WVU researcher recognized by Society of Petroleum Engineers

Shahab Mohaghegh, professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering at WVU (Statler College Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Shahab Mohaghegh, professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering at West Virginia University, has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence research since before scientists and professionals in the oil and gas industry were particularly interested in the topic.

“Now that the interest in this technology has started to increase, scientists and professionals have found out about the research and development that has been done in the past and specifically at WVU,” Mohaghegh said.

Recently, Mohaghegh was presented with the Reservoir Description and Dynamics Award from the Society of Petroleum Engineersfor his pioneering work in the application of AI and machine learning to petroleum and natural gas engineering problems.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in or contributions to the advancement of petroleum engineering in the area of reservoir description and dynamics.

Mohaghegh explained that reservoir description and dynamics is one of the most important topics to the oil and gas industry. “It not only significantly contributes to the increase in oil and gas production, it also has major contributions to carbon storage in geological formations, which is one of the main contributors to addressing climate change.

“I believe this demonstrates the contribution of the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at WVU to both the oil and gas industry as well as to climate change,” Mohaghegh said.

SPE is the largest individual-member organization serving managers, engineers, scientists and other professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry.

“This award stands alone proudly witnessing Dr. Mohaghegh’s knowledge, hard work and dedication to the profession,” said Sam Ameri, chair of the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. “In my opinion, Dr. Mohaghegh is regarded as the country’s leading expert in the area of AI, and I am truly proud to have him as one of our WVU petroleum and natural gas engineering faculty.”

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