Shale Reservoir Simulation Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

Find Academic Supervisors

Find and connect with academic supervisors, professors, and scholars for your research journey.

Showing 1-15 of 232 supervisors

Profile data may be stale. It is sourced from public faculty pages.

J. Eric BickelView profile

Professor

University of Texas at AustinUnited States

J. Eric Bickel is a Professor at The University of Texas at Austin, serving as Director of the Operations Research & Industrial Engineering (ORIE) and Engineering Management programs. He holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering and directs the Center for Engineering & Decision Analytics (CEDA). His academic background includes a PhD and MS in Engineering-Economic Systems from Stanford University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University. His research focuses on decision analysis under uncertainty, addressing topics like probabilistic modeling, climate engineering, risk management, and applications in sports and energy sectors. His work has been featured in major media including The New York Times and Wall Street Journal , and his climate engineering research was endorsed by Nobel Laureates as a top climate change response strategy. Professor Bickel has extensive industry experience, having previously served as Senior Engagement Manager and Co-Director of Client Education at Strategic Decisions Group (SDG), where he remains on the Board of Directors. His consulting spans oil/gas, energy trading, and financial services sectors. He has received recognition as a Fellow of the Society of Decision Professionals and contributed to the Copenhagen Consensus on Climate Project. His teaching extends to executive education through Texas Executive Education and McCombs School of Business. Research highlights include novel methods for probabilistic dependence modeling, value-of-information analysis in shale reservoirs, and critiques of risk assessment tools like heat maps. His climate engineering work emphasizes economically viable solar radiation management strategies.

Official University Profile

Seth BlumsackView profile

Professor

Pablo de Olavide UniversitySpain

Seth Blumsack is a Professor at the Pennsylvania State University in the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering and serves as Director of the Center for Energy Law and Policy . He holds an Adjunct Research Professor position at the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center and is affiliated with the Santa Fe Institute as an External Faculty member. His research spans energy economics , power grid reliability , and complex infrastructure networks . Key projects include: Interdependent natural gas and electricity systems analysis Governance of regional transmission organizations Smart grid consumer behavior studies Power grid reliability tools development He has secured funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation , Department of Energy , Environmental Protection Agency , and private industry. His Best paper award at Hawai’i International Conference on System Sciences (2011) and John T. Ryan, Jr. Fellowship (2011-17) highlight his scientific recognition. Publications emphasize electricity market deregulation , energy infrastructure resilience , and consumer response to smart grid technologies . His work has been cited in major media outlets like The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times , and he has consulted for National Renewable Energy Laboratory , U.S. Department of Energy , and other industry stakeholders.

Official University Profile

Luis F. Ayala H.View profile

Professor

Pennsylvania State UniversityUnited States

Luis F. Ayala H. is the Department Head and William A. Fustos Family Professor in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State University. He holds dual summa cum laude degrees in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from Universidad de Oriente (Venezuela), and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Penn State. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics modeling of multiphase flow in unconventional reservoirs, hydrocarbon thermodynamics, and reservoir simulation. Education: Ph.D. (Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering), Penn State University M.S. (Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering), Penn State University Petroleum Engineering Degree, summa cum laude, Universidad de Oriente Chemical Engineering Degree, summa cum laude, Universidad de Oriente Research Interests: Advanced reservoir simulation, unconventional gas reservoir analysis (shale gas, tight sands), multiphase flow in porous media, hydrocarbon thermodynamics, and lattice Boltzmann methods. His work aims to improve predictive capabilities for unconventional reservoirs through quantitative modeling of multiphase transport dynamics. Key Awards: SPE Distinguished Member (2022) Fulbright-Colciencias Innovation Award (2016-2017) Howard B. Palmer Faculty Mentor Award (2022) Wilson Award for Excellence in Teaching (2008) Grants & Advising: He has led numerous research projects funded by industry and federal agencies, advising graduate students in energy systems and reservoir engineering. His administrative roles include service as executive editor for the SPE Journal and as an Administrative Fellow at Penn State’s Office of Research. Labs & Teams: His research group collaborates on projects involving advanced simulation tools for unconventional reservoirs, with a focus on multiphase flow dynamics and thermodynamic interplay in nano-pore systems.

