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"This contrast between distant and close-up perspectives highlights a crucial point: as researchers, we can overlook the distinctiveness of communities when interpreting the world from a distance through our own lenses and preconceived notions."


~ Inese Berzina-Pitcher, Program Manager for the Mines CCUS Innovation Center (MCIC) and Project Manager for the CarbonSAFE Eos Project at the Colorado School of Mines, winner of the inaugural Global CO2 Initiative (GCI) “Harmonizing Assessments of Carbon Management Approaches” creative competition. 

Inese has extensive expertise in managing complex, large-scale, multi-institutional projects, as well as experience in complex proposal development and managing federally funded initiatives. Inese holds a B.A. (Business Information System Analysis and Development) from Davenport University, a M.A. (Evaluation, Measurement, and Research) from Western Michigan University, and has completed coursework towards a doctoral degree (Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Learning) at Michigan State University. Her professional focus centers on cultivating partnerships, fostering community engagement, supporting research activities, and advancing educational outreach initiatives.



Can you talk me through your career journey? How did you get involved in the CCU field?


My background is in higher education and managing large, multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research projects, working with diverse stakeholders, e.g. academics from different disciplines, industry partners, community members, etc. A big part of my job was creating a space that enabled productive collaboration among all participants.

As I was exploring opportunities for career growth in research, a position at the Colorado School of Mines particularly resonated with me. Unlike purely theoretical research, this role offered a tangible opportunity to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment. The prospect of seeing how my work could directly benefit real-world issues is incredibly exciting and aligns with my desire to contribute to something that truly makes a difference.

This was your first time attending the workshop. What did you think of it?


Prior to the workshop, my experience in the CCUS space has been more from a science perspective, e.g. geology and geophysics as they relate to storage.


The workshop emphasized utilization, particularly in areas such as LCA, accounting, standards, and cost-benefit analysis. The presentations were really good; in particular I connected with presentations about society, and social aspects, topics with which I am more familiar. Overall, I found the workshop highly engaging as it prompted me to reconsider the CCUS space from a fresh perspective. Professionally, it was beneficial as it highlighted gaps within my center and prompted me to think about new initiatives that we could undertake. 

You won the inaugural creative competition at GCI’s annual CCU workshop by a landslide margin. What motivated you to enter the competition?


I thought it was an interesting opportunity to be creative and think about CCUS topics from a different perspective. I have been looking at 3D and other graphic models of carbon storage. I am a fan of fiber art, so even though I’ve never actually created fiber art before, I thought this might be a unique opportunity to present some of the considerations and issues around CCUS in a creative way. 

Many people were talking about your art submissions and were astounded by what you did. Your work was very thoughtful and profound, but also very beautiful.


I wanted to create some pieces that would be conversation starters, pieces that gave form to the thoughts that I have had. My objective was for viewers to engage with the art and perhaps broaden or question their existing perspectives on this topic.



Do you think you will continue creating art on this topic using fiber art?


I think I may. It’s a good way for me to express some of the things I wonder about. I spend a lot of time hiking and in nature, which gives me ample opportunity for reflection. Creating in fiber art is my way of reflecting on things that I have seen, and to make connections that might not be immediately apparent without taking extra time for reflection. 

The inspiration for the flyover view piece came to me from observing fields and subdivisions from airplane windows, where the landscape appears uniform and homogeneous. However, when you are on the ground and you interact with different communities, you find different cultures, beliefs, needs, attitudes, etc. This contrast between distant and close-up perspectives highlights a crucial point: as researchers, we can overlook the distinctiveness of communities when interpreting the world from a distance through our own lenses and preconceived notions.

Title: Unearthing

Medium: Fiber art combined with a narrative (mixed media)



The creation of this fiber art was inspired by carbon storage models. Conversations, readings, and project planning meeting lead to the narrative reflections.

Title: Flyover view

Medium: Fiber art combined with a narrative (mixed media)


Modern knitting techniques are integrated with traditional design elements to depict an aerial view of a landscape. The inspiration came from attending a knitting master class offered by Baiba's workshops. The narrative reflections emerged from a question that I often ask myself – how should we measure the success of a project?

Is there anything else that you would like to share? 


Colorado School of Mines has a long history of addressing challenging scientific and engineering problems across diverse energy and environmental fields. There are numerous new initiatives and opportunities to work with faculty and students on CCUS research and technology innovations. It is an exciting time to be part of the Mines community. 


At the MCIC, one of our current priorities is establishing an industry consortium. The workshop has inspired new ideas for potential industry collaborations, and I am particularly eager to connect with companies leading the way in carbon capture and conversion innovation.


I look forward to returning for the workshop next year, knowing there will be even more learning opportunities. I am grateful to Dr. Volker Sick, and the entire GCI team for creating a space for us to come together and discuss important topics that some of us might not have the opportunity to engage with otherwise.

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in partnership with UKRI Interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Chemical Economy, Cardiff, Wales, UK

July 22–24, 2024


This Cell Symposia will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders from across the science, engineering, business, and policy sectors with a view to facilitate cross-disciplinary dialogue and identify key actions to take now as well as the future research and development priorities necessary to achieve the transformation of the chemical sector for an innovative, circular, and sustainable future.

Epiphyte Weekly Live Stream: Open Source Direct Air Capture

July 1, 2024


Epiphyte is a miniature, stand-alone, open source direct air capture machine that removes CO2 from the air, designed by OpenAir volunteers. Join OpenAir Collective for our weekly zoom in which our members troubleshoot, tinker and plan improvements to the design. All are welcome!

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