TAMIU Team Earns National Recognition at Global 'Molecule to Megabyte' Energython

A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) student team has earned national recognition at the Molecule to Megabyte Energython, an international competition hosted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, advancing to compete globally in October 2026.

The competition challenges Petroleum Engineering and related disciplines to develop innovative solutions to meet the growing energy demands of data centers. Teams were tasked with creating a techno-economic model for a gas-fired power plant capable of producing between 10 and 20 megawatts of electricity to support expanding data center infrastructure.

Competing  against teams from petroleum engineering programs across the United States in Houston, the TAMIU Rising Star team placed third nationally, earned the People’s Choice Award and received second place for best economic model overall.

TAMIU President Dr. Christopher Maynard said the recognition reflects the University’s growing national impact.

“This recognition underscores TAMIU's growing impact on issues of national importance,” Maynard said. “Our students are not only excelling academically, but also contributing innovative, real-world solutions that position South Texas as a meaningful player in the future of energy and digital infrastructure.”

The multidisciplinary team, mentored by Dr. Khaled Enab, TAMIU associate professor of Petroleum Engineering and founding director of the AI Center for Engineering at TAMIU (ACET), was one of the few composed primarily of undergraduate students. Team members included Cash Bailey, an undergraduate student in Computer Engineering who developed the technical model and served as team lead; Carlos Mendez, an undergraduate student in Petroleum Engineering who conducted the supply chain feasibility analysis and led site selection efforts; and Ayman Samak, a Ph.D. candidate in the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business who designed and analyzed the project’s economic model.

Pictured from left to right: Ayman Samak, A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business doctoral candidate; Carlos Mendez, junior Petroleum Engineering major; Cash Bailey, senior Computer Engineering major; and Dr. Khaled Enab, associate professor of Petroleum Engineering, founding director of the AI Center for Engineering at TAMIU (ACET) and team mentor. The group is holding a check awarded as a prize for third place in the competition, sponsored by the Society of Petrolem Engineers (SPE) - Asset Management Technical Section.

The team selected Webb County as the optimal project site, citing its status as the second-largest natural gas-producing county in Texas and its proximity to Laredo, the nation’s largest inland port. Their model projected an internal rate of return of 14% to 19% over a 15-year investment horizon and demonstrated South Texas’ potential to support next-generation digital infrastructure.

TAMIU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Claudia San Miguel said the achievement reflects the strength of interdisciplinary learning and applied scholarship.

“This accomplishment exemplifies the strength of experiential learning and interdisciplinary education at TAMIU,” San Miguel said. “Through the integration of engineering, data-driven analysis and economic modeling, students applied theory to practice in a rigorous academic setting, which is exactly the type of preparation needed for leadership in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape."

Dr. Khaled Enab, associate professor of Petroleum Engineering and director of the TAMIU AI Center for Engineering, emphasized the technical and professional rigor the team demonstrated.

“The Molecule to Megabyte challenge represents the forefront of energy innovation, bringing together data, technology and traditional energy systems to meet modern digital demands,” Enab said. “What impressed me most was the team’s dedication, professionalism and remarkable collaboration throughout the competition. Their success exemplifies the spirit of innovation and perseverance that defines our students.”

TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Marcus Ynalvez said the recognition highlights the University’s academic depth and commitment to experiential learning.

“This recognition highlights the academic depth and experiential learning opportunities we strive to provide across the College of Arts and Sciences,” Ynalvez said. “It is especially rewarding to see students succeed in a highly competitive national setting through rigorous analysis and creative problem-solving.”

TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences School of Engineering director Dr. Mahmoud Khasawneh said the team’s work reflects the impact of cross-disciplinary collaboration.

“Seeing our students apply classroom knowledge to solve complex, high-impact challenges, particularly within our own region, is a powerful measure of the success of our programs,” said Dr. Khasawneh, “Cash and Carlos exemplify the interdisciplinary mindset we strive to instill in our engineering students, while Ayman’s contribution reflects the strength of collaboration across schools. Together, they are helping define the future of Texas’s energy workforce”.

For more information, please contact Dr. Khasawneh at 956.326.2669 or email mahmoud.khasawneh@tamiu.edu.

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