The global demand for energy continues to grow, and as stewards of the industry, it is our responsibility to ensure that more engineers, geologists, and STEM professionals join our ranks. Keeping this mission in focus, five members of the SPE UFPEL Student Chapter (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) embarked on a journey from Pelotas to Bagé, covering a distance of 194 km in approximately 3 hours by car. Their purpose? To raise awareness about SPE’s Energy4me program.
The Energy4me Program
Energy4me, an educational program, not only imparts knowledge about energy but also humanizes the industry by putting a relatable face to its endeavors. It is also an initiative that aims to promote energy literacy among students aged 7 to 18 and provides balanced information about the energy industry, encourages STEM education, and highlights the benefits of careers in the oil and gas industry. By conducting face-to-face classroom presentations, Energy4me inspires students to pursue energy-related fields and fosters a deeper understanding of the industry. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of energy conservation and its impact on the planet, all while making a positive contribution to the community.
UFPel and Its Role in STEM
The Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) offers a variety of courses in the areas of STEM, with an emphasis on engineering and geology. Furthermore, the courses prepare professionals for the sustainable exploration and management of natural resources. Training in these fields is crucial for Brazil, a country with vast natural resources that it needs to extract and use in a sustainable way to promote the generation of wealth and improve the wellbeing of its population. These professionals are essential for developing technologies and methods that minimize environmental impact and maximize the efficiency of extraction processes, contributing to balanced and sustainable economic development.
The petroleum engineering course at UFPel is enriched by projects and entities such as MARS (Project of Characterization of the Energy Matrix of RS), AUB (Até o Último Barril), and Núcleo WIN UFPel (Women in Energy), which aim to promote the dissemination of knowledge and careers in the areas of energy, oil, gas, and other STEM disciplines.
These programs provide students with practical and theoretical immersion in fundamental topics in the oil and gas industry, allowing a better understanding of technologies for the extraction, monitoring, and management of energy resources. In addition to strengthening academic training within the university, these programs encourage collaboration with external companies and institutions, expand opportunities for networking and professional development, and prepare students for successful careers in both the national and international markets.
The programs directly collaborate with the SPE UFPel Chapter's goal of promoting Energy4me. Through lectures, workshops, and technical visits, SPE UFPel has taken Energy4me to several communities and schools, disseminating knowledge about the energy industry and opportunities in the areas of STEM. This effort not only raises awareness of the importance of sustainable energy but also encourages young students to consider careers in engineering, geology, and other related disciplines, contributing to the development of future professionals who will lead innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
The Energy4me Program at Federal University of Pelotas
The Energy4me program at UFPel began in 2015 with the aim of visiting schools and talking about energy, oil, gas, and careers in other STEM areas. Since its implementation, Energy4me has been fundamental in bringing technical and scientific knowledge to young students. By integrating these initiatives, Energy4me contributes to the UFPel Chapter's mission of disseminating knowledge and inspiring the next generation of professionals, promoting a more sustainable and innovative future in the energy field.
Focusing on that, the SPE UFPel Student Chapter and its partners drove approximately 200 km to present the opportunities and challenges in the oil, gas, and energy industries.
The main objective at Carlos Kluwe School was to demonstrate four different experiences derived from Energy4me activities in the city of Bagé, in southern Brazil. The school community welcomed the project, and several students were able to learn more about the energy sector. The project presented an overview of the petroleum engineering course and industry opportunities to a total of 80 high school students.
We invite all SPE student chapters and sections to focus on initiatives like Energy4me to ensure the development of the next generation of engineers, geologists, and scientists. By joining efforts in this direction, we will be investing in the future of the energy sector and ensuring that we have trained professionals committed to sustainability and innovation.
Arthur Ximenes is a dedicated engineering student with a strong focus on the petroleum industry. He currently serves as the director of SPE UFPEL and is the captain of the PetroBowl team, showcasing his leadership and teamwork skills. He has practical experience from his involvement with EnGeoSul Empresa Junior, and he has contributed to significant research projects, including the use of machine learning in the oil industry.
Dhaiara Machida is a petroleum engineering student at UFPeL, enthusiastic about young entrepreneurship, and ESG development. Currently at Baker Hughes, she is a wireline field engineering trainee. At SPE, she serves as president of the SPE UFPel Student Chapter and assists in the Macaé Section of SPE. She was a member of Ate o Último Barril and general leader of the Núcleo Win Brazil SPE UFPEL.
Joana Varella is a petroleum engineering student at UFPel, an energy sector enthusiast, and is currently a scientific beginner in the MARS project.
Júlia Castro is a petroleum engineering student at UFPel, general leader of the WIN Brazil UFPel Nucleus, actively involved in the SPE UFPel Student Chapter since 2022, and volunteer media assistant at the SPE Macaé Section.
Larissa Pinheiro Costa is a professor of petroleum engineering at the Federal University of Pelotas. She holds a degree in petroleum engineering and a PhD in physical, chemical, and geological oceanography from the Federal University of Rio Grande. She has experience in the areas of geosciences and renewable energy.