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Dr. Saeed Salehi, the Herman Brown Endowed Chair of Engineering at SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering, is leading a transformative new project focused on methane emissions reduction in the oil and gas industry. The office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management within the Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Dr. Salehi’s proposal for funding under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. The total project funding for 44 months is $7,305,222 with SMU serving as the lead institution in collaboration with multiple energy companies. This groundbreaking $7.3 million grant marks the largest award ever given to the Mechanical Engineering Department and the entire Lyle School of Engineering.

This multi-year project will focus on the field deployment, full-scale validation, and commercialization of advanced technologies designed to mitigate methane emissions from oil and gas operations. In addition to its technical goals, the initiative aims to create significant social impact, ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from improvements in air and water quality, job creation, and educational opportunities. By employing a community-driven approach, the project will foster replicable, sustained methane mitigation efforts across the United States.

Dr. Salehi’s leadership in this endeavor exemplifies his decades of expertise at the intersection of energy, environment, and sustainability, building on a research portfolio that has attracted over $10 million in funding. This innovative work not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also aims to deliver tangible, long-term benefits to both local communities and the energy sector.

To access more information on this groundbreaking research and grant, please visit the

About the Bobby Lyle School of Engineering
SMU's Lyle School of Engineering thrives on innovation that transcends traditional boundaries. We strongly believe in the power of externally funded, industry-supported research to drive progress and provide exceptional students with valuable industry insights. Our mission is to lead the way in digital transformation within engineering education, all while ensuring that every student graduates as a confident leader. Founded in 1925, SMU Lyle is one of the oldest engineering schools in the Southwest, offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees.

About SMU
SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, community and the world.