Brian Woodard, Class of 2005

Environmental issues and awareness is on the forefront of many industrial minds including Brian Woodard, a 2005 graduate in Environmental Sciences. In fact, he said as the population continues to rise environmental issues will follow and there will be an increased demand for those educated in environmental sciences.

Devon Energy, one of the world’s leading independent oil and gas exploration companies, uses people like Brian to estimate the economic impacts of environmental regulations and legislation, as well as analyze internal environmental policies to ensure their company meets and/or exceeds environmental compliance.

With Devon Energy, Brian has traveled with the Corporate Environmental, Health and Safety team to various locations throughout the United States to evaluate and quantify greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s equipment. Through a specialized process, his team was able to take a snapshot in time of Devon’s current emission levels and develop economically feasible strategies to reduce the company’s emissions output.

Also, because of his field experience with emissions reduction in addition to his knowledge of evolving climate change policy, Devon Energy now trusts Brian and his team to handle their climate change legislation. He analyzes state and federal regulations and policies that affect more than one division within his company.

Within his position, Brian said he frequently talks to Congressional members and their staffs about the financial impacts that certain policies may have on his industry. He feels this is necessary as some policies could cost his company as much as $1 billion a year.

Although Brian decided to specialize in the corporate side of environmental science, he said “there are great opportunities for advancement with all types of corporations, non-profit companies and the government.”