Braxton Iden, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, $3,000 General Fund Scholarship

Growing up in Big Spring, TX, resting on the eastern edge of the Midland Basin, constant exposure at a young age cultivated an interest in energy and eventually motivated me to major in Energy Commerce at Texas Tech University.

As a student at Texas Tech, I became increasingly fascinated with the nuances and scope of the energy field. My studies ranged from technical oil and gas law concepts to high-level policy considerations. These courses overall prepared me for an internship at SM Energy in the summer of 2017. Following my summer internship, I accepted a job with SM where I became established in the landman role.

These experiences influenced a decision to attend law school where I could leverage my expertise to become an effective energy lawyer. Although the potential career paths in law school are diverse, the variety of ways in which attorneys can contribute drew me to a career in energy law.

I plan to contribute by offering creative solutions to embrace technology, while aiming to mitigate harmful or unforeseeable consequences. In addition, I am passionate about carbon emissions and relish the idea of pioneering sustainable legal efforts to incorporate renewables into the energy mix while relying on robust hydrocarbons to support achievable goals. To do so, I would advocate for rational policies that carefully account for the environment without jeopardizing economic and societal principles.