Each summer, the Energy Hawks internship program at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) brings together talented students from a variety of academic backgrounds to explore North Dakota’s energy landscape firsthand. Through immersive field experiences and collaborative research projects, this year’s cohort tackled some of the state’s most pressing energy challenges with a focus on innovation and community impact.
The Energy Hawks kicked off their summer with a week-long tour of western North Dakota, where they gained valuable insight into the operations, challenges, and opportunities of the state’s energy sector. This immersive experience took them from mine to refinery, wind farm to Capitol—offering a firsthand look at the interconnected systems powering the region.
The group began with a deep dive into coal-based energy, touring the Milton R. Young Station and the Freedom Mine to see how electricity is generated from lignite and the mining operations that support it. A visit to Marathon Refinery added insight into downstream petroleum operations, showing how raw materials are transformed into market-ready fuels. Conversations with industry professionals and a meeting with Senator Dale Patten helped contextualize these operations within the broader energy policy landscape.
Oil and gas exploration and development took center stage midweek. In Watford City and Stanley, the Hawks visited a drilling rig and met with local stakeholders, gaining a deeper understanding for how energy development affects rural economies and communities. The team also toured Neset Consulting and visited the MHA Interpretive Center to better understand the cultural and environmental considerations surrounding energy development on tribal lands. A thoughtful discussion with Senator David Hogue rounded out the day, offering insight into how policy is shaped by both technical and human factors.
Later in the week, attention turned to renewables and regulation. The Hawks visited Verendrye Electric Cooperative and Prairie Wind Farm to explore the role of wind power and distributed electricity in the state’s energy mix. Meetings with the North Dakota Transmission Authority, the Public Service Commission, and the Petroleum Council helped clarify how regulatory bodies, infrastructure planning, and industry advocacy intersect to shape the future of energy production.
The experience concluded with a visit to the North Dakota State Capitol and a discussion with members of the North Dakota Industrial Commission. This final stop tied together everything the Hawks had seen throughout the week, emphasizing how policy decisions made at the state level ripple across every sector from coal and oil to wind and beyond.
Throughout the week, the Energy Hawks were challenged to think critically about the technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions of energy. The trip laid a strong foundation for the innovative final projects they would later present and gave them a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a resilient, forward-thinking energy future.
Back on campus, the Energy Hawks formed interdisciplinary teams to tackle energy-related research projects focused on technological advancement, environmental stewardship, and social impact. Their work reflects the innovative spirit and collaborative ethos at the core of the EERC’s mission.
From Produced Water to Medical-Grade Saline
Sharmin Rahman, Usama Khand, Elias Nkuansambo, Paige Z. Wanner
This team developed a novel process design and feasibility study to convert produced water, a by-product of oil and gas operations, into high-value medical saline. Their proposed process uses advanced separation, filtration, and distillation techniques to address both environmental and supply chain challenges, offering a unique solution for resource reuse.
Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Community Acceptance of Energy Infrastructure Projects in North Dakota
Emmanuel Baidhe, Gloria Antwi-Boasiako, Myles Kroll, Pearl F. Bansah, Wilber Akatuhurira
Recognizing that technological advancement must be matched by public support, this team focused on improving community engagement strategies for energy infrastructure projects. Their work examined communication barriers and proposed innovative outreach techniques designed to build trust and foster understanding between developers and North Dakota communities.
Preliminary Analysis of Compressed Air Energy Storage in North Dakota
Cameron Albers, Cheyenne Douglas, Scott Edmunds, Raja Abubakar Khalid, Steven Vaughn
This project explored the potential for compressed air energy storage in North Dakota, focusing on the integration of this emerging technology into the state’s energy grid. The team reviewed geological assessments, energy efficiency, life cycle analyses, and forecast models using machine learning.
The Energy Hawks program continues to prepare the next generation of energy leaders by combining academic rigor with real-world application. From field tours in the Bakken to presenting their final projects, the 2025 cohort left a lasting impression on industry professionals and policymakers alike. Their insights and passion are helping shape a more innovative, resilient, and community-centered energy future for North Dakota.