LARAMIE - While shifting his undergraduate studies from chemical engineering to mechanical engineering, Mathew Haigler followed energy issues in the news.

It became apparent to the 22-year-old Laramie native that energy in every form will be the issue of his generation, and that Wyoming can play an integral role in the world energy challenge.

When the University of Wyoming added a new energy systems engineering program, Haigler switched again, finally satisfied that he could pursue all of his interests in energy, from environmental concerns and policy-making issues to energy economics and project development.

Haigler will be the first graduate of the program next year.

"One of the neat things about the energy industry is it's going to go through a major transition, I think, and being on the forefront of that is really exciting," Haigler said.

The fact that energy development in Wyoming has slacked in the recession is a source of concern for Haigler when it comes to finding his first energy-related job after graduation next year. But Haigler has his eye on the long term: The global need for more energy and in cleaner, more sustainable forms, is the future.

"There's more people, they need more energy, and people want to improve their lives. And if you want to live a better life you use more energy. Wyoming will be part of that," Haigler said.

Haigler said he's eager to get his hands dirty after graduation, expressing a desire for hands-on field experience to get a feel for the realities of energy development and environmental mitigation. After that, who knows? Project development, engineering, financing.

Ultimately, Haigler wants to be involved in the policy-making aspect of the energy and environment challenge. In fact, Haigler has taken his first major step into public service: He was recently elected president of the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming.

"I worked really hard here at UW to make sure I've participated in a lot of things and really made my education as valuable as possible, not only in the classroom but out of the classroom," Haigler said.

No matter what he ends up doing in energy, Haigler said he intends to make it happen here in Wyoming.

"I enjoy traveling, but Wyoming is my home, and I want to live here. I want to see the world and live here in Wyoming as my home base," he said.

Energy reporter Dustin Bleizeffer can be reached at (307) 577-6069 or dustin.bleizeffer@trib.com. Check out Dustin's blog at tribtown.trib.com/DustinBleizeffer.