Published September 05, 2023
By Christine Reed
Recent University of Wyoming graduate William Lawler is the latest addition to the School of Energy Resources’ (SER) Hydrogen Energy Research Center (H2ERC) as a research scientist.
Lawler will be conducting water filtration lab work for the research team, supplying valuable data for evaluation, and contributing to the techno-economic analyses being carried out in the Center.
Completing his Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree in Chemical Engineering in spring 2023, Lawler’s promotion to a permanent position at H2ERC is the result of part-time work he conducted for the Center during his undergraduate education.
It is another example of the SER’s ability to retain top UW graduates in the state working on energy challenges, says H2ERC Director Eugene Holubnyak.
“H2ERC seeks to hire the best the workforce has to offer,” he says. “When the best comes from our own University of Wyoming – as in Will’s case – that is even better. Graduates like Will would succeed wherever they go, but gaining their insight and contributions for developing Wyoming’s hydrogen infrastructure brings immediate benefits back to the state.”
Originally from Marysville, Washington, Lawler completed an associate’s degree in Arts & Science at Everett Community College before coming east. He was drawn to Wyoming to complete his education by the reputation of the university and the recreational activities, scenic landscapes, and quality of life afforded by the state. During his degree, he cultivated an interest in hydrogen energy in particular for its potential as a novel, up-and-coming energy source that is exciting, innovative, and clean.
“I am really excited to stay in the state and contribute to cutting-edge research that is going to play an important role in the future energy mix,” says Lawler. “I am also really grateful to be part of such an amazing group of colleagues. One thing I’ve notice right off the bat is that the work culture here is phenomenal. The environment here is very relaxed and everyone is so receptive to questions and eager to provide continued mentorship and opportunity growth.”
Lawler’s fellow researchers also note that he is making substantial contributions to their goals by bringing a new perspective and skillset.
“Will’s engineering knowledge adds to the topics our geologists know well and allows us to do more applied work at H2ERC,” says Research Scientist Charles Nye. “He is essential to our recent techno-economic analyses and has coupled process engineering with changes in geology to find the overall best solution when we are confronted with a trade-off. Will’s work determining scale and location for our projects has allowed us to value factors we previously did not consider. I am glad he has joined our team.”
