, expertise, and supportive environment makes it a prime location for energy innovation – including the exciting potential of nuclear power and her involvement with TerraPower's Natrium power plant under construction today. They also discuss Ms. Meyer's leadership approach, developed from her life in the military, public service and the energy sector. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the past, present, and future of energy in The Equality State.

This episode explores the cutting-edge world of coal-derived asphalt with experts Trina Pfeiffer, Director of the UW School of Energy Resources, Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion, and Dr. Jeramie Adams, Vice President at Western Research Institute. Discover how Wyoming, a state rich in coal resources, is leading the charge in developing sustainable and high-performance asphalt for our roads and infrastructure. Learn about the innovative processes, environmental benefits, economic potential, and collaborative research and development process underpinning this groundbreaking technology. 

Despite some recent increases, Wyoming continues to have low cost electricity compared to national averages – even as the state weighs different energy sources and innovative options like nuclear energy and carbon capture and storage. The current Chairman of the Wyoming Public Service Commission, Mary Throne, talks about her journey to serve on the Commission, how the Commission functions, and why she thinks Wyoming is the right place for energy innovation.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and other forms of digital innovation have become buzzwords, but these increasingly common terms underly powerful technologies that can be applied to the energy sector. In this episode, Dr. Krutka sits down with Dr. Soheil Saraji, the director of the newest center of excellence at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources – the center for Subsurface Energy and Digital Innovation, to discuss how these technologies work, why they might be useful to Wyoming’s energy sector, and what opportunities may await students entering this field of study.

As the least populated state in the nation, and a place where outdoor recreation is a way of life, Wyomingites deeply value wild lands and wildlife. Balancing energy production with Wyoming’s respect for the natural world requires diverse stakeholders to work together to find balance. Perhaps no organization is more emblematic of such collaboration than the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, led by executive director Bob Budd. Mr. Budd sits down with Dr. Krutka to talk about the Trust, the sage-grouse implementation team (SIGT), how industry, state and federal stakeholders, conservation groups have successfully increased habitat for this important bird, and how Wyoming’s process might be a model for protecting wildlife habitat in the west and beyond.

It is often said that nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance and Wyoming has the opportunity to play a significant role in several different areas of this dynamic industry. The Equality State’s first nuclear energy power plant is TerraPower’s NatriumTM demonstration facility, which is under construction in Kemmerer. Wyoming has the opportunity to leverage this first-of-a-kind plant to grow its nuclear energy sector to create jobs and economic development. In this episode, Dr. Krutka interviews Jeff Navin, TerraPower’s Director of External Affairs, to discuss the many factors driving a resurgence in nuclear energy in Wyoming, the Nation, and the world – and to talk about the reason Wyoming was selected as the first host site.

Like most energy states, Wyoming has stranded infrastructure due to the boom and busts associated with energy production, including in the Powder River Basin where a coal bed methane industry has been decimated by a decade of low natural gas prices. An original UW School of Energy Resources center of excellence, the Center for Biogenic Natural Gas Research, was created to find ways to leverage that stranded infrastructure. Led by Dr. Michael Urynowicz, the Center invented a way to use the microorganisms in deep coal seams to create new, renewable gas using agricultural waste. That technology is being commercialized by a spin-off company called Cowboy Clean Fuels, led by CEO Ryan Waddington. Cowboy Clean Fuels has big aspirations and could change the fate of stranded infrastructure while creating new Wyoming energy products. In this episode, Dr. Krutka sits down with Dr. Urynowicz and Mr. Waddington to talk about science, technology, and commercialization.

Eli Ellis is a researcher at the Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion at the School of Energy Resources. In this episode, Dr. Krutka and Mr. Ellis discuss his time as a student studying mechanical engineering at the University of Wyoming, why he wanted to stay in his home state of Wyoming, and why he is choosing to spend his early career as part of an SER team researching technologies that consume Wyoming coal for non-energy uses. Mr. Ellis specifically discusses his work on a process called 'pyrolysis' that generates a char used for a variety of novel products.

Cindy Crane is the CEO of PacifiCorp and the Chairwoman of SER’s governance board, the Energy Resources Council. In this episode, Dr. Krutka and Ms. Crane discuss her long and distinguished career in the electricity sector, the future of the utility sector, her time on the Energy Resources Council, and her approach to leadership.

