
Casper College Community Learning Series
Exploring Today’s Issues, Shaping Wyoming’s Tomorrow
A New Forum for Thoughtful Dialogue
Casper College proudly introduces the Community Learning Series, a new initiative designed to provide the community with open, inclusive access to timely, expert-led discussions on topics that shape our region and our future.
Free and open to the public, this series will offer the community and beyond the opportunity to engage with a wide range of speakers, from local leaders to nationally recognized experts. Each event will foster respectful dialogue and evidence-based learning in a welcoming, academic environment.
The Casper College Community Learning Series is guided by its mission: The Casper College Community Learning Series exists to connect our community through learning, dialogue, and discovery. As Casper’s community college, we are committed to offering thought-provoking programs that address issues shaping our community and Wyoming’s future. Through engaging lectures, we will foster civic engagement, inspire lifelong learning, and strengthen the partnerships that drive Casper and Wyoming forward.
Learning for Life and Community
- Hosted by Casper College in partnership with guest experts and community leaders
- Created to promote understanding, not advocacy
- Grounded in research, education, and respectful dialogue
- Shaped by topics that matter to Wyoming residents
- Open to students, families, professionals, and all members of the public


“At Casper College, our role is to provide fact-based education and a neutral forum for topics that matter to the people we serve,” said Brandon Kosine, Ph.D., president of Casper College. “This learning series is part of our commitment to serve the community to make informed choices and decisions about our future.”
— Brandon Kosine, Ph.D., president, Casper College
*Completed* - Nuclear Energy and the Future of Wyoming’s Economy - November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
Wold Physical Science Building, Wheeler Auditorium, Rm. 103
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Mission
The Casper College Community Education Learning Series exists to connect our community through learning, dialogue, and discovery. As Casper’s community college, we are committed to offering thought-provoking programs that address issues shaping our community, Wyoming’s future workforce, and regional development. Through engaging lectures, we foster civic engagement, inspire lifelong learning, and strengthen the partnerships that drive Casper and Wyoming forward.
Statement of Purpose
The Casper College Learning Series on Nuclear Energy and the Future of Wyoming’s Economy is established to promote open communication, critical inquiry, and collaborative learning focused on the emerging role of nuclear energy in Wyoming’s economic and environmental future. As a community college, part of our mission is to bring people together to explore important topics in a spirit of curiosity and respect. We believe in the power of education to spark new ideas, broaden perspectives, and help us understand the world more deeply. Casper College is an academic setting, and with that comes a commitment to fact-based information and inquiry. That means our discussions here are grounded in evidence, research, and knowledge not personal opinions, partisan politics, or ideological debates. While those may have a place in other venues, our role here is to provide clarity, promote understanding, and encourage thoughtful exploration. We also want to emphasize that inquiry is at the heart of education. Asking questions, seeking better understanding, and wrestling with complex issues are part of what it means to be a learner. In this space, we invite you to approach each topic with openness and respect, recognizing that discovery often begins with curiosity and a willingness to listen.
Located in the heart of Natrona County, where Wyoming’s energy heritage meets its technological future, Casper College is uniquely positioned to lead conversations and education surrounding advanced energy systems. This series invites students, faculty, industry professionals, and community members to explore how nuclear energy can complement Wyoming’s traditional resource sectors while supporting diversification, sustainability, and long-term prosperity.
Objective
To cultivate an inclusive and forward-thinking learning community at Casper College that fosters transparent dialogue and interdisciplinary understanding of nuclear energy—its science, technology, policy, and economic potential—as a key component of Wyoming’s evolving energy landscape and Natrona County’s future economy.
Focus Areas
- The Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Wyoming’s Resource Leadership
Wyoming has long been a leader in energy and mineral resource development. This focus area examines how the state’s expertise in mining, environmental stewardship, and resource management can extend into the nuclear fuel cycle—from uranium extraction and processing to fuel fabrication, waste management, and recycling. Participants will assess how Wyoming can responsibly contribute to and benefit from a secure and sustainable nuclear supply chain.
- Nuclear Supply Chain Development and Economic Diversification
Casper College will explore how Natrona County’s industrial capabilities, transportation infrastructure, and skilled workforce can support regional and national nuclear supply chains. This focus will connect local economic strengths with emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing, component fabrication, and research partnerships, positioning Wyoming as a vital contributor to the United States’ nuclear energy resurgence.
- Industrial Heat, Power, and Advanced Nuclear Applications
Advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, have the potential to provide reliable, low-carbon heat and power for industrial and community use. This area of study will evaluate how these innovations can enhance Wyoming’s energy security, reduce emissions, and support the modernization of key industries in Natrona County, creating new pathways for economic and workforce development.
Vision
Through this learning series, Casper College reaffirms its commitment to educational excellence, community engagement, and innovation. By advancing knowledge and dialogue around nuclear energy, the college seeks to prepare Wyoming’s next generation of leaders to make informed decisions about the state’s economic future.
This initiative envisions a Wyoming where traditional and emerging energy resources coexist—driving technological progress, environmental responsibility, and resilient economic growth. In partnership with industry experts, public agencies, and local communities, Casper College will serve as a catalyst for understanding, collaboration, and opportunity in the era of advanced nuclear energy.
Sean Schaub – Moderator
Nuclear Industry Coordinator for the Wyoming Energy Authority
Sean Schaub is the Nuclear Industry Coordinator at the Wyoming Energy Authority. Sean brings a diverse background and range of experiences to this role, including planning, evaluating and developing in-situ uranium mines for Wyoming’s largest uranium mining company, consulting with Wyoming’s manufacturing companies to provide a wide range of growth and cost reduction solutions, and deployment of novel vertical farming technology worldwide. Through this dynamic career path, Sean has gained experience in technical sales support, supply chain and logistics management, purchasing and procurement, project management, relationship building and cross-functional collaboration. Sean is a native of Riverton and holds a geology degree from the University of Wyoming. In addition, he serves as treasurer on the board of directors for the Big Hollow Food Coop in Laramie, Wyoming.
Panel Members

