Two OSU School of Chemical Engineering professors selected as Faculty Fellows
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu
Clint Aichele, a chemical engineering professor, and Prem Bikkina, an associate professor of petroleum engineering, have been named Faculty Fellows at the Hamm Institute for American Energy in Oklahoma City.
The yearlong fellowship represents a distinguished academic professor or researcher affiliated with the institute who will conduct advanced research, develop proposals for federal agencies, contribute to educational programs, and collaborate with industry leaders to address pressing energy challenges. The Hamm Institute specifically focuses on promoting clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions locally and globally.
“I’m excited to be a part of the Hamm Institute’s efforts in developing sustainable energy sources and methods for American energy,” Bikkina said. “This fellowship will significantly enhance my research and teaching methods, allowing me to integrate cutting-edge advancements in sustainable energy into my work and foster a deeper understanding and practical application for my students.”
Aichele is inspired by the industry's focus and engagement on relevant topics that affect the nation.
"My prior experiences in industry and my industry-focused research at OSU both shaped my interest in seeking to engage on the types of problems that the Hamm Institute is pursuing," he said.
He added that he looks forward to sharing these discussions with his graduate students and anticipates they will have the opportunity to visit the institute.
Despite their different research goals — Aichele's focus on produced water treatment and carbon management and Bikkina’s focus on carbon storage, enhanced oil recovery, geothermal energy, and water treatment — both professors share a common goal: enhancing their students’ success. During their fellowships, they aim to gain valuable experience and knowledge to better educate and inspire their students.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with experts in sustainable energy and to bring innovative concepts into my research and teaching, contributing to both the Hamm Institute’s goals and the development of future energy leaders,” Bikkina said.
Aichele echoed this by stating that after gaining advanced knowledge from his fellowship, "These experiences will lead to additional research pathways and provide relevant material to my courses. They will help me prepare our undergraduate and graduate students for their careers."
Aichele and Bikkina’s selection as faculty fellows not only highlights their individual achievements but also highlights the commitment of OSU’s School of Chemical Engineering to advancing the field of energy research and education.
Story By: Natalie Henderson | Prospective Student Services Coordinator | natalie.henderson@okstate.edu