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SPE/PEDHA Workshop: Fueling the Future: Petroleum Engineering Industry/Education in a New Era
8–9 August 2024 | University of Houston | Houston, Texas, USA

SPE Logo

SPE/PEDHA Workshop: Fueling the Future: Petroleum Engineering Industry/Education in a New Era
8–9 August 2024 | University of Houston | Houston, Texas, USA

Schedule

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Schedule

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0700
  1. 60 mins
0800
  1. 15 mins
0815
  1. 60 mins

    In this fireside chat, Ryan will discuss the workforce needs of the energy industry and its efforts to attract, retain and develop talent with a focus on innovation. We’ll also examine the technological advancements and sustainability strategies shaping the future of petroleum engineering, and the steps industry is taking to navigate global shifts in energy demand, regulatory landscapes and the transition toward lower-carbon energy.

    Moderator: Todd Hoffman, Montana Technological University    

    Speaker:  Ryan Lance, ConocoPhillips

0915
  1. 30 mins
  2. 30 mins

    Knowledge Sharing Posters allow one-on-one interactions with presenters from the industry and academia. In these posters, companies share their experiences in updating their training programs, and petroleum engineering departments provide enrollment statistics, examples of outreach activities/events examples, and DEIB initiatives. Additionally, petroleum engineering faculty showcase their research directions in the petroleum and subsurface energy engineering field.

    Chairs: Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Pennsylvania State University; Juliana Leung, University of Alberta

    Presentations:

    • Flow Assurance Challenges of Anthropogenic CO2 Transport and Injection in CCUS   
      Yingda Lu, University of Texas at Austin    
    • Characterization of the CO2-Water Multiphase Flow Response Through Coupling Poromechanical Properties    
      Kiseok Kim, Texas A&M University    
    • Well-to-Tank Analysis of Lithium Extraction from Synthetic Brine Using Li-Al/LDH Chloride: A United States Perspective    
      Muhammed Rashik Mojid, Jiahui You, Kyung Jae Lee, University of Houston    
    • Understanding Sustainability in the Classroom: Recognizing the Crucial Role of Fossil Fuels    
      Dave Rathgeber, Todd Hoffman, Montana Technological University    
    • One Company's Training/Career Development Processes and its Close Relationship with Academia    
      Balki Selvam, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering     
    • CCUS Research, Training, and Outreach Activities    
      Mehdi Zeidouni, Richard Hughes, Ipsita Gupta, Seung Kam, Louisiana State University    
    • Multiscale Simulation of Energy Resources    
      Olufemi Olorode, Seung Kam, Louisiana State University    
    • Emerging Technologies for Transformation of Fossil and Non-Fossil Fuels to Carbon Neutral Hydrogen    
      Baharak Sajjadi, University of Oklahoma
    • An Experimental Study of Nanosilica Sealant for Wellbore Leakage Remediation in CO2 Storage    
      Ning Liu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 
    • Fracture Fluid Flow in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)    
      Hunjoo Lee, Oklahoma State University   
    • Scale Modeling of Wellbore Hydraulics: From Theory to Technology Development    
      Amin Mehrabian, Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Pennsylvania State University
    • Enabling Open-Source Development of Drillstring Dynamics Models
      Roman Shor, Texas A&M University
0945
  1. 90 mins

    The petroleum industry relies upon petroleum engineering departments to supply competent entry-level staff.  Additionally, petroleum engineering departments have traditionally provided cutting edge research that is often incorporated into industrial workflows.  In recent years there have been competing demands on this relationship, including demands from newer, transitional industries such as geothermal and CCUS.  This session will seek to clarify what the petroleum industry “expects” from petroleum engineering departments, and how the relationship between industry and academia can be strengthened.

    Chairs: Bob Merrill, Consultant; Siyavash Motealleh, BP

    Speakers:

    • Brant Hasebe, BP
    • David Reid, Shell    
    • Robello Samuel, Halliburton 
    • Mohamed Soliman, University of Houston
1115
  1. 45 mins
1200
  1. 45 mins

    Chris will discuss the growing energy demand and CO2 emissions projected through 2050, highlighting the critical role of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in achieving a lower-carbon world. It emphasizes the U.S. Gulf Coast as a prime location for CCUS projects due to its existing infrastructure and geological advantages, while also acknowledging the economic, permitting, and public support challenges in scaling CCUS technologies.

