Climate change, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity are serious challenges that threaten the balance of our planet. While these issues are complex, I believe real progress begins within the industries that use the most natural resources. As an Energy Management student, my goal is to help guide the energy sector toward more responsible and sustainable practices that benefit both people and the environment. One major area I hope to improve is how the oil and gas industry uses surface water. Many traditional operations rely heavily on fresh water for drilling and completions. In a time when water scarcity is affecting communities and ecosystems, this approach is no longer acceptable. I believe in supporting the reuse of surface water through treatment and recycling. Closed loop systems that store, clean, and reuse water on site can reduce the need for fresh water and prevent harmful runoff. This protects local streams, soil, and wildlife while allowing energy development to continue in a more responsible way. In my future career, I plan to work closely with geologists to make better environmental decisions. Geologists study what is underground, but their findings shape everything that happens on the surface. I will use their insights to help decide where drilling should happen and how surface land can be protected during development. Together, we can design projects that avoid sensitive areas, limit land disturbance, and reduce long term impacts on ecosystems. I believe that land professionals and geologists must communicate clearly and work as one team if we want to improve the environmental footprint of energy production. I also care deeply about land reclamation. When a well is finished, the land should not be left damaged. I want to support restoration efforts that return land to its original use or improve it. This could include planting native grasses, restoring soil health, or working with local agencies to protect habitats. These efforts show respect for landowners, communities, and the environment itself. Beyond my career goals, I try to live by the values I believe in. I reduce waste, conserve water, and stay informed about environmental issues. I read about land use, native species, and environmental law because I want to bring knowledge into every decision I make. I believe personal responsibility matters, but long lasting change comes from people inside the industry pushing for better practices. My education is helping me understand the balance between development and protection. I believe energy and nature do not have to be in conflict. With the right people in the right roles, we can create a future where energy production supports economic growth while also protecting the planet. I want to be a land professional who works with geologists and environmental teams to lead the energy industry in a better direction.

The energy industry has always been part of my life. My dad worked as a roughneck for 14 years at Cactus Drilling, and his stories about the challenges and rewards of working in the field gave me a deep appreciation for the people who power our world. Now, my brother is following in his footsteps, pursuing a petroleum engineering degree at The University of Oklahoma. Watching their journeys has inspired me to carve out my own path in the energy sector, where I hope to make my mark as a landman. For me, becoming a landman isn’t just about negotiating contracts or conducting title research—it’s about connecting people. Landmen play a vital role in building relationships between energy companies and landowners, and I want to be someone who helps bridge that gap. My goal is to ensure that both sides feel respected and valued while promoting responsible resource development. This career allows me to combine my love for working with people with my passion for the energy industry. As a sophomore at The University of Oklahoma studying Energy Management with a minor in Finance, I’ve gained valuable insight into how the energy sector operates. My classes have taught me the fundamentals of energy markets, contracts, and negotiations, and my finance minor has sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills. But beyond academics, I’ve grown up understanding the dedication and hard work it takes to succeed in this field. My dad’s stories about long hours on the rig and my brother’s determination to excel in his petroleum engineering studies have instilled in me the drive to work hard and make a difference. I want to make my mark in the energy industry by becoming a landman who prioritizes ethical practices, sustainability, and clear communication. The energy industry is evolving, and I believe it’s essential for landmen to adapt by fostering positive relationships and promoting transparency in every deal. Whether it’s securing land for drilling or collaborating with landowners to address their concerns, I want to leave a lasting impact by creating value for both the company I represent and the communities I work with. My experiences at OU, including being in the Energy Management Student Association, have taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience, and effective communication. These skills will be critical as I pursue my goal of becoming a landman who contributes to the energy industry’s success while ensuring that landowners feel confident in the process. I’m proud to come from a family with strong ties to the energy industry, and I’m excited to build on that legacy in my own way. My mark in the energy industry will be one of collaboration, integrity, and meaningful relationships. I look forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact and continue the tradition of hard work and dedication that my family has shown in this field.

Every year, families in states like Florida, Texas, and California face a cruel reality: their homes, their sense of security, and their financial stability are at the mercy of nature’s increasing fury. Hurricanes tear through neighborhoods, wildfires devour entire communities, and floods leave behind devastation. Adding to this hardship, many homeowners now find themselves unable to afford skyrocketing insurance premiums—or worse, without insurance at all, as companies flee these high-risk areas. This growing crisis leaves millions vulnerable, and it demands a balanced solution that works for homeowners, insurance companies, and agencies alike. At the core of the issue is risk. Insurance companies depend on balancing risk across their clients, but in disaster-prone areas, the frequency and severity of claims are overwhelming. A critical first step in solving this crisis is for state and federal governments to partner in creating disaster insurance funds. These funds could absorb a portion of the financial burden from major disasters, helping insurance companies remain stable and encouraging them to stay in high-risk markets without pushing premiums out of reach for everyday homeowners. Prevention must also play a central role. Homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their properties, such as reinforcing roofs, installing hurricane shutters, or upgrading to fire-resistant materials. To make these improvements more accessible, governments could offer tax incentives or grants to encourage disaster-resistant upgrades. With fewer claims and lower risks, insurance companies could stabilize premiums while ensuring homes are better protected. Insurance agencies, too, have a critical part to play. As the link between insurance companies and homeowners, agencies are in a unique position to educate clients on reducing risk and finding the right coverage. By guiding homeowners toward preventive measures and advocating for balanced policies, agencies can help rebuild trust and ensure people feel supported during these difficult times. For retirees living on fixed incomes or single parents juggling multiple responsibilities, affordable insurance is more than just a financial consideration—it’s their safety net. At the same time, insurance companies must remain financially viable to continue offering coverage. Striking this delicate balance requires collaboration from all sides: governments, insurers, agencies, and homeowners. The insurance crisis in disaster-prone states like Florida, Texas, and California serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable we all are to the forces of nature. But with innovative solutions, like disaster funds and prevention incentives, and a commitment to education and collaboration, we can build a system that protects lives and livelihoods. After all, insurance isn’t just about repairing homes—it’s about helping families rebuild their futures.