Location
Dalton J. Woods Auditorium
Energy, Coast & Environment Bldg
93 S. Quad Drive
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Energy Fundamentals is a weeklong course designed to provide an overview of the U.S. energy sector. Participants will be exposed to the history, science, and economics of producing and consuming energy.
We are offering this one-week course twice this summer to better fit everyone’s schedules:
- June 22–26, 2026
- July 13–17, 2026
Days 1 and 2 focus on "Molecules", Days 3 and 4 focus on "Electrons" and Day 5 focuses on "Policy & Politics."
The event will take place in the Energy Information Center located in the Energy Coast & Environment Building on LSU’s campus. Short field trips are being planned and more information will be available as the event approaches.
We are proud to partner with USAEE and members are eligible for discounted prices.
For questions, contact us at ces@lsu.edu.
Agenda
(Note: Topics and speakers are subject to change.)
Offered in two complete sessions:
Session 1: June 22-26, 2026 (Monday-Friday) | Session 2: July 13-17, 2026 (Monday-Friday)
The complete curriculum is identical in both sessions, and participants can choose to attend specific days from either session based on their availability.
Registration and breakfast begins daily at 7:30. Courses begin at 8 and end at 4:30. Lunch will be served at noon and there will be breaks at mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Day 1 - Molecules
Session 1: Monday, June 22 | Session 2: Monday, July 13
Energy Resources & Value Chains
Day 2 - Molecules
Session 1: Tuesday, June 23 | Session 2: Tuesday, July 14
Energy Resources & Value Chains
Day 3 - Electrons
Session 1: Wednesday, June 24 | Session 2: Wednesday, July 15
Electricity Markets & Regulation
Day 4 - Electrons
Session 1: Thursday, June 25 | Session 2: Thursday, July 16
Electricity Markets & Regulation
Day 5 - Policy & Politics
Session 1: Friday, June 26 | Session 2: Friday, July 17
Government's Influence on Energy Choices
Course Instructors
Chris McLindon is Director of Energy Education and Outreach at the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies, where he leads the development of educational programs to prepare future energy leaders and engages policymakers, industry professionals, and the public on key energy issues. He brings four decades of experience as a geologist in the upstream oil and gas industry and the carbon capture and storage sector, including CO₂ sequestration site development, geological modeling, and Class VI permit support in Louisiana and Texas. He holds a B.S. in Geology from LSU and is a past president of the New Orleans Geological Society. In 2017, he received the Statesmanship Award from the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies.
Andrew Owens is a CES Research Fellow and retired from Entergy in 2023 as Director of Regulatory Research & Strategy after more than 25 years with the company. His career focused on regulatory and policy issues, including ratemaking and emerging technologies such as smart grid, energy efficiency, distributed energy resources, renewables, electric vehicles, and energy storage. He previously worked in environmental consulting on air pollution policy, modeling, and permitting. Andrew holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from Iowa State University and an M.S. in management from Georgia Tech, and is a registered professional engineer in Georgia and a licensed CPA in Louisiana.
Garret Graves served as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District from 2015 to 2025 and is a member of the Republican Party. He has extensive experience in public policy and energy issues, with a focus on infrastructure, coastal restoration, and energy development in Louisiana. Born in Baton Rouge, he attended the University of Alabama, Louisiana Tech, and American University.
Speakers
Dr. Greg Upton is Executive Director and Associate Research Professor at LSU’s Center for Energy Studies. His research interests are related to the analysis of economic, environmental, and public policy issues in the energy industry. During his tenure at LSU, he has addressed topical energy issues of significance to Louisiana, including state mineral taxes, solar tax credits, and net metering policies, the impact of the oil price collapse on Louisiana’s budgetary challenges, and implications of the crude oil export ban’s lifting on the Louisiana economy, among others. He has presented research to more than 200 industry, governmental, and academic audiences, and has been quoted or cited over 250 times in local and national media, including the Wall Street Journal and NPR’s Marketplace. Dr. Upton holds a Ph.D. in economics from LSU, where he also received both an M.S. and B.S. in economics.
Amanda McClinton serves as the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Energy at the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy (C&E), where she helps guide energy policy, planning, and implementation across the state. In her role, Amanda supports efforts to promote energy efficiency, manage federal energy grant programs, and advance statewide energy initiatives that balance traditional resources with emerging technologies and sustainability goals. She brings extensive experience in analytics and public service from her previous roles in state government, including positions in business analytics and benefits management. Amanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University.
Tyler Gray currently serves as director of energy innovation at the LSU Energy Institute. Prior to this role, he served as Secretary of the State of Louisiana's Department of Energy and Natural Resources.Before that, he held positions as Director of Corporate and Government Affairs for Placid Refining Company, LLC and President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association. He also served as an attorney in the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation and for the City of New Orleans. He graduated with a B.A. in Economics from James Madison University in Virginia, received his J.D. from Loyola University in New Orleans, and M.B.A. with a specialization in economics from Louisiana State University. Mr. Gray is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and currently serves on several public and private boards and commissions.
Brandon Frey serves as Executive Secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC), where he leads the agency’s day-to-day operations and works closely with the five elected commissioners to support the regulation of public utilities and common carriers throughout Louisiana. He has served in this leadership role since 2018, after previously overseeing the Commission’s legal division as Executive Counsel. In his capacity as Executive Secretary, Frey provides administrative oversight, coordinates technical and legal support for regulatory proceedings, and acts on behalf of the Commission in providing information to stakeholders, the public, and media. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center.
Energy Fundamentals is a weeklong course designed to provide an overview of the U.S. energy sector. Participants will be exposed to the history, science, and economics of producing and consuming energy.
We are offering this one-week course twice this summer to better fit everyone’s schedules:
- June 22–26, 2026
- July 13–17, 2026
Days 1 and 2 focus on "Molecules", Days 3 and 4 focus on "Electrons" and Day 5 focuses on "Policy & Politics."
The event will take place in the Energy Information Center located in the Energy Coast & Environment Building on LSU’s campus. Short field trips are being planned and more information will be available as the event approaches.
We are proud to partner with USAEE and members are eligible for discounted prices.
For questions, contact us at ces@lsu.edu.
We are excited to share a unique professional development opportunity this summer.
“Energy Fundamentals” is a weeklong course designed to introduce foundational concepts in energy systems, markets, and policy. Whether you’re a science teacher, social studies educator, or simply interested in energy’s role in our world, this course is designed to provide accessible, engaging content directly relevant to Louisiana and beyond. Please visit the homepage for more information.
Course Details for Summer 2026
- Stipend amounts will be determined by the distance your school is from Baton Rouge.
- The rate will be $1/mile/day. The minimum weekly stipend amount is $250, and the maximum is $1,000.
- Example: Your school is 30 miles away from Baton Rouge. Your calculated weekly stipend is $150, but you will receive the minimum stipend of $250.
- Example: Your school is 85 miles away from Baton Rouge. Your calculated weekly stipend is $425, and you will receive that amount.
- Stipend provided after full attendance.
- Free registration (via a special course coupon provided to selected applicants).
Course Dates
- June 22–26, 2026
- July 13–17, 2026
Not Selected This Time? Interested in the Future?
If you missed the chance to apply this year or were not selected, we encourage you to stay connected! We hope to offer Energy Fundamentals and other professional development opportunities again in the future.
Thank you for supporting energy education in Louisiana—we look forward to learning with you this summer!
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