    Moderator: Todd Hoffman, Montana Technological University

    Speaker: Chris Kendall, Former President & CEO, Denbury 

1245
  1. 90 mins

    As the industry faces increasing scrutiny from society, petroleum engineering education must include topics related to ethical decision-making, social responsibility, and sustainable development. Programs need to incorporate courses that explore the social, economic, and geopolitical aspects of the oil and gas industry. The education must also incorporate modules on environmental impact assessment, pollution prevention, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy integration, software tools and algorithms to predict reservoir behavior to optimize production strategies and assess uncertainty in geologic models to enhance reservoir management practices.

    Chairs: Iraj Ershaghi, University of Southern California; Andrei Popa, Chevron

    Presentations:

    • Carbon Fluency in the Petroleum Industry 
      Trey Shaffer, ERM   
    • How do we Educate Engineers for the Energy Transition?
      Anthony Kovscek, Stanford University
    • What is Energy Transition: A Multidimensional Approach
      Faye Gerard, BPX Energy
1415
  1. 30 mins
  2. 30 mins

    Knowledge Sharing Posters allow one-on-one interactions with presenters from the industry and academia. In these posters, companies share their experiences in updating their training programs, and petroleum engineering departments provide enrollment statistics, examples of outreach activities/events examples, and DEIB initiatives. Additionally, petroleum engineering faculty showcase their research directions in the petroleum and subsurface energy engineering field.

    Chairs: Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Pennsylvania State University; Juliana Leung, University of Alberta

    Presentations:

    • Flow Assurance Challenges of Anthropogenic CO2 Transport and Injection in CCUS  
      Yingda Lu, University of Texas at Austin    
    • Characterization of the CO2-Water Multiphase Flow Response Through Coupling Poromechanical Properties   
      Kiseok Kim, Texas A&M University    
    • Well-to-Tank Analysis of Lithium Extraction from Synthetic Brine Using Li-Al/LDH Chloride: A United States Perspective    
      Muhammed Rashik Mojid, Jiahui You, Kyung Jae Lee, University of Houston    
    • Understanding Sustainability in the Classroom: Recognizing the Crucial Role of Fossil Fuels    
      Dave Rathgeber, Todd Hoffman, Montana Technological University    
    • One Company's Training/Career Development Processes and its Close Relationship with Academia    
      Balki Selvam, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering     
    • CCUS Research, Training, and Outreach Activities    
      Mehdi Zeidouni, Richard Hughes, Ipsita Gupta, Seung Kam, Louisiana State University    
    • Multiscale Simulation of Energy Resources    
      Olufemi Olorode, Seung Kam, Louisiana State University    
    • Emerging Technologies for Transformation of Fossil and Non-Fossil Fuels to Carbon Neutral Hydrogen    
      Baharak Sajjadi, University of Oklahoma    
    • An Experimental Study of Nanosilica Sealant for Wellbore Leakage Remediation in CO2 Storage    
      Ning Liu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
    • Fracture Fluid Flow in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)    
      Hunjoo Lee, Oklahoma State University
    • Scale Modeling of Wellbore Hydraulics: From Theory to Technology Development    
      Amin Mehrabian, Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Pennsylvania State University
    • Enabling Open-Source Development of Drillstring Dynamics Models
      Roman Shor, Texas A&M University
1445
  1. 90 mins

    The emergence of the energy transition and automation/AI requires employers and employees to evaluate the skillset needed to tackle the challenges the industry is facing today and in the future. In this session, we discuss recommendations offered by the oil and gas operators’ viewpoint as to how to enhance competencies requiring digital transformation including data analytics, automation/AI, and other professional skills to facilitate successful outcomes in the office and the field. These enhancements are crucial for achieving successful outcomes, both in office settings and in the field.

    Chairs: Linda Battalora, Colorado School of Mines; Parisa Bazazi, Colorado School of Mines

    Speakers:

    • Steven Bowman, Chevron  
    • Susan Howes, Subsurface Consultants & Associates  
    • Dwayne Purvis, Purvis Energy Advisors
    • Paul Fuenmayor, Weatherford 
1615
  1. 75 mins
0700
  1. 60 mins
0800
  1. 45 mins

    The global energy landscape and the impact of energy transition on energy poverty will be discussed. Trem will highlight the importance of the oil and gas industry for energy justice and the role of petroleum engineering education to secure basic needs during this transition period.    

