Bridging Geology and Sustainable Energy: Jimmy Mulbah’s SEDV Story

For Jimmy Mulbah, the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) is a bridge between his background in geology and his interest in the future of energy.

When Mulbah first came to Canada, he began looking for a graduate program that would build on his undergraduate background in geology while helping him develop skills that could translate into Canada’s evolving energy sector.

“I wanted to pursue something connected to my undergraduate degree that would not only help me integrate into Canadian society, but also make me more marketable,” Mulbah said.

His search led him to SEDV at the School of Public Policy, where its interdisciplinary approach offered Mulbah an opportunity to build on his knowledge while gaining a broader understanding of the systems shaping sustainable energy development.

Exploring Natural Hydrogen

During an industry partner presentation offered through a course in the SEDV program, one topic caught Mulbah’s attention: natural hydrogen. Exploration of the emerging energy source raised questions that aligned with both his geological background and his interest in exploring natural Earth systems.

“This was definitely something I could venture into,” Mulbah said.

His capstone research examined natural hydrogen through several perspectives, including geological mechanisms, feasibility, environmental considerations and policy. Rather than approaching the subject solely through geology, Mulbah drew on the interdisciplinary perspective he had developed throughout the SEDV program alongside his studies into the complex challenge of finding lower-carbon fuels “Natural hydrogen has the potential to contribute to the transition toward reliable, lower-carbon energy sources if it can be shown to exist in sufficient quantities and prove commercially viable,” Mulbah explained.

For Mulbah, the capstone was an opportunity to explore a developing area of energy research and consider what role natural systems research could play in shaping the future of energy.

Navigating Uncertainty

One of the biggest challenges for Mulbah’s research was the availability and reliability of data. Natural hydrogen research is still in early development and much of the available information is based on existing literature with limited field data.

“There are no tangible means to evaluate the authenticity of the data that is being produced by previous researchers or used in literature,” he said.

Balancing his capstone research project with SEDV’s rigorous course load was a challenge, but support from his mentor and supervisor helped Mulbah stay focused, prioritize tasks, and make steady progress.

“My mentor, Gord Brasnett, was always there, reminding me and giving me a heads-up, asking me about how far I’ve come, what I have done,” he said.

The experience taught Mulbah to break complex projects into manageable steps and embrace uncertainty as a natural part of the research process. Completing his capstone has also left Mulbah interested in what could come next for natural hydrogen research.

“More research, field visits and pilot projects would help us better understand what the Earth has to offer as a suitable energy source,” he said.

Finding Your Place in SEDV

Looking back on his 16 months in the program, Mulbah says one of the program’s greatest strengths is its interdisciplinary nature.

Students are exposed to perspectives and areas of expertise beyond their own backgrounds, giving them opportunities to understand how different disciplines approach complex energy and sustainability challenges.

“It helps you discover yourself,” he said.

For Mulbah, working with people from different professional backgrounds was an eye-opening experience. He learned to integrate different perspectives into his work while developing practical skills such as multitasking, working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.

While the program can be demanding, Mulbah believes the experience prepares students for the realities of the professional world by teaching them how to work under pressure and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.

“Come with an open mind, come to receive, come to learn,” he advised future SEDV students.