Chemistry, Computers, Community and a Makeover

While writing Optimized Oil Recovery — the research feature starting on page 22 — I got a chance to channel what’s left of my high school chemistry knowledge and practice some basic equations. Some hydrogen, some carbon monoxide, some oxygen — somehow, we get water and carbon dioxide.

The article simplifies incredibly complex research that aims to use carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants to draw more oil from existing wells, facilitating reuse and eventually subsurface storage of the greenhouse gas. The work is being done by researchers at the University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center, along with their partners in the coal and oil industries. It’s exciting stuff. The EERC has been working on projects like this since long before regulations were in place to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Every time I write about EERC research, I learn something interesting. Read the full story and you likely will, too.

The information technology feature shares expert insights and advice on the most important aspects of IT professionals’ job duties, separated into easy-to-read categories. You’ll find it on page 32.

This month also features another Community Profile. This time, we go inside Minot, N.D., a town that boomed when oil was in charge, but still has some ongoing development despite the downturn. The airport underwent significant enhancements, the county jail is in the process of a large expansion and there’s more to come. Read all about it on page 28.

Business Insider features Dr. Steven Powell, a physician scientist with Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, S.D. He sees patients but also is dedicated to his role as a medical researcher. He is the perfect candidate for this month’s Q&A because it seems most of the research successes that come out of Sanford have his name on them somewhere. See what he has to say about his career, starting on page 20.

Construction Corner takes a peek inside an expansion of the National Information Solutions Cooperative campus in Mandan, N.D. See what the company has added for its employees, starting on page 34.

Finally, visit www.prairiebusinessmagazine.com to nominate someone for 40 Under 40, Prairie Business’ annual list of impressive young professionals. Nominations are open through Oct. 14. And visit our website again Nov. 1 to catch the November digital edition as soon as it drops. It’s the first edition of our brand new redesign, complete with a new logo, overall look and content staple sections. We’re eager to unveil our new style. I think you’ll love it as much as we do.

KORRIE WENZEL, Publisher

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LISA GIBSON, Editor

KAYLA PRASEK, Staff Writer

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Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 375 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203.

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