Official University Profile

Yulai ZhangView profile

Researcher

Australian National University (ANU)Australia

Dr Yulai Zhang is a researcher in the Department of Materials Physics at the Australian National University . His work focuses on advanced imaging techniques for material and geological analysis. Expertise: X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT), pore-scale and multiscale modeling, coal seam and ore characterization Collaborations: International partnerships in coal bed methane, mineral liberation, and rock failure analysis His research applies 4D/X-ray tomography to study dynamic processes in copper ores, shale, and coal, including fragmentation, diffusion, and fracture networks. Recent publications highlight innovations in super-resolution imaging , feature extraction methods , and in-situ studies of mineral behavior under stress. Dr Zhang actively supervises students and contributes to ore beneficiation, CO2 geo-sequestration, and unconventional reservoir characterization. Collaborative projects involve institutions in Australia and Indonesia, with a focus on digital rock physics and microstructural evolution .

Official University Profile

William HarbertView profile

Professor

University of PittsburghUnited States

William Harbert is a Professor in the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh, where he leads research in geophysics and subsurface characterization. His work bridges fundamental geophysical principles with practical applications in energy and environmental systems. Education: MS in Exploration Geophysics from Stanford University PhD in Geophysics from Stanford University Research focuses on seismic analysis across multiple scales, from micro-CT to surface seismic. His group specializes in advanced processing of microseismic, reflection seismic, and VSP data to image subsurface structures and understand pore-scale dynamics. Current work integrates deep learning for geophysical object detection and classification, with emphasis on organic shale systems and CO 2 storage monitoring. Key areas include rock physics, microseismicity analysis, and environmental geophysics for water quality assessment. Publication trends show strong emphasis on energy-related geophysics, particularly hydraulic fracturing monitoring, CO 2 sequestration verification, and unconventional reservoir characterization. Recent work increasingly incorporates machine learning techniques and addresses environmental monitoring challenges in subsurface operations. Scientific recognition: DOE ORISE Research Associate Resident Institute Fellow of the NETL-Institute for Advanced Energy Solution Professional engagements include membership on the Altarock Review Board for DOE-funded geothermal projects and prior service on the Scientific Advisory Board for the In Salah CO 2 Injection Project. His research involves extensive collaboration with national laboratories and industry partners on subsurface monitoring technologies. His laboratory group develops advanced geophysical processing techniques for subsurface imaging across multiple scales, with current projects focusing on microseismic monitoring of shale reservoirs and CO 2 storage sites.

Official University Profile

George MoridisView profile

Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

George Moridis is a Professor in the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the Robert L. Whiting Chair in Petroleum Engineering. He specializes in advanced numerical methods for reservoir engineering, with a focus on unconventional gas resources, gas hydrates, and coupled process modeling. His work integrates thermal operations, enhanced oil recovery, and high-performance computing. Education: Ph.D., Reservoir Engineering, Texas A&M University (1987) M.S., Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University (1982) M.Eng., Chemical Engineering, National Metsovion Technical University (1980) B.Sc. (honors), Chemical Engineering, National Metsovion Technical University (1979) His research interests include analytical modeling techniques, coupled flow-geomechanical systems, and thermal operations in reservoirs. He has pioneered methods for simulating gas production from hydrate deposits and tight/shale gas reservoirs. His work emphasizes real-world applications in energy resource optimization and environmental impact mitigation. Notable awards include the Karen E. Olson Excellence in Research Award (2019), John Franklin Carll Award (2019), and recognition as a Distinguished Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (2010). He has led projects at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy. His research group focuses on high-performance computing frameworks for multiphase reservoir simulation. He advises on federal energy initiatives and maintains an active Google Scholar profile with over 150 publications.

Official University Profile

Elia GironacciView profile

Lecturer

University of WarwickUnited Kingdom

Dr. Elia Gironacci is a Lecturer and Director of Studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Warwick's School of Engineering. He holds a PhD in Computational Mechanics (Warwick, 2018), MSc (2013) and BSc (2010) from the University of Marche, Italy. His research focuses on computational fracture mechanics of quasi-brittle materials and engineering education for apprenticeship programs. Teaching responsibilities include leading modules like ES196 Statics and Structures and ES1A4 for apprentices. He manages the Civil Infrastructure Engineering Degree Apprenticeship program and chairs the University Apprenticeship Tutor Network. His work integrates advanced numerical methods with educational innovation, particularly in STEM induction programs and apprenticeship learning experiences. Key research contributions include stochastic modeling of crack propagation, non-local probabilistic methods, and shale rock fracture mechanics. His work bridges computational mechanics with practical engineering applications, emphasizing dimensionality reduction techniques and material heterogeneity. He actively participates in institutional committees (Education, Health & Safety) and has published in journals like Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering and International Journal of Mechanical Sciences. His book chapter on STEM induction frameworks highlights his dual focus on research and pedagogy.

