Below are RECS testimonials. Now in its 20th year, the RECS network includes >700 alumni, many who are leaders in CCUS and the clean energy transition.
My experience in RECS will prove to be truly foundational to my research and professional network in the CDR/CCUS realm. The diversity of the program components ranging from environmental justice, to developing communication skills, to participating in geology field excursions to use real world scenarios and problem-solving skills for CO2 storage strategies, provides both broad and deep insights and experiences related to this important area of research and our emerging economy. The backgrounds of the other participants and faculty, who are some of the most impressive people I have ever known, and connections I made with them broadened my technical perspectives and enriched my experience there. The technical program is so immersive and the experience with the other participants helps us to strengthen our connections and build our community. I cannot overemphasize how truly important and special the RECS experience and the relationships built in it are to me and to our common goals. The connections, technical knowledge and experience built in less than two weeks are life changing, inspiring and will make a real impact on our efforts in CDR/CCUS.
Anne “Liz” Ware (RECS 2023)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
RECS 2023 was an invaluable experience that expanded my knowledge and networks across the entire carbon management ecosystem. The program was thoughtfully designed to stimulate learning and discussion with the speakers and—just as importantly—among the participants. A uniquely beneficial aspect of RECS was the opportunity to spend so much time with inspiring professionals and researchers, which created the space to meaningfully understand and incorporate diverse perspectives to broaden my own. I’m very grateful to Pamela Tomski and DOE FECM for making this important program possible.
Andrew Fishbein (RECS 2023)
Senior Climate Policy Manager
RECS was a fantastic experience! It was truly incredible to come together with so many smart and dedicated people to discuss one of the world’s most pressing problems and the vast (and nuanced) solution set that CCUS provides. This experience has helped me to envision and consider the full CCUS value chain through lectures, interactive activities, and field excursions. Topics included CO2 capture, transportation, utilization, storage, environmental justice, policy, and communication, among many others. For anyone looking for an intellectually-stimulating and productively-challenging adult summer camp, RECS is the place to be!
Maxwell Pisciotta (RECS 2023)
Ph.D. Candidate, Chemical Engineering
UPenn Clean Energy Conversions Lab
RECS 2023 was a really valuable experience that exposed me to the present challenges of full-scale CCUS technology deployment and expanded my knowledge beyond engineering focused topics thus forcing me out of my comfort zone. Especially, I appreciate the in-depth explanation of the class VI wells permitting process and hands-on training in geology. Another important thing was the possibility to establish networking with like-minded people who have various backgrounds and are coming from different organizations/institutions. The entire event was perfectly coordinated. I have a hope that the next generation of scientists, engineers, policy makers and other people engaged in CCUS will have a chance to attend and benefit from it, thus setting us all up for success in the field.
Robert Czarnota (RECS 2023)
Petroleum Recovery Research Center New Mexico Tech
..."I particularly found the communications training by Roger and Amy Aimes to be very impactful, interactive and informative. They both had amazing insight into communicating research topics to decision makers. As a student, it was great to gain an understanding of the importance of public perception and public engagement approaches to CCUS..."
Seyi Sholanke (RECS 2019)
Graduate Student in Geology, Oklahoma State University
I have spent most of my career on engineering and scientific aspects of CO2 storage and CO2-EOR, but these presenters opened my eyes to the bigger picture of carbon sequestration, which indeed will affect the quality of my future research and work.
Babak Shabani, PhD (RECS 2019)
Research Geologist, Indiana Geological and Water Survey
RECS is great!
Matt Lucas, PhD (RECS 2017)
Associate Director for CCUS Technology, Center for Carbon
Removal (2017) Managing Director Business Developmen
New Energy Risk (2020)
RECS gave me an opportunity to develop a strong network of professionals in the CCUS community and walk away with priceless friendships.
Michelle Yuan (RECS 2017)
Corporate Social Responsibility Business Analyst, FedEx (2020)
Energy Efficiency Program Manager, ICF International (2017)
The 20th annual RECS program, RECS 2024, was an incredibly enriching experience that deepened my understanding of the CCUS landscape. By bringing together a diverse array of faculty and participants from industry, government, NGOs, and academia, RECS offered insights into emerging topics such as CCUS research, early commercial projects, voluntary carbon markets, and environmental justice. The most important part of my RECS experience was the ability to build relationships the other participants, faculty, and alumni. It was a privilege to spend time with and learn from the dedicated individuals in my cohort who are all working on different pieces of CCUS. I learned just as much from the prepared lectures as I did from fellow participant's thought-provoking questions. I appreciate that RECS fosters an environment where participants can challenge the status quo, propose alternative solutions, and bring attention to topics that require more discussion in the clean energy transition. The insight I gained and relationships I formed over the course of the program continue to help propel my career in CCS forward. In the months following RECS, I have reconnected with members of my cohort at events and conferences and am looking forward to being a part of the RECS community for years to come.
