Partner Profile: Kendra Hagey

"Ultimately, physical carbon capture units on campus can demonstrate to other students that carbon capture is not just some theoretical solution to climate change–it has real potential to make a difference."

This first newsletter issue of 2023 features the incoming president of the Global CO₂ Initiative Student Association (GCISA), Kendra Hagey.

Kendra is a junior in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Energy Science and Policy. She is particularly interested in the energy industry as it is incredibly important for the advancement of technology and is currently making a major shift towards sustainability. In her free time, she enjoys playing flute in the campus band and growing plants, including several succulents and a couple herbs, in her little garden.

How did you become interested in Engineering?

Growing up, I had always enjoyed math and science in school. My grandpa was an engineer and every time I would visit he always had a problem he wanted me to help him solve, whether it be a new puzzle or designing a contraption to ripen tomatoes from the garden if they fell off the plant too early. I enjoyed solving little problems around the house and helping out my family in tangible ways. In high school, I found chemistry fascinating and wondered how I could help implement these chemistry concepts to benefit people in their everyday lives, which ultimately lead me to chemical engineering. 

What has your experience been like at Michigan Engineering? 

My experience at Michigan Engineering has both been challenging and insightful. I have enjoyed working with students from many different backgrounds and understanding different perspectives. The coursework can be incredibly challenging at times but I have found the collaborative environment helps unite the students. It has felt like there are so many opportunities for me to participate in various activities, like GCISA, that align with my interests. 

How did you get connected to GCISA?

I got connected with GCISA after stumbling upon their table at Festifall. I was intrigued by the CYAN unit they had running on the table, which was actively taking CO₂ out of the atmosphere. The GCISA student representative explained the significance that this carbon capture technology has on large scale issues like climate change. I found it inspiring that just a small student organization was working to tackle global concerns. 

What has your experience been like with GCISA?

I have had a wonderful experience with GCISA so far. I have enjoyed seeing the club grow and develop. Since we are a relatively new student organization, I have been able to help initiate new projects and help shape the future of GCISA. Since it is a smaller student organization, I have been able to participate in many different aspects of the team, first starting as part of the project team and then moving more towards the administrative side of things and even helping to form a new policy and outreach team. 

What are your plans for GCISA as president?

The current plans for GCISA include working to build a larger diverse network of students involved in carbon capture. A main goal of mine as president of GCISA is to implement more carbon capture initiatives on campus, likely constructing compact CYAN units that convert calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide to calcium carbonate, which can be used as fertilizer for campus landscaping.

Ultimately, physical carbon capture units on campus can demonstrate to other students that carbon capture is not just some theoretical solution to climate change–it has real potential to make a difference. 

The Global CO₂ Initiative is excited to announce our newly redesigned website which includes a section specifically devoted to the Free Resources we provide.

News in a Nutshell

The CCUS Transformation Map is now live on the World Economic Forum’s Strategic Intelligence site

Milestones toward a zero-carbon future

World Economic Forum looking at solutions from India to help accelerate decarbonisation

Germany backs Norwegian plan to capture carbon from cement

'Fit for 55': Council and Parliament reach provisional deal on EU emissions trading system and the Social Climate Fund

U-M reports progress on endowment-related carbon reductions

Imminent Events

Energy Future in Industry 2023

May 9-11, 2023

The Industrial Energy-Related Technologies and Systems Technology Collaboration Programme International Conference is where the industry, academy and policy makers meet to discuss measures, opportunities and obstacles for achieving a future energy-efficient industry with zero or negative emissions.

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We want to hear from you! Is there something or someone that you would like to see featured in a future issue? Let us know!