WVU alumna named to Top Women in Energy list

Kimberly Ayers

West Virginia University alumna Kimberly Ayers has been named to the Denver Business Journal's Top Women in Energy list.

Ayers is a reservoir engineer for Inflection Energy LLC. She graduated from the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in 2012 with a master's degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering after obtaining mathematics and chemistry degrees from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

"The 39 other women named to the list are outstanding professionals and I am humbled to think that my contributions thus far in my career compares to their wonderful accomplishments," said Ayers. "As one of the youngest members of this year's class, I feel honored to be included."

Growing up in Cross Lanes, Ayers was exposed to the oil and gas industry before she could walk. Her grandmother and great uncles first broke into the business by founding a drilling company in the 1970s, and her father acquired a few production wells of his own throughout her childhood.

"When working for my dad's company, I learned a little bit of everything," said Ayers. "I did some accounting, some land work and some regulatory work. Even though I am now an engineer, I have the unique characteristic of understanding these different aspects of the whole energy industry."

At Inflection, Ayers' responsibilities include managing third party reservoir engineering firms, evaluating wells, coordinating with the finance team and managing production and development strategies.

"My job has provided me the opportunity to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team," said Ayers. "I enjoy learning about the other geological sciences and then applying that knowledge to my engineering specific projects."

As a student, Ayers was heavily involved on campus. She was a member of the WVU Ski Team, Society of Petroleum Engineers, American Association of Drilling Engineers and Baptist Campus Ministries.

"Kim's knowledge of the industry is impressive," said Samuel Ameri, chair of the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. "As a student, she was bright, warm and engaging and as a professional, she embodies everything that our profession calls us to be."

"Although I'm very far from home, I love to proudly represent the state of West Virginia and WVU," said Ayers. "Many of my colleagues were not aware of WVU's petroleum and natural gas engineering program, so I love being able to introduce them to the fact that WVU produces great engineers that are making an impact on the industry."

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