Official University Profile

Lateef AkanjiView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of AberdeenUnited Kingdom

Dr. Lateef Akanji is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Petroleum Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, where he has been contributing since 2014. He previously served as Lecturer and Head of the Petroleum Technology Research Group at the University of Salford, Assistant Professor at King Saud University, and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Leoben. His academic journey includes a PhD from Imperial College London and degrees from the University of Ibadan. University: University of Aberdeen School: School of Engineering Position: Senior Lecturer, Petroleum Engineering Email: l.akanji@abdn.ac.uk Education: PhD, Petroleum Engineering, Imperial College London M.Sc., Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan B.Sc. (Honours), Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan DIC (Diploma of Imperial College) Research Interests: Dr. Akanji's research centers on multiphase flow in porous and permeable media, with applications in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in clastic, carbonate, and unconventional shale reservoirs. His work integrates theoretical, experimental, and computational fluid dynamics, utilizing platforms like Python, C++, and Fortran. He is pioneering the application of artificial intelligence in petroleum engineering, particularly in EOR screening and production optimization. His research includes pore-scale modeling, gas-lift systems, and nuclear reactor flow dynamics. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2025–2021) reflect a strong focus on fluid displacement in porous media, shale reservoir characterization, AI applications in energy, and nuclear safety. Notable themes include computational modeling of multiphase flow, biosurfactant EOR, and advanced numerical methods for reservoir simulation. Scientific Awards and Honors: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Chartered Engineer (CEng) Chartered Petroleum Engineer European Engineer (Eur Ing) Member of the Energy Institute (MEI) Advising and Grants: Dr. Akanji supervises numerous PhD students in areas such as AI-based production optimization, permeability upscaling, and biosurfactant EOR. He leads research funded by PTDF, TETFUND, Sonangol, and Elphinstone, focusing on high-pressure high-temperature flow loops, gas-lift pilot rigs, and neuro-fuzzy screening systems. His collaborative projects involve institutions in the UK, Austria, and Australia. Laboratories and Research Platforms: He contributes to the development of the Complex System Modelling Platform (CSMP++), a C++-based API for simulating multi-physics flow in porous systems, co-developed with ETH Zurich and Montanuniversität Leoben. He also leads a technology innovation platform for EOR, including experimental rigs for biosurfactant screening and gas-lift stability testing.

Official University Profile

Eduardo GildinView profile

Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

Eduardo Gildin is a Professor of Petroleum Engineering and Associate Department Head for Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University's College of Engineering. He holds the L.F. Peterson '36 Professorship and directs the university's graduate studies in petroleum engineering. His research focuses on reservoir modeling, control optimization, model reduction techniques, and CO2 sequestration. Gildin has pioneered data-driven approaches for reservoir simulation, integrating machine learning and physics-based models to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Education: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2006) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of São Paulo, Brazil (1998) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia Industrial, Brazil (1995) Research Interests: Model reduction of large-scale dynamical systems Control and optimization of reservoir operations CO2 storage and geological carbon sequestration Machine learning applications in reservoir engineering and drilling automation Geomechanics and compaction damage evaluation Key Awards: 2020: William O. and Montine P. Head Memorial Research Award 2017-2018: Dean of Engineering Excellence Award 2013-2019: Energi Simulation Chair in Robust Reduced Complexity Modeling 2021: Distinguished Membership in Society of Petroleum Engineers Grants and Advising: Gildin has secured major funding for projects on reservoir simulation, drilling automation, and CO2 storage. He advises graduate students on topics such as surrogate modeling and reinforcement learning applications in petroleum systems. His lab collaborates with industry partners to translate research into practical tools for reservoir management and subsurface operations. Labs and Teams: He leads the Reservoir Simulation and Control Lab, focusing on advanced computational methods for reservoir optimization. His team develops open-source drilling models and collaborates globally on projects like the DREAMS (Drilling and Extraction Automated System) initiative.

