UWs Northam Recognized for Outstanding International Service

Mark Northam, University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) executive director, has been recognized for outstanding international service to UW and the state.

Each year, the UW International Board of Advisors and the International Programs Office recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to internationalization and the promotion of global awareness at the university.

Northam, originally from Virginia, has traveled throughout the world. He worked many years for Mobil Oil and Saudi Aramco. He lived in Stavanger, Norway, for five years and, during that time, he assisted Mobil with replacing a largely expat workforce with local residents.

Living in different countries and engaging with international colleagues taught him the importance of culturally diverse experiences. Northam says he brought these experiences to UW.

“I have promoted relationships with universities, companies and government agencies in Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, Japan and India,” Northam says. “I have traveled with two Wyoming governors and many legislators to establish relationships.”

SER’s mission is to promote the development of the human resources and know-how required to solve critical energy challenges faced by society. SER promotes the talent and resources at UW that allow for interdisciplinary academic, research and outreach programs in engineering, science, economic and environmental policy. These efforts help Wyoming fulfill its promise to be a global leader in building a secure and sustainable energy future.

Northam believes that engaging with international partners and sharing ideas are key to Wyoming’s energy sustainability -- in effect, bringing the world to UW and Wyoming. Through his collaborations overseas, UW faculty, staff and students have had invaluable opportunities to work with other leaders in this field from diverse perspectives and corners of the globe.

“Under his leadership, the School of Energy Resources hosted and led the seventh Plenary Meeting of the International Standards Organization Technical Committee by bringing the international delegation to Laramie for a week of meetings,” says Steven Carpenter, Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute director. “In bringing the world to Laramie, Northam brought approximately 100 delegates from more than a dozen countries and international nongovernmental organizations to Laramie for a week.” Delegates from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States were all in attendance at the plenary meeting.

Northam’s commitment to global collaborations and service has established UW’s leadership and research excellence in this area on an international level.

“In bringing world leaders in standards development together at this meeting, Northam successfully expanded UW’s international opportunities for faculty, staff and students and established UW’s standing in this field,” Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says.

“Based on the good work in Laramie, the Technical Committee continues to advance its work, which was instrumental in setting the stage for great work just completed in Sapporo, Japan,” says Sandra Locke, Government of Alberta Climate Change Office assistant deputy minister.

Northam’s work has gained UW global recognition for energy resources and work with carbon dioxide capture, transportation and geological storage.

“Mark Northam is truly a deserving recipient of the International Service Award, the most prestigious award we offer,” says Mary Katherine Scott, acting director of the UW International Programs Office. “Without his leadership, UW would not be where it is today in its internationalization efforts for advanced research and sustainability of our state’s energy resources.”

UW President Laurie Nichols echoes Scott’s assessment.

“Dr. Northam is one of the university’s premier leaders in international engagement for the benefit of UW and the state,” Nichols says. “His efforts are helping assure a future for Wyoming’s key industries, which are part of international markets he understands deeply because of his career experiences.”