The University of Texas at Austin

The Gulf Coast Carbon Center (GCCC) is the TXLA CMC lead and is part of the Texas Geological Survey, known formally as the Bureau of Economic Geology (Bureau or BEG). The Bureau is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences (JSG) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin).  The GCCC’s community engagement for TXLA CMC currently includes working with undergraduates on summer research experiences (RTX Program), high school seniors on a week-long CCS emersion and team research project, and with middle school teachers to build curriculum and an CCS Ambassador Program.  

The GCCC’s Research Professor, Dr. Katherine Romanak will also lead a research project to help improve CO₂ surface and groundwater monitoring of aqueous systems to help advance permitting processes. By providing support and vital CCS information, the GCCC aims to ensure that expertise and pertinent materials are accessible to all stakeholders involved in the TXLA CMC.
 

Community Engagement

Carbon-not Education & Ambassador Program, July–September 2026: GCCC Researchers Sue Hovorka, Katherine Romanak, Angela Luciano  and Dolores Van der Kolk in collaboration with the State Survey’s Information Geologist, Linda Ruiz McCall, are working with a team of middle school teachers to design CCS curriculum for classroom instruction. Our Middle School Ambassadors are planning to lead an upcoming CAST workshop about CCS curriculum for STEM teachers...click to read 

Research Traineeship Experience, June 2 – August 1, 2024: GCCC Researchers hosted 3 undergraduate students in the Jackson School of Geosciences Research Traineeship Experience (RTX). RTX is a paid, nine-week research opportunity for STEM undergraduates and recent graduates to foster geoscience exploration, skill development, and research. Our RTX students worked on projects related to CCS and methane super emitters… click to read (coming soon)

GeoFORCE, July 22 – 26, 2024: Carbon Storage Expert and the Principal Investigator of TXLA CMC, Sue Hovorka, was the lead instructor for a week-long CCS program for 20 high school seniors enrolled in the Jackson School of Geosciences GeoFORCE program. GeoFORCE is a youth education outreach program for students across Texas. Sue, and a team of GCCC researchers, led students through an exciting and engaging week about CCS… click to read (coming soon) 
 

Last Updated: October 2, 2024