LSU Center for Energy Studies

06/04/2026

A sincere thank you to our partners and sponsors for helping make the 2026 Energy Fundamentals course possible.


We are grateful for our partners at the United States Association for Energy Economics, Future Use of Energy in Louisiana, the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, LOUISIANA and the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy. Your collaboration plays a vital role in advancing energy education and preparing the next generation of energy leaders.


We appreciate your commitment and partnership!



https://energy.lsu.edu/events/energy-fundamentals-2026

06/02/2026

One of the most valuable aspects of the Energy Fundamentals course is the opportunity to see energy systems in action!

⛽ Participants will go beyond the classroom with an exclusive field trip to the LSU Petroleum Engineering Research, Training and Testing (PERTT) Lab—an industrial-scale facility featuring full-scale equipment and instrumentation for petroleum technology research. Attendees will gain insight into drilling operations, safety protocols, blowout prevention, and the testing of emerging technologies in a real-world environment.

This unique experience brings real-world context to the technical, economic, and operational concepts covered throughout the course.


https://energy.lsu.edu/events/energy-fundamentals-2026

05/26/2026

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Gregory Upton as a speaker for our Energy Fundamentals course. Dr. Upton is Executive Director and Associate Research Professor at LSU Center for Energy Studies. His research interests are related to the analysis of economic, environmental, and public policy issues in the energy industry. During his tenure at LSU, he has addressed topical energy issues of significance to Louisiana, including state mineral taxes, solar tax credits, and net metering policies, the impact of the oil price collapse on Louisiana’s budgetary challenges, and implications of the crude oil export ban’s lifting on the Louisiana economy, among others. He has presented research to more than 200 industry, governmental, and academic audiences, and has been quoted or cited over 250 times in local and national media, including the Wall Street Journal and NPR’s Marketplace.

Join us for the 2026 Energy Fundamentals course to learn from industry leaders!

Apply today: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pxbeYiym4ve6Jo

05/20/2026

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Ashwith Chilvery as a featured speaker for LSU’s Energy Fundamentals course.

Dr. Chilvery is Director of Use-Inspired Research & Development at FUEL, where he leads applied energy innovation initiatives focused on advancing emerging technologies through industry, federal, and community partnerships. His background spans academia, research administration, and work at leading federal laboratories including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

As part of the course, Dr. Chilvery will explore the utilization of carbon dioxide emissions to create carbon-based products, highlighting innovative approaches to carbon management and energy technology development.

Energy Fundamentals connects participants with experts working at the forefront of the industry and provides practical insight into the technologies shaping the future of energy.



Apply today: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pxbeYiym4ve6Jo

05/05/2026

We’re excited to announce David Schneider as a featured speaker for our Energy Fundamentals course.

David is a Reservoir Engineer at LLOG Exploration Company, where he evaluates new drilling opportunities and optimizes producing assets, including the company’s recently installed Salamanca Floating Production System. With 18 years of experience across the Gulf and onshore Louisiana, his background spans reservoir engineering, economic evaluation, and business development—bringing both technical depth and commercial insight to his work.
Prior to LLOG, David advanced through roles at Stone Energy, and in 2024 he was recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree by Hart Energy’s Oil and Gas Investor. He holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an MBA in Finance from Tulane University.

Energy Fundamentals is designed to bridge the gap between technical operations and business strategy—equipping participants with a clear understanding of how energy projects are evaluated, developed, and managed in today’s evolving landscape.

Apply today: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pxbeYiym4ve6Jo

Join us to learn directly from professionals like David who are actively shaping the future of energy.

04/30/2026

We’re excited to have Andrew Owens joining Energy Fundamentals as a Course Instructor, leading our “Electrons” sessions on electricity markets and regulation.

Andrew is a LSU Center for Energy Studies Research Fellow and former Director of Regulatory Research & Strategy at Entergy, where he spent more than 25 years at the forefront of utility regulation, ratemaking, and energy policy. During Days 3 and 4, Andrew will guide participants through the structure of electricity markets, the fundamentals of generation and grid operations, and how regulatory frameworks shape pricing, investment decisions, and the broader energy transition. His sessions connect technical concepts with real-world policy and financial considerations, making complex topics both accessible and actionable.

Energy Fundamentals is designed to provide a clear, practical understanding of how energy systems operate—from molecules to electrons—and how market forces, regulation, and innovation intersect.

Learn directly from an expert who has helped shape the modern utility landscape and continues to influence its future.

Apply today: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pxbeYiym4ve6Jo

04/28/2026

We’re excited to welcome Joe Leimkuhler as a featured speaker for this summer’s Energy Fundamentals program at LSU.

As Vice President of External Affairs at Beacon Offshore Energy, Joe brings more than 40 years of experience in offshore drilling, well engineering, and production operations. His career also includes leadership roles at LLOG Exploration and over 25 years with Shell International E&P.

In addition to his industry leadership, Joe serves as Chairman of the HWCG Well Containment Company and the National Ocean Industries Association, and contributes to the next generation of engineers through his involvement with the American Association of Drilling Engineers and the University of Wyoming College of Engineering.

Participants will gain valuable insight into offshore energy development, operational leadership, and the evolving challenges facing the industry.

Join us this summer to learn from one of the industry’s most experienced voices.

Apply today: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pxbeYiym4ve6Jo

04/23/2026

We’re pleased to announce Jason Pettrey as a featured speaker for this summer’s Energy Fundamentals program at LSU.

As Technical Division Manager at ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Integrated Complex, Jason leads a multidisciplinary organization of more than 200 professionals. With over 25 years of industry experience spanning operations, technical leadership, and corporate strategy, he brings a comprehensive perspective on refining, manufacturing, and energy systems.

Jason’s career includes key roles in Baytown, Beaumont, Baton Rouge, and ExxonMobil’s Fairfax campus, where he supported global industry analysis and commercial optimization for senior leadership. His depth of experience across both field operations and corporate strategy offers valuable insight into how energy projects are developed, executed, and optimized at scale.

Participants will benefit from his practical knowledge of complex operations and the evolving energy landscape.

Join us for the 2026 Energy Fundamentals course to learn from industry leaders!

Apply today: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pxbeYiym4ve6Jo

04/14/2026

The LSU Energy Institute and LSU Center for Energy Studies invite you to apply for the 2026 Energy Fundamentals course.
🎥 Watch our brief course video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4-bivlqSp8
Energy Fundamentals provides a foundational overview of the energy sector, with content spanning molecules, electrons, and policy. The course is designed for early-career professionals, individuals transitioning into the field, and those seeking to deepen their understanding of energy systems across industry and government.
Space is limited, and participants are admitted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early. Don’t miss your chance to learn from Industry Leaders!
This year, we are partnering with the United States Association for Energy Economics (USAEE) as we expand to a broader national audience. We are also continuing our collaboration with the Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), the Louisiana Public Service Commission, and the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy.
Start Your Application: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pxbeYiym4ve6Jo

LSU Energy Fundamentals

02/09/2026

LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Dr. Gregory Upton recently had the honor of speaking to the Gulf Coast Industrial Group at SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles. The discussion focused on the 2026 Gulf Coast Energy Outlook, and gave industry leaders and workforce partners the valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Louisiana’s energy sector. Thank you to SOWELA and the Gulf Coast Industrial Group for the invitation and for fostering meaningful dialogue on the region’s energy future.