Driving energy innovation across science, engineering, computing and energy systems

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ is building a nationally distinctive Energy Research Initiative that brings together faculty expertise, advanced computing infrastructure, industry collaboration and interdisciplinary research to address complex energy challenges.

A new vision for energy research

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ researchers conduct advanced scientific work in a laboratory environment ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Methodist University is positioned to emerge as a national leader in interdisciplinary energy research. Across the University, investments in engineering, earth sciences, business, economics and advanced computing have created a powerful convergence of expertise focused on the future of energy systems and innovation.

The initiative is designed to accelerate research, strengthen industry collaboration, attract leading faculty and research talent and create new opportunities for innovation in energy systems, infrastructure, advanced computing and technology commercialization.

At the center of this effort is the creation of ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ’s first Eminent Endowed Chair in Energy, a distinguished research leader who will help shape the future of interdisciplinary energy scholarship and connect ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ to the broader energy ecosystem in Texas and beyond.

Researcher works with advanced battery and energy storage testing equipment in a laboratory environment.

Battery systems and energy storage

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ researchers are advancing next-generation battery technologies across the full innovation pipeline – from materials discovery and advanced manufacturing to intelligent energy management systems.

Research areas include:

  • Solid-state battery design
  • Digital twin technology
  • Advanced performance modeling
  • Intelligent energy storage systems
  • High-performance computational analysis
Researchers analyze geological samples and digital data during earth sciences and subsurface energy research.

Subsurface and geothermal energy

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ’s expertise in earth sciences supports innovative research in subsurface energy systems, geothermal applications and emerging energy resources.

Research initiatives include:

  • Reservoir engineering
  • Methane management
  • Geothermal energy systems
  • Hydrothermal modeling
  • Borehole temperature analysis
  • Subsurface imaging and earthquake monitoring
  • Satellite monitoring of energy infrastructure
  • Critical minerals and emerging energy resources
Researchers collaborate in an advanced engineering lab using computing systems, instrumentation, and energy systems technology.

Smart grid and energy systems

Faculty across engineering and computing disciplines are developing resilient, intelligent energy systems designed for the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.


  • AI-driven grid optimization
  • Sensor networks and energy analytics
  • Cyber-physical energy security
  • Grid resilience and reliability
  • Advanced systems engineering
Dallas Hall lawn

Energy economics, markets and policy

Researchers in economics, business and related disciplines examine the forces shaping regional and global energy systems.


  • North American energy markets
  • Cross-border energy trade
  • Energy finance and investment
  • Energy economics and regulation
  • Energy geopolitics
  • Industry and market collaboration

Powered by advanced research infrastructure

High-performance computing and AI

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ’s energy research ecosystem is strengthened by the O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute, which provides advanced infrastructure for large-scale modeling, simulation and analytics.

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ researchers work with advanced computing and high-performance research infrastructure in a technology lab environment.

Capabilities include:

These resources enable researchers to accelerate research across battery science, smart systems, computational modeling and energy systems.

Interdisciplinary collaboration across ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ

The initiative brings together faculty and researchers from across the University, including:

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ's Guildhall faculty Corey Clark, Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering faculty Eric Larson and Simmons School of Education and Human Development faculty Leanne Ketterlin Geller work together on a NSF Grant

Industry engagement and strategic partnerships

Located in Dallas, one of the nation’s fastest-growing energy and technology hubs, ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ is positioned to build deep partnerships with industry leaders across:

  • Energy production
  • Infrastructure and engineering
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Defense and aerospace
  • Transportation and mobility
  • Financial markets and investment

 

Dallas Hall Campus Aerial Panorama With Dallas Skyline