Powering the future: How Mississippi State University Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering is shaping the next generation of petroleum engineers

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Through collaborative initiative and hands-on student projects, Mississippi State’s petroleum engineering program is preparing the next generation of engineers to tackle the critical challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, it's crucial that we equip our students with the knowledge and skills to play a leading role," said Maryam Mirabolghasemi, Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering. "Our department is uniquely positioned to leverage our expertise in subsurface operations and fluid dynamics to advance carbon capture and utilization technologies."

The program’s efforts include integrating carbon capture projects into its freshman-level courses, where students design experiments to convert captured CO2 into solid carbonate materials for construction. Additionally, the program, a part of the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering in the Bagley College of Engineering, explores the potential of Mississippi's geology for large-scale CO2 storage, building on the state's existing infrastructure for CO2 pipelines.

"We see this as a tremendous opportunity for Mississippi to become a hub for carbon management solutions," said Mohammad Heshmati, an Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering. "By engaging our students in these cutting-edge projects, we prepare them for career paths beyond traditional oil and gas."