Name: Nathalie Chavez; Institution: California State University, Bakersfield; Program: Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program; Education Level: Undergraduate Student
September 12, 2024
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Nathalie Larios Chavez is a recent graduate from California State University, Bakersfield, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental resource management.
During the summer of 2024, she completed a research project at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where she developed an understanding of underground hydrogen storage and hydrogen flow in porous rocks. She characterized rock properties and analyzed pore structures and chemistry of the rock surfaces. She also observed flow experiments to further understand the transport ability of the rock porous media.
The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program allows for students to gain hands-on research and development experience under the mentorship of world-class scientists, researchers, and program managers across several Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) offices and DOE National Laboratories.
Through her MLEF research experience, Nathalie gained practice in laboratory methods that can help minimize greenhouse gas emissions and provide a sustainable energy source. She also learned about the various policies and regulations that help mitigate emissions.
"I have now gained experience in the methods that can help minimize greenhouse gas emissions."
- Nathalie Chavez, Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program Participant
This experience relates to her future hopes of pursuing a master’s in environmental policy and management. Nathalie hopes to be an advocate for more equitable, sustainable, and innovative practices for environmental protection and conservation, especially in terms of how environmental policy affects minority communities.