Official University Profile

Bo GuoView profile

Associate Professor

University of ArizonaUnited States

Bo Guo is Associate Professor of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona, with joint appointment in Applied Mathematics. His research develops computational models for fluid flow and contaminant transport in geological systems. Research focuses on subsurface hydrology, particularly PFAS contamination mechanisms, multiscale porous media flow, and environmental remediation strategies. Recent work advances machine learning approaches for flow simulation and interfacial contaminant behavior in vadose zones. Publications address practical environmental challenges including groundwater contamination, carbon sequestration, and shale gas production. Research integrates experimental validation with computational modeling across scales from pore-level to field applications.

Official University Profile

Xiaoli LiView profile

Associate Professor

University of KansasUnited States

Dr. Xiaoli Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas. Her research laboratory (PVT Lab) focuses on complex fluid behavior in energy systems, with particular emphasis on phase equilibria, gas transport phenomena, and enhanced hydrocarbon recovery techniques. She maintains active research programs in unconventional reservoirs, CO 2 geostorage, hydrate technology, and nanoscale fluid dynamics. Her core research domains include: Confined phase behavior: Thermodynamics of fluids in nanoporous media Gas transport mechanisms: Rarefied flow and apparent permeability modeling Hydrate science: Structure stability and phase boundaries CO 2 utilization: Enhanced oil recovery and geological sequestration Asphaltene dynamics: Precipitation mechanisms in EOR processes Dr. Li teaches across the petroleum engineering curriculum, including core courses: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (C&PE 221), Reservoir Engineering (C&PE 327), Well Logging (C&PE 528), and Petroleum Engineering Design (C&PE 628). Her instructional portfolio emphasizes fundamental thermodynamics, reservoir characterization, and practical field applications. Her publication record (35+ articles) demonstrates consistent focus on reservoir thermodynamics and transport phenomena, with recent emphasis on: CO 2 -oil interactions (2020-2023), gas hydrate stability (2020-2022), shale gas transport (2019-2021), and equation of state modifications for confined fluids (2018-2020). Research methodologies combine molecular simulations, experimental studies, and novel thermodynamic modeling approaches.

Official University Profile

Mohan KelkarView profile

Professor

University of TulsaUnited States

Mohan Kelkar serves as an Applied Professor of Petroleum Engineering at The University of Tulsa, holding a prominent position within the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering under the College of Engineering & Computer Science. With over 60 refereed publications, 250+ technical presentations, and three authoritative books—including the SPE best-seller 'Applied Geostatistics for Reservoir Description'—he has established himself as a leading figure in petroleum engineering research and education. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh (1982) M.S. in Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh (1981) B.S. in Chemical Engineering, University of Mumbai (1979) Dr. Kelkar's research centers on reservoir optimization, production modeling, and development planning for oil and gas reservoirs, with significant contributions to petroleum economics and expert consultation in oilfield legal disputes. His work bridges advanced engineering techniques with economic evaluation frameworks, particularly evident in his books 'Natural Gas Production Engineering' and 'Petroleum Economics and Property Evaluation.' Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on reservoir simulation methodologies, unconventional resource development, and innovative optimization techniques. Key trends include the application of fast marching methods for well placement, liquid loading prediction in gas wells, and shale reservoir modeling, demonstrating consistent evolution from foundational reservoir engineering toward cutting-edge computational approaches. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards: SPE International Honorary Member Award (2024) SPE Distinguished Service Award (2018) The University of Tulsa Outstanding Teacher Award (2014) SPE International Distinguished Member Award (2010) Tau Beta Pi Teaching Excellence Award (2001) Dr. Kelkar maintains active professional engagement through SPE leadership roles—including Board of Directors service (2010-2013) and General Chair of the SPE IOR meeting (2006)—while balancing academic responsibilities with community leadership as President of the South Asian Performing Arts Foundation. His career exemplifies the integration of scholarly rigor, industry impact, and cultural contribution within the petroleum engineering discipline.

