Matthew Kumar earned his B.S. in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences from Rice University in 2025. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted a research study in the SEEM Lab, where he developed multiphase flow simulations to assess near well-bore halite precipitation in saline aquifers during CO₂ storage operations. In addition to his academic work, Mr. Kumar was a Division I NCAA All-Regional pole vaulter and served as team captain for Rice Track & Field, while also leading STEM outreach events to promote CCUS awareness among K–12 students and local community members. Mr. Kumar chose to continue his education at Rice University by pursuing a Master’s degree in Energy Geosciences, where he aims to expand his expertise in subsurface characterization, geophysical analysis, and data-driven strategies to address challenges in hydrocarbon exploration, resource management, and carbon storage.