TEX-E kicked off the 2026–2027 program year by bringing together 64 Fellows from six universities for Welcome Back Weekend, two days designed to connect students with each other and with leaders across the energy innovation ecosystem.
The weekend gave Fellows an opportunity to build relationships across the TEX-E network, explore the technologies and ideas shaping the future of energy, and hear firsthand from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Connecting Fellows with Energy Leaders
Throughout the weekend, Fellows connected with leaders from ExxonMobil, Fervo Energy, Mercury Fund, and Woodside Energy, gaining perspectives on careers, entrepreneurship, investment, and the future of energy.
Thank you to Sarah Jewett, COO of Fervo Energy; Blair Garrou, Founder and Managing Partner of Mercury Fund; Paa-Joe Akoto-Ampaw, Vice President at Woodside Energy; and Megan Lund, Venturing Strategy & Strategic Partnerships at Woodside Energy, for sharing their experience and insights with our Fellows.
Thank you to Nick Clausi, Luis Ramirez-Arizmendi, and Alexander Zabula of ExxonMobil for making the site visit such a special experience, and to former TEX-E Fellow and current ExxonMobil employee Antoine Chamoun-Farah for connecting with students and sharing his perspective.
These conversations reflect an important part of the TEX-E experience: giving students access and proximity to the people working on some of energy’s biggest challenges and opportunities.
Taking Learning Into the Field
Welcome Back Weekend also took Fellows outside the classroom for a visit to ExxonMobil’s Baytown facilities.
Fellows toured the site, learned about emerging technologies, and heard directly from ExxonMobil leaders about the people, infrastructure, and innovation shaping the energy industry.
Experiences like these help students connect what they are learning on campus with real-world applications—and see the wide range of ways they can contribute to the future of energy.
Powered by the TEX-E Community
Welcome Back Weekend was also a reminder of what makes TEX-E possible: a growing ecosystem of universities, companies, entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and innovation organizations committed to investing in the next generation.
A special thank you to Greentown Labs for welcoming our Fellows and to Amegy Bank for supporting the weekend. We’re grateful to all of the speakers, mentors, partners, and community members who invested their time and expertise in our students.
With a new year underway, these 55 Fellows will continue connecting across universities, engaging with industry, exploring entrepreneurship, and pursuing opportunities throughout the energy ecosystem.
Welcome back, Fellows. We’re excited for what’s ahead.
Advancing Energy for Every Generation.