Greyson Buckingham
Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DISA Technologies
Greyson Buckingham is the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of DISA Technologies, a Wyoming-based technology company pioneering High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) for mineral recovery and mine remediation. A military veteran, licensed attorney and former policy advisor, Greyson has led DISA from concept to national deployment, raising over $50 million and building a team of over 50 people. With degrees from Georgetown and the University of Wyoming, he brings deep expertise in energy, law and leadership, and remains committed to advancing U.S. energy security and environmental innovation from his home state. Greyson lives in Casper, Wyoming with his wife and three sons.

Mike Wandler
President of L&H Industrial, Inc.
Mike Wandler prioritizes love, freedom, mental and physical fitness, energy, and flow. He is the President of L&H Industrial, Inc., a third-generation family-owned company that provides Engineering & Design, Manufacturing & Repair, and Field Services to heavy industries worldwide. L&H serves key sectors such as Mining, Oil & Gas, Railroad, Wind Energy, Government, and other specialized industries-delivering innovative solutions with a relentless focus on quality, service, safety, and innovation.
In addition to his leadership at L&H, Mike is the CEO of Evercore Energy, a startup dedicated to innovating energy by including the deployment of microreactors fQr heavy industries across the globe. Evercore Energy’s mission is to revolutionize energy reliability, efficiency, and sustainability for industrial operations.
Mike is also the Founder and Leader of Wyoming’s Innovative Entrepreneurs, an initiative committed to growing and diversifying Wyoming’s economy. The organization empowers entrepreneurs to think big, leverage strategic resources, and achieve their long-term business goals with resilience and adaptability.
At L&H Industrial, Mike leads the company with a strong commitment to its core philosophy:
- Mission: Move industries forward by designing, manufacturing, and maintaining the biggest machines on earth.
- Vision: Transform the future by transforming machines.
- Values: Do the right thing, Make an impact, Lead by example, Love people.
His unique ability lies in his relentless pursuit of knowledge, technology, and transformative mindsets. He excels at expanding visions, developing innovative solutions, and fostering a culture grounded in honesty, integrity, respect, safety, and quality. Mike believes success stems from living in flow and collaborating with like-minded individuals to drive meaningful change.
Brian Steinert
Metal Injection Molding Manager for Hi Viz Shooting Systems
Brian joined HiViz in 2022 as a Process Engineer, where he focused on maintaining and advancing the company’s Metal Injection Molding (MIM) processes. In 2024, he was promoted to Metal Injection Molding Manager and now plays a key role in leading HiViz’s expansion into new manufacturing sectors. With a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Brian brings analytical and practical expertise to his work. Before joining HiViz, he spent a decade in the medical design and manufacturing industry, gaining hands-on experience in developing efficient production methods and innovative design solutions. Whether optimizing manufacturing workflows, improving design-for-manufacturability, refining cost structures, or identifying bottlenecks, Brian is focused on continuous manufacturing improvement.
*Completed* - Let’s Set the Table — Nuclear 101 - Monday, Sept. 29
The first presentation for the Casper College Community Learning Series, ‘Exploring Today’s Issues, Shaping Wyoming’s Tomorrow,’ is titled ‘Let’s Set the Table — Nuclear 101’ by Wayne Heili. Heili’s presentation will take place on Monday, Sept. 29, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Robert and Ruth Dove Conference Center, Walter H. Nolte Gateway Center, Room 225, Casper College campus.
Heili, a metallurgical engineer with a minerals processing emphasis, spent over 35 years in the U.S. uranium recovery industry, the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle. His experience includes various process engineering, management, and executive positions at companies pursuing uranium production, and he has overseen the design, licensing, construction, commissioning, and ramp-up of various projects. Now semiretired, Heili provides consulting and advisory services to the uranium recovery industry.
‘During my time in the uranium industry, I have developed a deep understanding of radiation safety, industrial safety, environmental stewardship, and the regulatory framework in place for the protection of the environment and surrounding communities when nuclear projects are proposed,’ said Heili.
Heili is a lifelong member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration and has served multiple terms as an officer of the Central Wyoming Section of SME. He has also served on the board of the Wyoming Mining Association and is a past-president of the Uranium Producers of America.
The Casper College Community Learning Series, ‘Exploring Today’s Issues, Shaping Wyoming’s Tomorrow,’ is a new initiative designed to provide the community with open, inclusive access to timely, expert-led discussions on topics that shape our region and our future. Free and open to the public, this recurring series will offer the community and beyond the opportunity to engage with a wide range of speakers, from local leaders to nationally recognized experts. Each event will foster respectful dialogue and evidence-based learning in a welcoming, academic environment.
Watch the Recording – September 29, 2025
Coming Soon
Check back soon for updates on the date, speaker, and topic.
Do you have a topic you’d like to see covered? Want to recommend a speaker or co-host an event with us? We’d love to hear from you.