Through immersive field experiences and collaborative research projects, this year’s Energy Hawks Interns tackled some of the state’s most pressing energy challenges with a focus on innovation and community impact.
Category: Our People
Meet the 2025 Energy Hawks
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.
EERC Recognized for Outstanding Support of Breastfeeding Employees
The EERC is proud to announce that it has been recognized by the Greater Grand Forks Breastfeeding Coalition and Grand Forks Public Health for its outstanding efforts in supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace.
EERC Concludes Another Year Supporting the NRM Backpack Program
Since 2018, the EERC has proudly partnered with Northlands Rescue Mission’s Backpack Program to fight food insecurity among children in our community.
Celebrating the 2024 Core Value Award Recipients
Each year, the EERC recognizes five employees who exemplify our core values: Be Safe, Be Ethical, Be Engaged, Be Effective, and Be Professional. These individuals go above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!
EERC Welcomes New Employees
Over the 6 past months, 9 new employees have joined our team. We are happy to welcome them to the EERC! Chenyu Wu Reservoir Engineer Cole Stenseth Budget Analyst Creighton Brown Senior Outreach and Community Benefits Specialist Elise Ellis Principal Accountant Jaron Capps Data Visualization Specialist Hayden Yates Geospatial Solutions Specialist Kripa Thapa Geospatial Solutions… Continue reading EERC Welcomes New Employees
Science, Community, and the Spirit of the Season
An expansive seismic survey is currently underway in McLean County, spanning an impressive 232 square miles. This geophysical endeavor aims to unlock the secrets of the subsurface rock layers more than a mile below ground. But beneath the scientific objectives lies an equally compelling story of community support and connection.
Lignite Energy Council Recognizes Tom Erickson for Outstanding Contributions to Research and Development
The LEC awarded Tom Erickson, the EERC’s COO and VP for Intellectual Property, with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award for Research and Development. This honor was presented at the Council’s annual meeting held on October 3 at the Bismarck Event Center, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate advancements and achievements in lignite energy.
Dr. Lynn Helms Named 2024 Energy Champion
Lynn Helms, former Director of North Dakota’s DMR, was named EERC's 2024 Energy Champion for his extraordinary personal commitment to energy and environmental research and development.
Summer Connect 2024: Embracing Strengths and Strategic Vision
The EERC recently hosted its 3rd annual Summer Connect, a highly anticipated event that brought together staff from across the organization for a series of insightful sessions, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities.

