Zuleima T. Karpyn

Zuleima T. Karpyn is a Professor of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering and Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Research at the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University. She holds the Donohue Family Professorship and has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award and multiple Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Penn State (2005)
  • M.S., Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Penn State (2001)
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, Universidad Central de Venezuela (1997)

Dr. Karpyn's research focuses on multi-phase flow in porous media, digital rock physics, and fluid-rock interactions. Her work addresses critical challenges in carbon sequestration, unconventional reservoir characterization, and enhanced oil recovery through advanced imaging and computational modeling techniques.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in X-ray computed tomography and wettability alteration in carbonate rocks. Her research team has pioneered studies on underground hydrogen storage and nanoporous shale transport mechanisms.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2024 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
  • 2023 SPE Regional Reservoir Description and Dynamics Award
  • 2018-2019 Big Ten Academic Leadership Fellow
  • 2008 NSF CAREER Award

Dr. Karpyn has served as Associate Editor for several journals including the Society of Petroleum Engineers Journal and Transport in Porous Media. She leads research projects on CO₂ storage pathways, deep-learning image analysis, and chemically tuned waterflooding.