Casey Yamamoto-Hillman
Battelle Carbon Services
Energy Efficiency Program Manager, ICF International (2017)
My experience in RECS will prove to be truly foundational to my research and professional network in the CDR/CCUS realm. The diversity of the program components ranging from environmental justice, to developing communication skills, to participating in geology field excursions to use real world scenarios and problem-solving skills for CO2 storage strategies, provides both broad and deep insights and experiences related to this important area of research and our emerging economy. The backgrounds of the other participants and faculty, who are some of the most impressive people I have ever known, and connections I made with them broadened my technical perspectives and enriched my experience there. The technical program is so immersive and the experience with the other participants helps us to strengthen our connections and build our community. I cannot overemphasize how truly important and special the RECS experience and the relationships built in it are to me and to our common goals. The connections, technical knowledge and experience built in less than two weeks are life changing, inspiring and will make a real impact on our efforts in CDR/CCUS.
Anne “Liz” Ware (RECS 2023)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
RECS 2023 was an invaluable experience that expanded my knowledge and networks across the entire carbon management ecosystem. The program was thoughtfully designed to stimulate learning and discussion with the speakers and—just as importantly—among the participants. A uniquely beneficial aspect of RECS was the opportunity to spend so much time with inspiring professionals and researchers, which created the space to meaningfully understand and incorporate diverse perspectives to broaden my own. I’m very grateful to Pamela Tomski and DOE FECM for making this important program possible.
Andrew Fishbein (RECS 2023)
Senior Climate Policy Manager
RECS was a fantastic experience! It was truly incredible to come together with so many smart and dedicated people to discuss one of the world’s most pressing problems and the vast (and nuanced) solution set that CCUS provides. This experience has helped me to envision and consider the full CCUS value chain through lectures, interactive activities, and field excursions. Topics included CO2 capture, transportation, utilization, storage, environmental justice, policy, and communication, among many others. For anyone looking for an intellectually-stimulating and productively-challenging adult summer camp, RECS is the place to be!
Maxwell Pisciotta (RECS 2023)
Ph.D. Candidate, Chemical Engineering
UPenn Clean Energy Conversions Lab
RECS 2023 was a really valuable experience that exposed me to the present challenges of full-scale CCUS technology deployment and expanded my knowledge beyond engineering focused topics thus forcing me out of my comfort zone. Especially, I appreciate the in-depth explanation of the class VI wells permitting process and hands-on training in geology. Another important thing was the possibility to establish networking with like-minded people who have various backgrounds and are coming from different organizations/institutions. The entire event was perfectly coordinated. I have a hope that the next generation of scientists, engineers, policy makers and other people engaged in CCUS will have a chance to attend and benefit from it, thus setting us all up for success in the field.
Robert Czarnota (RECS 2023)
Petroleum Recovery Research Center New Mexico Tech
..."I particularly found the communications training by Roger and Amy Aimes to be very impactful, interactive and informative. They both had amazing insight into communicating research topics to decision makers. As a student, it was great to gain an understanding of the importance of public perception and public engagement approaches to CCUS..."
Seyi Sholanke (RECS 2019)
Graduate Student in Geology, Oklahoma State University
I have spent most of my career on engineering and scientific aspects of CO2 storage and CO2-EOR, but these presenters opened my eyes to the bigger picture of carbon sequestration, which indeed will affect the quality of my future research and work.
Babak Shabani, PhD (RECS 2019)
Research Geologist, Indiana Geological and Water Survey
RECS is great!
Matt Lucas, PhD (RECS 2017)
Associate Director for CCUS Technology, Center for Carbon
Removal (2017) Managing Director Business Developmen
New Energy Risk (2020)
RECS gave me an opportunity to develop a strong network of professionals in the CCUS community and walk away with priceless friendships.
Michelle Yuan (RECS 2017)
Corporate Social Responsibility Business Analyst, FedEx (2020)
Energy Efficiency Program Manager, ICF International (2017)
The 20th annual RECS program, RECS 2024, was an incredibly enriching experience that deepened my understanding of the CCUS landscape. By bringing together a diverse array of faculty and participants from industry, government, NGOs, and academia, RECS offered insights into emerging topics such as CCUS research, early commercial projects, voluntary carbon markets, and environmental justice. The most important part of my RECS experience was the ability to build relationships the other participants, faculty, and alumni. It was a privilege to spend time with and learn from the dedicated individuals in my cohort who are all working on different pieces of CCUS. I learned just as much from the prepared lectures as I did from fellow participant's thought-provoking questions. I appreciate that RECS fosters an environment where participants can challenge the status quo, propose alternative solutions, and bring attention to topics that require more discussion in the clean energy transition. The insight I gained and relationships I formed over the course of the program continue to help propel my career in CCS forward. In the months following RECS, I have reconnected with members of my cohort at events and conferences and am looking forward to being a part of the RECS community for years to come.
Casey Yamamoto-Hillman
Battelle Carbon Services
Assistant Project Manager