The University of Wyoming has received a generous investment from energy company HF Sinclair to enhance process control education and workforce development in Wyoming. This investment strengthens UW’s partnership with industry leaders to prepare students for high-demand careers in manufacturing, refining and resource processing.

Process control plays a crucial role in optimizing production efficiency and ensuring process safety across numerous industries, including Wyoming’s trona and processing industries. HF Sinclair’s support will bolster UW’s Advanced Process Control Lab, located in the Engineering Education and Research Building, providing students with cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world industrial operations.

“HF Sinclair is proud to support the University of Wyoming’s efforts to develop the next generation of skilled professionals,” says Sam Cooper, vice president and refinery manager of the Casper refinery. “By investing in cutting-edge education and hands-on training, we are strengthening the workforce pipeline and ensuring students gain the expertise needed to drive innovation and operational excellence in refining and industrial processing. This partnership reflects our commitment to both industry advancement and the communities we serve.”

The process control minor, launched in 2020 with private support and Tier-1 Engineering Initiative funds, already has provided students with interdisciplinary coursework spanning chemical, electrical, mechanical and energy systems engineering as well as computer science. The Advanced Process Control Lab has been instrumental in offering students hands-on training, allowing them to design, build and test complex control systems.

HF Sinclair’s support will enable critical upgrades to the lab’s simulation capabilities, equipment and curriculum, ensuring students are prepared to tackle modern industry challenges. The funding also will support recruitment initiatives, attracting more students to this vital field and strengthening Wyoming’s pipeline of process control professionals.

“The Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wyoming is delighted to have the input and support of HF Sinclair for our process control teaching program,” says Randy Pfeiffer, an associate professor of practice. “Their involvement gives us an edge in providing a modern control environment for teaching in both the core chemical engineering program and our process control minor. We look forward to building on our partnership to enhance what we can provide for our student community to prepare them as they move into professional engineering endeavors.”

Representatives of HF Sinclair visited campus Sept. 15-16. As part of their visit, they presented on refining to a chemical engineering class; participated in a meeting of the UW student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE); networked with students; and attended the AIChE industry dinner. Additionally, they spoke with Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering personnel about the progress of work in the control room, which their gift will support. Department representatives anticipate that the control room, part of the Advanced Process Control Lab, will be open for students to use in the spring semester.

Industry partnerships are essential to UW’s mission of aligning education with workforce needs. By integrating advanced process simulation software, upgrading lab equipment and enhancing curriculum development, this collaboration ensures that students graduate with the skills to excel in refining, energy production and industrial automation.

“HF Sinclair’s investment in process control education demonstrates a shared commitment to workforce development and innovation,” says Angela Ver Ploeg, senior director of corporate engagement in UW’s Office of Industry and Strategic Partnerships. “This collaboration enhances student learning, ensuring students can make an immediate impact in the industry. We are grateful for HF Sinclair’s support.”

Through the generosity of industry leaders, such as HF Sinclair, UW continues to expand opportunities for students and to drive innovation in process control education. HF Sinclair’s investment will be recognized within the Advanced Process Control Lab’s simulation room, reinforcing the company’s commitment to education, workforce development and industry advancement.

For more information about UW’s process control program, visit:

‍www.uwyo.edu/uw/degree-programs/process-control-instrumentation-minor.html.