In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we sit down with Joe Leimkuhler, Chief Operating Officer of Beacon Offshore Energy and a proud University of Wyoming alum. Joe's career started in Laramie classrooms and took him to the forefront of offshore oil and gas development in the Gulf of America. He now oversees complex deepwater projects and operational leadership at Beacon.

As chair of the UW Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering Industry Advisory Committee, Joe also plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of energy leaders. He shares his perspective on the value of a UW education, the lessons learned over decades in industry, and his views on leadership in high-stakes environments.

Finally, we explore why Joe gives generously of both his time and resources to the University of Wyoming — and why he believes alumni involvement is key to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s energy landscape.

Hyperspectral imaging—a technology that captures hundreds of wavelengths beyond what the human eye can see—is transforming how we understand the Earth’s surface. From satellites and drones to field and lab studies, this approach provides insights that traditional mapping and sampling can’t match. At the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, researchers are beginning to apply hyperspectral imaging to Wyoming’s unique geology and energy resources, opening doors for smarter exploration, environmental monitoring, and resource management. In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we talk with James Amato from SER and Dr. Friederike Körting, a hyperspectral imaging specialist from industry, about how the technology works, why it matters for Wyoming’s economy and environment, and what opportunities it creates for students, communities, and industry.

Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) plays an important role in Wyoming as a coal producer—but the company is also investing in Wyoming’s future. In this episode of Energy Frontier: The Wyoming Landscape, we sit down with Matt Babcock, NTEC’s Chief Commercial Officer, to learn about the company’s operations in Wyoming, its approach to reclamation and safety, and its vision for future opportunities in energy and energy innovation