    Moderator: Arash Dahi Taleghani, Pennsylvania State University    

    Speaker:  Trem Smith, TS & J Energy Consulting 

0845
  1. 90 mins

    An important aspect of both recruiting future Petroleum Engineering students and of improving the image and profession is interaction with pre-college students (K-12). This session will explore best practices, attempting to assess:

    • What efforts have been undertaken in the past, with what levels of success?
    • What has seemed to be the most effective?
    • What has limited the success of past programs?
    • How do we evaluate success?
    • Is it important to engage the teachers as well as the students?
    • What kinds of information to people really want/need?
    • What are the opportunities in class or outside?
    • What special issues are involved to enhance the outreach to and motivation of minority and female students?

    The speakers will attempt to reach a set of recommendations to expand and enhance outreach to pre-college level students.     

    Chairs: Jon Olson, University of Texas at Austin; Susan Peterson, Marietta College

    Presentations:

    • Shaping the Next Generation of Energy Leaders Through Outreach
      Sabrina Ewald, University of Texas at Austin
    • Attracting Domestic and International Students in Petroleum Engineering
      Mohan Kelkar, University of Tulsa
    • Bridging the Gap from School to Industry
      Hissa Al Hajeri, ADNOC
1015
  1. 30 mins
  2. 30 mins

    Knowledge Sharing Posters allow one-on-one interactions with presenters from the industry and academia. In these posters, companies share their experiences in updating their training programs, and petroleum engineering departments provide enrollment statistics, examples of outreach activities/events examples, and DEIB initiatives. Additionally, petroleum engineering faculty showcase their research directions in the petroleum and subsurface energy engineering field.

    Chairs: Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Pennsylvania State University; Juliana Leung, University of Alberta

    Presentations:

    • Flow Assurance Challenges of Anthropogenic CO2 Transport and Injection in CCUS
      Yingda Lu, University of Texas at Austin    
    • Characterization of the CO2-Water Multiphase Flow Response Through Coupling Poromechanical Properties   
      Kiseok Kim, Texas A&M University    
    • Well-to-Tank Analysis of Lithium Extraction from Synthetic Brine Using Li-Al/LDH Chloride: A United States Perspective    
      Muhammed Rashik Mojid, Jiahui You, Kyung Jae Lee, University of Houston    
    • Understanding Sustainability in the Classroom: Recognizing the Crucial Role of Fossil Fuels    
      Dave Rathgeber, Todd Hoffman, Montana Technological University    
    • One Company's Training/Career Development Processes and its Close Relationship with Academia    
      Balki Selvam, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering     
    • CCUS Research, Training, and Outreach Activities    
      Mehdi Zeidouni, Richard Hughes, Ipsita Gupta, Seung Kam, Louisiana State University    
    • Multiscale Simulation of Energy Resources    
      Olufemi Olorode, Seung Kam, Louisiana State University    
    • Emerging Technologies for Transformation of Fossil and Non-Fossil Fuels to Carbon Neutral Hydrogen    
      Baharak Sajjadi, University of Oklahoma    
    • An Experimental Study of Nanosilica Sealant for Wellbore Leakage Remediation in CO2 Storage    
      Ning Liu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
    • Fracture Fluid Flow in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)    
      Hunjoo Lee, Oklahoma State University  
    • Scale Modeling of Wellbore Hydraulics: From Theory to Technology Development    
      Amin Mehrabian, Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Pennsylvania State University
    • Enabling Open-Source Development of Drillstring Dynamics Models
      Roman Shor, Texas A&M University
1045
  1. 90 mins

    Strategies on how to engage a society at large in understanding the need for a diverse energy systems to meet global demand. This will be a panel discussion among industry leaders, industry interests groups, and energy outreach groups.

    Chairs: Runar Nygaard, University of Oklahoma; Susan Howes, Subsurface Consultants & Associates

    Speakers:

    • Greg Bihn, STEM Global Education Network
    • Chris Carroll, American Petroleum Institute
    • Sanjay Srinivasan, Pennsylvania State University
    • Jane Stricker, Houston Energy Transition Initiative, Greater Houston Partnership
1215
  1. 45 mins
1300
  1. 45 mins

    In this discussion, Ms. Melchert will focus on insights from her over 40 years in the oil and gas sector, including over 30 years at the U.S. DOE, and how petroleum engineering has been—and will continue to be—at the center of U.S. energy policy.

