Issues
Energy & EnvironmentChioma Onwumelu is presently a geoscience research assistant at the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Energy & Environmental Research Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She conducts research focused on site characterization for carbon dioxide storage in geological formations and project uncertainties in oil and gas development. Chioma holds a B-tech degree from the Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Nigeria and a master of science degree from UND and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in geology at UND. She has received numerous grants, scholarships, and awards from different professional bodies. Chioma is passionate about the role of geological sciences in the energy transition, policy frameworks to enable the energy transition, and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She intends to utilize her skills, knowledge, and experience in guiding interested individuals, especially young women, to be professional geologists with the hope of improving their abilities to contribute to the field of geology and the world of STEM at large. Chioma has pioneered several student and professional organizations in North Dakota. She loves traveling and volunteering to teach science to children.