Academia and industry often operate in distinct ways—especially on energy issues—but building mutually beneficial partnerships can amplify the impact of both. In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we speak with Angela Ver Ploeg, whose role at the University of Wyoming focuses on forging those partnerships. Angela shares how strategic collaborations—with donors, corporations, and energy companies—are essential to advancing research, workforce development, and innovation at UW. From supporting transformative energy initiatives to aligning university expertise with real-world needs, she offers insights into how these joint efforts are helping shape Wyoming’s energy future.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we sit down with Bryan Hassler, a University of Wyoming alumnus whose career spans the public and private sectors of Wyoming’s energy industry. From leading the Wyoming Pipeline Authority and holding key leadership roles in companies like PureWest Energy, Bryan offers a unique perspective on how policy, infrastructure, and market realities intersect. We discuss his time at UW, what he sees as the most pressing energy challenges and opportunities for Wyoming, and how energy issues have kept him busy across decades of service. Whether you’re interested in natural gas, energy policy, or the future of Wyoming’s economy, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we talk with Kristin DiBona, co-founder of Wyonics, about her journey from scientist to entrepreneur and how her company is advancing energy-focused innovation in Wyoming. Kristin shares her background, the mission behind Wyonics, and the challenges and rewards of launching a tech-forward small business in the state. From research to commercialization, she reflects on what it takes to build a startup in the energy sector—and why Wyoming’s collaborative spirit and unique resources make it a promising place to grow.