Like other energy sources, Wyoming exports most of the electricity it produces into complicated electricity markets. Todd Snitchler is a nationally recognized expert on electricity issues, especially wholesale electricity markets, and joins the podcast to shed light on Wyoming's electricity consumers and markets generally. As the CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association, he represents companies that own competitive power generation assets and advocates for policies that focus on achieving and maintaining well-functioning and properly regulated competitive wholesale electricity markets. In this episode, Todd and Dr. Krutka discuss his interesting career and views on current challenges to the Nation's electricity grid, especially reliability issues.

Professor Todd Allen is the Chair of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan. After serving in the Navy, he earned a PhD in nuclear engineering and has spent his career working on issues related to the nuclear industry. In this episode, Dr. Allen and Dr. Krutka discuss his career, the important role of national labs, the development of advanced nuclear reactors, and his dedication to ensuring that the national and international discussion of nuclear energy includes voices far more diverse than just nuclear engineers.

Rob Creager is the Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, an entitiy with a mission is to advocate, facilitate, and advance Wyoming's energy economy. In an all-of-the above state, WEA covers the entire energy spectrum, including all sources of generation and extraction, distribution through transmission lines, pipelines and export facilities, as well as end use and consumption. In this episode, Mr. Creager and Dr. Krutka discuss WEA's porfolio of responsibilities, actions being taken, collaboration between WEA and SER, and Mr. Creager's own drive to remain in Wyoming and build a career helping the largest industry in his home state. 

Jeff Merrifield is an attorney and partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, a law firm focusing on the technology and life sciences, energy, financial, real estate, and construction sectors. Jeff is a former Commissioner of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and leads the energy section at Pillsbury Wintrhop Shaw Pittman. He is widely recognized as an international thought leader on nuclear energy. In this episode, Dr. Krutka asks him about different types of nuclear energy, where the industry is going and the role Wyoming can and should play in this sector.

Representative Don Burkhart represented Wyoming House District 15 from 2011 through 2024. He has also served the state in various capacities, including serving as a member of the Energy Resources Council. His career included several different roles related to the nuclear sector. When Wyoming's first large-scale nuclear power plant was announced, Representative Burkhart's fellow legislators relied on his expertise and leadership to guide the state in key decisions. In this episode, Dr. Krutka asks Representative Burkhart about his time in the legislature, his perspective on the role nuclear energy can play in an energy state like Wyoming, and why he has chosen to give back through service. 

This episode features Austin Moon, a recent graduate of the School of Energy Resources, and Randall Violett, the inaugural director over the Energy and Environmental Systems concentration in SER's Energy Resource Management and Development undergraduate degree. The guests discuss the curriculum for this educational concentration as well as the career opportunities available to environmental scientists and consultants. 

Wyoming is an oil and gas producing state with a significant proportion of Wyoming’s oil coming from enhanced oil recovery using injection of carbon dioxide and other improvement techniques. Dr. Reza Barati is an expert on techniques for enhanced oil recovery and today serves as the Don W. Green Professor of Petroleum Engineering and the Director of the Tertiary Oil Recovery Program at the University of Kansas. Previously Professor Barati was at Wyoming’s own Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute and joins the podcast to speak about technology and opportunities for Wyoming. 

Christi Barry is a University of Wyoming alum who studied geology for her undergraduate degree and then continued her graduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she studied volcanic and tectonic activity in the region. Ms. Barry has now devoted much of her career to the development of a proposed spent nuclear fuel repository at Yucca Mountain. On the podcast, she discusses her time at UW, how her education prepared her for her career, and how her professional background has shaped her perspective on nuclear energy and the importance of transparency and public outreach on challenging energy projects.

As a top natural gas producing state, Wyoming has led in collaboration between academia, industry, and government to identify new ways to detect and curb methane emissions. Success in reducing methane emissions has changed Wyoming's natural gas production and has allowed production to continue despite mounting regulatory requirements on greenhouse gas emissions. This episode features Dr. Shane Murphy, the Director of the Center of Excellence in Air Quality at the UW School of Energy Resources and a professor in the Atmospheric Sciences department in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Dr. Murphy talks about collaboration, technology, and how Wyoming's energy industry partners surprised him. 