    Moderator: Iraj Ershaghi, University of Southern California

    Speaker: Elena Melchert, Energia Consulting

1345
  1. 90 mins

    Developing competencies in an evolving energy diversification environment poses challenges, especially for those disciplines seen by the public as potentially more harmful than beneficial. The challenges extend from accredited curriculum to state licensure and continuing education. ABET and state boards in collaboration with NCEE share common identifiers for the different types of engineering that are taught and licensed. ABET accreditation is based on program criteria established by sponsoring societies and licensing is based on programs distinguished by their ABET classification. When sponsoring societies identify a unique public safety concern where training is deficient, the program criteria and NCEE tests are modified. When new engineering disciplines are recognized, the sponsoring society collaborates with multiple societies to define the program criteria. In this session, we discuss ways SPE, alone or in combination with other societies, can address public concerns and develop competencies for carbon-neutral fossil fuel production and more broadly for energy engineering and sustainability.

    Chairs: Jim Funk, Consultant; Shirish Patil, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

    • Energy Advancement: A Practical New Energy Transition Redefinition
      Sami Al Nuaim, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
    • ABET Objectives and Requirements for PE Programs
      Jason Hall, Apache
    • Discussion Period: ABET Accreditation for Energy Engineers, EAC, SPE and PEDHA
1515
  1. 15 mins
  2. 15 mins

    Knowledge Sharing Posters allow one-on-one interactions with presenters from the industry and academia. In these posters, companies share their experiences in updating their training programs, and petroleum engineering departments provide enrollment statistics, examples of outreach activities/events examples, and DEIB initiatives. Additionally, petroleum engineering faculty showcase their research directions in the petroleum and subsurface energy engineering field.

    Chairs: Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Pennsylvania State University; Juliana Leung, University of Alberta

    Presentations:

    • Flow Assurance Challenges of Anthropogenic CO2 Transport and Injection in CCUS 
      Yingda Lu, University of Texas at Austin    
    • Characterization of the CO2-Water Multiphase Flow Response Through Coupling Poromechanical Properties   
      Kiseok Kim, Texas A&M University    
    • Well-to-Tank Analysis of Lithium Extraction from Synthetic Brine Using Li-Al/LDH Chloride: A United States Perspective    
      Muhammed Rashik Mojid, Jiahui You, Kyung Jae Lee, University of Houston    
    • Understanding Sustainability in the Classroom: Recognizing the Crucial Role of Fossil Fuels    
      Dave Rathgeber, Todd Hoffman, Montana Technological University    
    • One Company's Training/Career Development Processes and its Close Relationship with Academia    
      Balki Selvam, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering     
    • CCUS Research, Training, and Outreach Activities    
      Mehdi Zeidouni, Richard Hughes, Ipsita Gupta, Seung Kam, Louisiana State University    
    • Multiscale Simulation of Energy Resources    
      Olufemi Olorode, Seung Kam, Louisiana State University    
    • Emerging Technologies for Transformation of Fossil and Non-Fossil Fuels to Carbon Neutral Hydrogen    
      Baharak Sajjadi, University of Oklahoma       
    • An Experimental Study of Nanosilica Sealant for Wellbore Leakage Remediation in CO2 Storage    
      Ning Liu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
    • Fracture Fluid Flow in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)    
      Hunjoo Lee, Oklahoma State University
    • Scale Modeling of Wellbore Hydraulics: From Theory to Technology Development    
      Amin Mehrabian, Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Pennsylvania State University
    • Enabling Open-Source Development of Drillstring Dynamics Models
      Roman Shor, Texas A&M University
1530
  1. 90 mins

    The consensus around petroleum engineering undergraduate education is that we need to undergo continuous improvement in updating curricula and recruitment strategies. However, research and graduate education have experienced a major disruption constituting a drastic shift from upstream petroleum engineering research to clean geoenergy production, storage, and carbon sequestration. In this session, we explore challenges related to the shift in research funding opportunities and publication venues, and discuss relevant future outlooks, risks, and mitigation strategies.      

    Chairs: Mashhad Fahes, University of Oklahoma; Emad Walid Al-Shalabi, Khalifa University of Science & Technology 

    Presentations:

    • Kemal Anbarci, Chevron
    • Birol Dindoruk, University of Houston
    • Vanessa Nunez, US Department of Energy
1700
  1. 0 mins

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