Student Spotlight (September): Marco De Sousa

In this edition of our student spotlight, we sit down with Marco De Sousa whose research work bridges life cycle assessment, emissions accounting, and multiscale modeling to tackle the urgent challenges of sustainable energy systems. Marco has earned multiple external fellowships, Texas Exchange for Energy & Climate Entrepreneurship Fellows and OpenMinds NextGen Energy Leaders, and received the 2025 EFCE Student Mobility Award. Marco is also attending multiple international conferences this year. He recently attended the 35^th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE) in Ghent, Belgium, and will be participating in the 15^th European Congress of Chemical Engineering (ECCE), the 8^th European Congress of Applied Biotechnology (ECAB) and the 3^rd Iberoamerican Congress on Chemical Engineering (CIBIQ).

What motivated you about your research?

My research is driven by the goal of advancing life cycle assessment (LCA) and emissions accounting, and integrating these concepts into multiscale modeling and optimization frameworks. In particular, I focus on incorporating comprehensive LCA and real-time emissions accounting with an emphasis on the spatial and temporal variability of emission factors and environmental indicators. Recognizing that these indicators are inherently dynamic provides a more accurate and insightful foundation for emission accounting, ultimately influencing how we design, plan, and operate energy systems.

The motivation behind my work stems from a commitment to safeguard the well-being of our planet, which has been a driving factor for me since a young age. While some pursue alternatives to Earth’s ecosystems, my passion lies in preserving and enhancing what we already have. This perspective fuels my interest in understanding atmospheric processes, specifically how layers of the atmosphere, such as the troposphere and stratosphere, interact and how gaseous components behave across these domains.

At a more applied level, my research also addresses the pressing need for reliable insights into the true environmental footprint of energy systems, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. By integrating this knowledge into decision-making, I aim to support the development of sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure capable of meeting the growing demand not only in the United States, but any region of our ecosystem.

What is a highlight in your PhD experience and what did you take away from the experience?

Beyond the research itself, one of the most rewarding aspects of my Ph.D. journey so far has been the privilege of mentoring students and witnessing their growth, both academically and personally, as they gain confidence and develop a genuine appreciation for research. This experience has reinforced for me that the world of research is dynamic and constantly evolving, spanning from seasoned professors to first-year Ph.D. students still discovering their passions. The research community continues to expand, and investing time in mentoring future scholars is never time wasted, it is an invaluable contribution to the future of the field.

What advice do you have for current graduate students?

Pursuing a graduate degree is challenging in itself, pursuing one while also developing your character and broadening your skillset through extracurricular activities or additional training raises the level of difficulty even further. While your primary goal is to earn your degree and contribute through novel research, it is equally important to give other aspects of your life the attention it deserves. Growth as a researcher is inseparable from growth as a person.

Can you tell us about your fellowships and how the opportunities have developed your skillset?

As part of the Texas Exchange for Energy & Climate Entrepreneurship Fellows cohort, I led and organized a state-wide pitch competition for energy-focused start-ups, which culminated at CERAWeek 2025. This experience strengthened my leadership and organizational skills while giving me valuable exposure to the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and energy systems. Additionally, I am part of the OpenMinds NextGen Energy Leaders cohort, where I lead a team of researchers in researching novel methane abatement and traceability strategies. Our focus extends beyond technical solutions, by also exploring pathways for adoption through policy frameworks and market-driven incentives.

What international conferences have you attended and what have you learned from the network? 

I recently attended the 35^th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE) in Ghent, Belgium, and this September I will be participating in the 15^th European Congress of Chemical Engineering (ECCE), the 8^th European Congress of Applied Biotechnology (ECAB), and the 3^rd Iberoamerican Congress on Chemical Engineering (CIBIQ). As a member of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering, I have had the privilege of connecting research efforts across the U.S. and Europe, identifying opportunities for collaboration. Through this engagement, I have become part of an international network of researchers united by a shared motivation: to pursue innovative work that advances knowledge and contributes to the growth of humanity. Research should not be constrained by borders but enriched by the diverse perspectives and expertise of the global community.

If you would like to learn more from Marco De Sousa, you can connect with him at LinkedIn (click here to visit his profile).