The development of oil and natural gas results in large amounts of produced water. Wyoming is identifying ways to treat, reuse, and benefit from water produced from oil and natural gas development. This episode features Dr. Jonathan Brant, Director of the Center of Excellence in Produced Water Management at the UW School of Energy Resources. Professor Brant shares the many ways collaboration with others is helping advance water treatment technologies in Wyoming and beyond.

Kara Choquette is the Director of Communications and Government Relations for Power Company of Wyoming, a wholly owned affiliate of The Anschutz Corporation, who has been dedicated to the development of the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project in Carbon County, Wyoming, for many years. This episode features a discussion about the challenges faced and opportunities presented by this project along with the TransWest Express Transmission Project.

Elected in November 2018, Mark Gordon is Wyoming's 33rd and current Governor. During his tenure, he has actively engaged in all aspects of the issues facing Wyoming's energy sector. In this episode, Governor Gordon and Dr. Krutka discuss the opportunities and challenges Wyoming faces as an energy producing state.

Grant funding opportunities and loan applications from the U.S. Department of Energy now require the submittal of a Community Benefits Plan to "help ensure broadly shared prosperity in the clean energy transition". This episode features Madeleine Lewis and Selena Gerace who have been instrumental in the School of Energy Resources' efforts to prepare CBPs and implement them upon successful award. Specifically, the guests discuss the development of the CPB Toolbox, which is available to assist stakeholders in responding to federal grant opportunities.

CBP Toolbox: https://www.uwyo.edu/ser/research/centers-of-excellence/energy-regulation-policy/cbp-toolkit.html

As a top energy-producing state with abundant wildlife, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department often plays an integral role in ensuring wildlife and habitat protection in areas where energy development occurs. In this episode, Angi Bruce, the new director of Wyoming Game and Fish, discusses how a collaborative partnership between federal entities, Wyoming elected and appointed officials, the energy sector, landowners, and the public allows the state to remain a wildlife haven into the future. 

As a top oil and natural gas producing state, Wyoming is identifying ways to improve enhanced oil recovery to minimize stranded, unproduced oil and gas in Wyoming fields. Today's guest, Steve Whitaker, a Senior Petroleum Geologist with the Wyoming Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute (EORI), discusses current projects and techniques in enhanced oil recovery and how these efforts can help maintain a strong oil and gas industry in Wyoming.

While coal production has declined from its peak in 2008 by around half, Gillette remains America's Energy Capital and has many opportunities ahead of it with a strong and highly trained workforce, incredible natural resources, and exceptional infrastructure. For these reasons, the School of Energy Resources has a number of projects in the area focused on emerging technologies to leverage Northeast Wyoming's strengths. In this episode, Dr. Krutka is joined by Rusty Bell, a long-time economic development leader in Gillette, who is now the Director of the Office of Economic Transformation.

In this episode, Dr. Holly Krutka is joined by Skip York, founder of DSC Advising, to examine the intersection between energy and economics. Dr. York provides a holistic evaluation of current investments in the global energy sector and discusses whether they are sufficient to meet both environmental commitments and the growing energy demand. 

In this episode, Dr. Krutka discusses SER's professional landman program and its student club, SCER. The guests describe how the industry interacts with SER students and how that elevates their experience while preparing them for their careers.

In this episode, Dr. Krutka is joined by Dr. Sallie Greenberg, an environmental geosciences expert who bridges the gap between rock-solid science, policy, and communication. Sallie and Holly discuss how science, sustainability, and society interact and how embracing this combination can enable greater innovations and results in the carbon management sphere.

This episode focuses on SER's Professional Landman Program, the importance of professional development, and the uniqueness of SER's AAPL program.

Wyoming is home to a wealth of natural resources, including large reservoirs of oil and natural gas, vast reserves of coal and uranium, and the largest deposit of trona in the world. The Wyoming State Geological Survey performs many functions to research and monitor the State's geology so we can better understand and develop these resources. This episode features Erin Campbell, the Wyoming State Geologist, who oversees the Wyoming State Geological Survey.

This episode focuses on Wyoming's efforts to identify ways to improve enhanced oil recovery to minimize stranded, unproduced oil and gas from fields in Wyoming.