Key Concepts
STEM education, study habits, petroleum engineering, geological engineering, underground energy storage, infrastructure resilience, career development, leadership, networking, decision-making, natural gas storage, salt caverns, saline aquifers, subsurface engineering.
Skyler Borglham's Journey and STEM Education
Skyler Borglham, PhD, VP of Underground Storage and Energy at WSPUSA and author of "STEM Study Habits," shares her unconventional path into petroleum and geological engineering. Initially an international business major with a minor in Norwegian studies, she discovered her passion for energy while studying in Norway on a Fulbright scholarship. After exploring theology and working in pharmaceutical sales, she pursued a master's in petroleum engineering at 32, followed by a PhD in geological engineering. To obtain her PE license, she earned a second bachelor's degree in engineering.
Skyler emphasizes that it's never too late to pursue a STEM career, regardless of age or background. She wrote "STEM Study Habits" to provide guidance for students, especially non-traditional ones, who may lack effective study skills. The book covers topics such as attending class regularly, planning study time, resume building, interview preparation, and scholarship opportunities.
Skyler challenges the notion that success in STEM requires natural talent in math and science. She argues that learning math is like learning a new language, requiring consistent practice and effort. She recommends dedicating about three hours a day to a calculus course to master the fundamentals.
The Importance of a Strong STEM Foundation
A strong STEM foundation, particularly an engineering degree (like civil or mechanical), provides versatile skills applicable to various fields, including robotics, energy, and infrastructure. Skyler highlights the importance of engineers in not only designing innovative solutions but also communicating their ideas to policymakers and the public to secure funding and drive progress.
She emphasizes that engineering is open to diverse personality types, from those who excel in technical design to those who are skilled at communication and leadership.
Skyler advises students to pursue graduate degrees in areas they cannot learn independently, such as petroleum engineering, rather than subjects easily self-taught.
Underground Energy Storage: A Critical Infrastructure Component
Skyler discusses the crucial role of underground storage in energy infrastructure, particularly for natural gas. Natural gas is stored in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, salt caverns, or saline aquifers during periods of low demand (summer) and withdrawn during periods of high demand (winter).
Underground storage acts as a "savings account" or buffer to ensure a reliable energy supply, especially with increasing electricity demand driven by AI and data storage technologies.
Salt caverns, created by leaching out salt with fresh water, can be enormous, comparable in size to the Empire State Building. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve utilizes similar underground storage for the nation's oil supply.
Hydrogen can also be stored in salt caverns, and studies are underway to explore depleted oil and gas reservoirs and bedded salts for hydrogen storage.
Subsurface Engineering and its Intersection with Civil Engineering
Subsurface engineering plays a vital role in designing and operating underground storage facilities. This involves drilling into salt formations, casing the wellbore, and leaching out salt to create caverns.
Civil engineering is essential for surface infrastructure, including pipelines, compressors, administrative buildings, roads, and high-voltage electricity.
Skyler's company, WSPUSA, is primarily hired by private midstream companies (e.g., Williams, Enterprise Products Company, Enbridge) that connect upstream (oil and gas production) and downstream (refining and retail sales) operations. They also work with government entities like the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and utility companies like Atmos.
Career Advice and Leadership Insights
Skyler shares valuable career advice, emphasizing the importance of:
- Good Sleep and Planning: Starting the day the night before by planning and ensuring good sleep.
- Daily Routines: Establishing consistent morning routines to set the tone for the day.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger's Biography: Drawing inspiration from Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Total Recall" for its message of perseverance and effective communication.
- Decisiveness: Managers should provide clear and timely decisions to empower their teams.
- Kindness and Trust: Treating people with kindness and giving them the benefit of the doubt.
- Networking: Building connections and friendships across the company, regardless of hierarchy.
Conclusion
Skyler Borglham's insights highlight the diverse opportunities within STEM fields, the importance of continuous learning and skill development, and the critical role of underground energy storage in ensuring a reliable energy future. Her career journey and advice offer valuable guidance for students and professionals alike, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, effective communication, and strong leadership.
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