The mineral olivine might look like just a pretty green rock, but it has bigger roles in our world. Jenna Woods, a graduate student from Northeastern University, believes olivine could be a game-changer in fighting climate change.
Olivine interacts with carbon dioxide and water in the atmosphere, a process that helps reduce carbon levels. This is critical as our planet grapples with rising carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, this natural process takes thousands of years. But Woods is focused on speeding it up to help combat climate change more effectively.
When Jenna started her co-op program, she wasn’t sure where her degree in environmental studies would take her. She considered various paths but found her spark in carbon capture technology. This technology aims to trap carbon emissions from factories and power plants, stopping them from escaping into the atmosphere. Jenna noticed a gap between existing scientific solutions and their real-world applications. “The science is there; it just needs to be put into action,” she explained.
Her research under Professor Marcel Di Vece at the University of Milan involved studying olivine and its environmental impacts, as well as managing finances and reaching out to investors. After her co-op, Woods became the CEO of AngelRock BV, a new company focused on developing olivine-based solutions to environmental challenges. The company aims to make olivine’s benefits accessible and market-ready, leveraging a University of Milan accelerator grant.
“We believe our work can make a significant impact,” Di Vece stated. AngelRock is now in its research and development phase, preparing to meet the urgent needs posed by climate change.
At just 21, Jenna is balancing her role as CEO and pursuing a graduate degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy. She dreams of obtaining a Ph.D. to deepen her understanding of environmental issues. Di Vece praised her commitment and insights into climate solutions, making her the ideal leader for AngelRock’s mission.
Woods is passionate about her work. “I love what I’m doing,” she shared. “It feels good to wake up knowing I’m contributing to something meaningful.”
With climate change looming, the need for innovative solutions like olivine is more pressing than ever. According to recent studies, around 40% of global carbon emissions come from fossil fuel combustion, and capturing more CO2 is crucial for mitigation. As Jenna and AngelRock push forward, they represent a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change.
For more on carbon capture technology, you can explore the [International Energy Agency’s](https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-efficiency/carbon-capture-utilisation-and-storage) resources, which detail ongoing initiatives and progress in this impactful field.
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carbon dioxide,carbon emissions,climate change,co-op,entrpreneurship,technology
