Fargo, ND – The Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth is excited to welcome Dr. Leen Weijers, Vice President of Engineering at Liberty Energy, for a discussion on "Energy, Human Progress, and the Shale Revolution" on Tuesday, March 25, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union, Oceti Sakowin Ballroom at North Dakota State University. Hors d’oeuvres will follow from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Energy drives modern life, but few innovations have transformed the global economy as profoundly as the shale revolution. Dr. Weijers has been at the forefront of this transformation, developing advanced hydraulic fracturing techniques that have unlocked vast energy resources, reduced costs, and reshaped geopolitics. His talk will explore the essential role of energy in human progress, the future of oil and gas development, and how innovation continues to fuel economic growth and sustainability.

Dr. Weijers has spent nearly three decades advancing well design and data-driven efficiencies in the energy sector. Before joining Liberty in 2011, he played a key role at Pinnacle Technologies, developing FracproPT, the industry's most widely used fracture growth simulator. He earned his Ph.D. in Mining and Petroleum Engineering from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Whether you're interested in energy policy, economic development, engineering, or the future of sustainability, this event provides a unique chance to hear from an industry leader shaping the future of energy.

This event is free and open to the public. It can be attended in person or virtually. For more information, please contact Allison Fulton at allison.fulton@ndsu.edu.