Official University Profile

Kyle T SpikesView profile

Associate Professor

University of Texas at AustinUnited States

Kyle T Spikes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on integrating geologic data with quantitative tools for seismic reservoir characterization, emphasizing forward and inverse problems in rock physics, stochastic modeling, and seismic inversion. He works across scales from sub-micron rock samples to surface seismic data, developing effective medium models and numerical techniques to estimate heterogeneous and anisotropic rock properties. His work spans applications in carbonates, shales, and fractured reservoirs, with a strong emphasis on Bayesian methods, stochastic inversion, and machine learning for data analysis. Recent studies include fluid flow effects in porous media, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and rock physics modeling of unconventional reservoirs like the Haynesville Shale. He has contributed to CO2 sequestration monitoring through inversion of 3D VSP data at the Cranfield site. Notable trends in his publications include advancements in Bayesian-based rock physics modeling, integration of multi-scale data (laboratory to field scale), and innovative applications of DAS technology for seismic monitoring. His research bridges geophysics, petrophysics, and reservoir engineering, addressing challenges in reservoir characterization and monitoring under varying fluid and stress conditions. Dr. Spikes advises postdoctoral researchers and graduate students in the Jackson School, though specific advisee names are not listed. His work is supported by collaborative projects with industry and academic partners, focusing on practical solutions for subsurface reservoir challenges.

Official University Profile

Mohamed SolimanView profile

Professor

University of HoustonUnited States

Dr. Mohamed Soliman is the William C. Miller Endowed Professor at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, Department of Petroleum Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from Stanford University, complemented by an M.S. and B.S. from Stanford and Cairo University respectively. His research focuses on hydraulic fracturing of unconventional reservoirs, waterless fracturing using shock waves, and advanced numerical simulation techniques. He has authored over 250 technical papers and holds 35 patents, with notable works on shale gas transport, dead oil viscosity modeling, and plasma stimulation technologies. Dr. Soliman is a Distinguished Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He has received the Gulf Coast 2020 Distinguished Achievement Award for Petroleum Engineering Research. His work bridges theoretical models with practical applications, such as the development of machine learning tools for reservoir analysis and innovative methods for fracture closure detection using wavelet transforms. His teaching spans core petroleum engineering courses including PETR 1111 (Introduction to Petroleum Engineering), advanced production operations (PETR 6372), and well completion stimulation (PETR 5397). He actively mentors graduate students, with current advisees Ibrahim Eltaleb, M. Awad, and Fatmir Likframa. His research group collaborates on projects funded by industry and government agencies, focusing on topics like microwave-assisted heavy oil recovery and geothermal reservoir characterization. Dr. Soliman’s lab develops cutting-edge tools for analyzing fracturing pressure data and interwell connectivity through signal processing. Key collaborations involve experimental validation with institutions like the University of Houston’s Advanced Energy Research Laboratory. His recent work emphasizes sustainable energy solutions, including critiques of carbon capture limitations and innovative plasma-based stimulation techniques to enhance reservoir permeability without water use.

Official University Profile

Sherilyn Williams-StroudView profile

Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

Sherilyn Williams-Stroud is the Director of the Berg-Hughes Center and holds the Dan A. Hughes '51 Chair in Geosciences at Texas A&M University. She is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences, with over 30 years of expertise in structural geology, subsurface storage, and induced seismicity. Her research focuses on fracture analysis, geomechanics, and the societal impacts of energy resource utilization, particularly in carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and renewable energy transition. Education: BA in Geology from Oberlin College (198?), MA and PhD in Structural Geology from Johns Hopkins University (199?). Research interests include induced seismicity from fluid injection, subsurface tomographic imaging, and the integration of machine learning for improved subsurface modeling. Her work addresses critical challenges in energy resource management and environmental sustainability, with a focus on CO2 sequestration and geothermal energy. Publications highlight advancements in microseismic monitoring, fracture network modeling, and geomechanical analysis of CO2 injection sites. Her contributions span academic, industrial, and governmental sectors, including roles at the USGS, Chevron, and MicroSeismic Inc. Awards: AAPG Distinguished Lecturer (2023–2024), AAPG Honorary Member (2022), USGS Star Award (1997). Professional Leadership: Member of the National Petroleum Council’s Natural Gas GHG Study Committee, National Academy of Sciences’ Geodynamics Committee, and American Rock Mechanics Association’s Discrete Fracture Network Technical Committee. Her advisory and collaborative work bridges academia and industry, with a focus on mitigating risks in subsurface energy projects while advancing sustainable practices.

Official University Profile