Established in 2018, the Energy Hawks is a group of graduate and undergraduate students from a wide range of disciplines focused on adding value to North Dakota’s energy industry through a broad range of concepts. Through research, interviews, and extensive travel in North Dakota, these students study the opportunities and challenges of the energy industry and develop initiatives for further research and consideration. We’re pleased to introduce the 2025 Energy Hawks!
Raja Abubakar Khalid
Raja is originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and currently works as a building manager at the Memorial Union while also serving as a graduate teaching assistant. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from UND. Raja is eager to learn about the energy landscape of North Dakota directly from EERC engineers and staff. He looks forward to exploring real-world energy challenges and contributing to sustainable solutions. Through this internship, he hopes to gain experience working on a multidisciplinary team and to strengthen his skills in applied research, technical writing, and collaborative problem-solving. In his free time, Raja enjoys playing cricket and taking walks along the riverside.
Usama Ahmed Khand
Usama is from Hyderabad, Pakistan, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering at UND. He previously worked as a graduate research assistant at UND. Usama is most looking forward to working on real-world energy projects through this internship, gaining hands-on experience that aligns with his research interests in sustainable and efficient energy solutions. He hopes to apply his academic knowledge to practical challenges, enhance his technical and analytical skills, and collaborate with industry professionals. Passionate about innovation in energy technologies, Usama is committed to contributing meaningfully to sustainable energy research. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym, esports, reading, and playing 8-ball pool.
Wilber Akatuhurira
Wilber is from Kampala, Uganda, and currently works as a research assistant at North Dakota State University (NDSU). He is pursuing a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering at NDSU. Wilber is most looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in sustainable energy solutions through the Energy Hawks internship. He aims to enhance his skills in energy management and data analysis, build a strong professional network in the energy sector, and apply his agricultural engineering background to create innovative strategies that promote energy efficiency and sustainability. In his free time, Wilber enjoys evening jogging, playing soccer, and connecting with friends.
Cameron Albers
Cameron Albers is from Center, North Dakota, and previously worked as an environmental intern at the Freedom Mine. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Political Science at Gonzaga University. Cameron is excited to explore the North Dakota energy sector through the Energy Hawks internship and hopes to apply what she learns to both her academic studies and future career. She looks forward to gaining valuable insights and hands-on knowledge about the state’s energy landscape that goes beyond what can be taught in a classroom. In her spare time, Cameron enjoys baking and reading.
Gloria Antwi-Boasiako
Gloria is originally from Goaso, Ghana, and currently serves as a graduate teaching assistant at UND. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Gloria is now pursuing a second master’s degree in Mathematics at UND. She is excited about the opportunity to apply her background in mathematics and finance to real-world energy challenges. Through this internship, she looks forward to contributing to energy projects at the EERC, gaining hands-on experience in energy efficiency and sustainability, and learning from professionals in the field. Gloria hopes to deepen her understanding of how data informs decision-making in the energy sector and to build skills that will support a long-term career in energy. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano and trumpet, watching movies, and solving math and logic puzzles.
Emmanuel Baidhe
Emmanuel is from Fargo, North Dakota, and brings a wide range of professional experience, including roles as a part-time lecturer, research and development lead, project administrator, acting human resources officer, and research assistant. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Makerere University in Uganda. Emmanuel is passionate about leveraging multidisciplinary approaches to advance energy discussions and support the development of sustainable energy solutions. During his time with the EERC, he hopes to deepen his expertise in energy and foster professional growth in preparation for future career opportunities. In his free time, Emmanuel enjoys organizing events, mentoring others, and attending workshops to expand his knowledge and network.
Pearl Bansah
Pearl is originally from Ghana and previously served as a lecturer at Evangelical Presbyterian University College, where she taught undergraduate courses in Marketing and Management before taking study leave to pursue further academic advancement. She holds a Ph.D. in Management from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from Wisconsin International University College. She is currently pursuing a second Ph.D. in Instructional Design Technology at UND. Pearl is most looking forward to applying her academic expertise in a real-world setting through this internship, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability efforts, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and gaining hands-on experience with energy assessments. Through this experience, she hopes to strengthen both her technical and communication skills and explore how research, technology, and community engagement can work together to create measurable impacts in the energy sector. In her free time, Pearl enjoys reading, journaling, listening to leadership and motivational interviews, and watching nonfiction films that focus on resilience and real-life impact.
Cheyenne Douglas
Cheyenne is from Minot, North Dakota, and is majoring in Computer Science at Minot State University. She previously worked as a server at Badlands and is excited to bring her academic background into a real-world setting. Cheyenne is most looking forward to making professional connections and applying what she’s learned in school to collaborate on environmental projects. Through the Energy Hawks internship, she hopes to gain experience in how the energy industry operates, develop her teamwork skills, and see firsthand how interdisciplinary collaboration can shape project outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, walking her dogs, playing her Switch, and traveling.
Scott Edmunds
Scott is from Orem, Utah, and has prior experience as a program manager for University of Utah family housing and an accounting manager at WestPro. He holds an associate’s degree in Business Management from Utah Valley University and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Scott is excited to learn as much as possible about the energy industry, particularly during the week-long field experience in June. He hopes to gain a strong foundational understanding of the current state of the energy industry in both North Dakota and the broader United States along with insights into research and career paths available to mechanical engineers. In his free time, he enjoys strategy games, board games, video games, and reading. Scott is ecstatic about being an Energy Hawk and looks forward to working with the EERC and his fellow interns.
Myles Kroll
Myles is from Grand Forks, North Dakota. As an aspiring doctoral student, Myles is looking forward to exploring the world of corporate research through the Energy Hawks internship. He’s especially interested in seeing how corporate research is conducted and whether it aligns with his long-term academic and career goals. Outside of his professional interests, Myles enjoys taking long drives and playing Magic: The Gathering.
Elias Nkuansambo
Elias is a graduate assistant from Grand Forks, North Dakota. He is pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Economics and Predictive Analytics at UND. Elias looks forward to collaborating with colleagues and visiting field sites to better understand the practical aspects of energy-related work. Through this experience, he hopes to gain a broader knowledge of North Dakota’s energy landscape, allowing him to engage in meaningful conversations about the state’s economic development and the future of energy. Outside of academics, Elias enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and playing cards.
Sharmin Rhaman
Sharmin is originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is currently working as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of English at UND, where she is also pursuing her Ph.D. in Education, Health, and Behavior Studies with a concentration on higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bangladesh and a Master of Arts in English from UND. Sharmin is especially excited about gaining hands-on research experience and visiting field sites to deepen her understanding of the energy sector. Through this experience, she hopes to gain a clear perspective on how the industry operates and insight into the outcomes of the research projects she contributes to. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, watching series, and engaging in deep conversations about topics she’s unfamiliar with.
Steven Vaughn
Steven is from Grand Forks, North Dakota, and previously worked as a kennel technician. He is pursuing a Master of Science in Energy Engineering from UND. Through the Energy Hawks internship, Steven is looking forward to learning more about the current energy landscape in North Dakota and gaining practical experience in the field. He hopes to apply this experience to both his continued education and future career in the energy industry. In his free time, Steven enjoys reading and writing.
Paige Zoe Wanner
Zoe is from Bismarck, North Dakota. She has completed 50 hours of research through Bismarck State College and is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree. Zoe is excited about the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge through the Energy Hawks internship. She hopes to learn as much as possible while building meaningful connections with others in the energy field. In her free time, Zoe enjoys painting and reading.