Pekney Honored with Arthur S. Flemming Award for Advancing Green Technology

We are excited to share that CEE alumnus Natalie J. Pekney (MS ‘01 and PhD ‘04) has been recognized with the prestigious Arthur S. Flemming Award in Applied Science and Engineering for her remarkable contributions to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. With an impressive career dedicated to environmental stewardship, Pekney's pioneering research is transforming the way we monitor and reduce emissions from oil and natural gas resources.

At the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pekney, an engineer with a deep passion for environmental sustainability, has led groundbreaking efforts to monitor emissions effectively. Her innovative research has resulted in the development of mobile monitoring tools that revolutionize emissions monitoring from both conventional and unconventional production sites and transmission infrastructure.

These tools play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of fossil energy production while ensuring the availability of affordable energy for American homes and businesses. Pekney's expertise has also led to the creation of technologies to locate and assess orphaned or abandoned oil and gas wells across the United States, measuring emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases they emit. Her multidisciplinary approach has allowed her to tackle complex issues related to air quality, soil, and water resources.

As the technical coordinator for the methane emissions quantification program at NETL,  Pekney has led initiatives to create advanced facilities for emissions measurements, monitor sites across multiple states, and develop methods to measure emissions from various sources. Her commitment to environmental protection has been recognized by numerous local, state, and federal agencies and organizations.

Pekney's dedication to solving environmental challenges, innovative thinking, and leadership abilities have not only earned her this prestigious award but also paved the way for a sustainable and cleaner future. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor and thank her for her exceptional contributions to advancing green technology and protecting our environment.