Dr. Nidhal Badrouchi Named 2024 Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award Recipient

Congratulations to Dr. Nidhal Badrouchi on receiving the 2024 Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award! 

Dr. Nidhal Badrouchi is a senior research scientist at the University of North Dakota's Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC), with over 11 years of experience in oil and gas industry and energy research. His work focuses on sustainable energy solutions, including carbon storage, CO2-enhanced oil recovery, and hydrogen storage. 

With a background in chemical engineering, Dr. Badrouchi previously led a production team in Tunisia's oil refining industry, where he achieved record-breaking production levels at his plant. He later moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering at the University of North Dakota. 

Since joining the EERC in 2020, Dr. Badrouchi has combined his industry expertise with cutting-edge research to address global energy challenges. His work bridges practical applications and innovation, driving efforts to decarbonize industrial processes and advance clean energy technologies.

In addition to receiving the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award, Dr. Badrouchi has selected the Grand Forks Senior Center to receive a scholarship to attend the 2025 Chamber Leadership Class. He said, "I believe that supporting and giving back to those who have already served and contributed so much to our community is one of the greatest moral responsibilities of leadership."​

About the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment and Emerging Leader Award

In 2004, the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment was established at the Community Foundation by Grand Forks Herald employees to honor Publisher Mike Maidenberg on his retirement. It was a fitting way to thank and commemorate Mike’s long time civic efforts in Grand Forks. His leadership was instrumental in strengthening our community, especially after the flood of 1997. His leadership presence continued as he was at the forefront of establishing the Community Foundation, serving as our first Board President. Mike remains committed to the quality of life in communities and is a strong advocate for revitalization of downtown areas.
 
Nominations for the Mike Maidenberg Emerging Leader Award are based on the following leadership characteristics: Positive Attitude and Adaptability, Communication and Vision, Integrity, Education and Innovation, Creativity, Intelligence, and Team Building.

The 2024 award nominees were Dr. Nidhal Badrouchi, Tom Hennessy, Michael Britz, and Kris Brown.

To make a gift to the Mike Maidenberg Leadership Endowment to support future nonprofit scholarships, click here.

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