PBE Podcast

People Behind Energy

Energy innovation is born in the Permian Basin, we’re on the front lines of it! Let’s build a community for the next generation of energy needs.

  1. 2d ago

    173: Joaquín Ambía

    This video podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with a researcher deeply involved in the University of Texas at Austin’s Formation Evaluation Consortium (FEC) and in developing the UTAPWeLLS software. The discussion begins with a personal background, tracing the guest’s academic path from Mexico City and Monterrey to the University of Houston and beyond, highlighting a strong foundation in physics and computational biophysics. The guest shares insights into the practical application of Monte Carlo simulations in DNA structural analysis and the transition into energy-sector software. The episode focuses on the story and evolution of UTAPWeLLS, a comprehensive suite of physics-based simulators designed to replicate well-logging measurements and invert data to characterize subsurface formations. Developed since the late 1990s under the leadership of Carlos Verdín, this open, collaborative, consortium-based software integrates multiple industry tools, giving participants a unique platform to test hypotheses with minimal liability. The discussion explores the software's scientific rigor—grounded in Maxwell's equations and incorporating complex physics such as resistivity, gamma ray, nuclear, and sonic measurements—to accurately simulate tool responses through layered earth models. The software’s capacity to unify disparate simulators into an accessible, user-friendly platform has made it invaluable to the petroleum engineering and petrophysics community. Looking ahead, the guest highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on coding, simulation speed, and user accessibility. The team is actively migrating the software from MATLAB to Python to improve integration with commercial platforms and support scripting and natural language interfaces to meet evolving industry needs. The consortium’s unique "safe space" enables collaborative problem-solving between operators and service companies without commercial constraints or liability. Carlos Verdín's strong leadership is highlighted as a critical factor in sustaining the consortium for over 26 years. His ability to unite major industry players and foster an environment of transparent scientific dialogue is central to UTAPWeLLS’ enduring success. The guest concludes with reflections on career trajectory, the future potential of automated software maintenance, and the evolving landscape of energy sector problem-solving driven by AI and computation. Highlights 🔬 Deep physics foundation drives UTAPWeLLS’ accurate well logging simulations. 🌍 UTAPWeLLS functions as an industry consortium software hub for formation evaluation. 🎯 Key focus: matching synthetic earth models to real data via inversion techniques. 💡 Leadership and collaboration by Carlos Verdín fuel 26+ years of consortium success. 🤖 AI is revolutionizing coding speed and usability, prompting a Python migration. 🛠️ Software integrates multiple simulators, enabling experimental and off-the-shelf testing. 🔐 Consortium provides a low-liability environment for open R&D among operators and service companies.

  2. 2d ago

    172: Domenico Crisafulli

    This episode of the PBE Podcast features Domenico Crisafulli, a recent PhD graduate from UT Austin’s Formation Evaluation Program, who shared his academic journey, research innovations, and views on emerging technologies like AI in the energy sector. Domenico’s PhD research focused on leveraging modern physics and technology, particularly acoustic and electromagnetic measurements using drones, to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of petrophysical data acquisition and interpretation. His work bridged laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, and practical field applications, resulting in novel methods to analyze rock properties through non-traditional means. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, persistence, and adaptability during his doctoral studies, noting that working with colleagues accelerated breakthroughs and sharpened his research. After completing his PhD, Domenico transitioned into an industry role at BP as a petrophysicist, practicing conventional log analysis while applying the disciplines and teamwork mindsets cultivated during his academic tenure. The conversation also explored the transformative influence of AI and machine learning in geoscience and engineering workflows. Domenico sees AI not as a replacement but as a powerful tool that, when combined with human expertise, can significantly accelerate data analysis, improve decision-making, and refine scientific outputs. He stressed adopting AI responsibly and avoiding over-reliance, reflecting a broader generational perspective. Finally, Domenico underscored the enduring value of the consortium led by Dr. Carlos Verdeen at UT Austin. With over 26 years of industry-academic collaboration, this consortium continues to evolve to meet industry demands, foster innovation, and support talent development—ensuring its legacy and impact on future energy leaders. Highlights 🚀 Domenico developed advanced drone-based acoustic and electromagnetic measurement systems for core sample analysis. 🎓 His PhD combined lab measurements, numerical modeling, and field data to better characterize rock properties. 🤝 Collaboration and persistence were key themes in overcoming PhD challenges and advancing research. 🤖 Domenico views AI as a complement to human skills, enhancing geoscience workflows when used wisely. 🏢 After graduation, Domenico joined BP as a petrophysicist, applying both traditional and innovative approaches. 🔄 The UT Austin consortium adapts dynamically to industry needs, linking academia and energy companies effectively. 📈 The consortium’s support network fosters career growth, with alumni now industry leaders sustaining its legacy.

  3. 3d ago

    171: Alejandro D. Lopez Rojas and Julio C. Villarroel

    This episode features an insightful conversation from UT Austin’s Formation Evaluation program with two PhD students, Alejandro and Julio, guided by Professor Carlos Torres-Verdin. The dialogue explores cutting-edge research in petrophysics, focusing on energy challenges such as identifying lithium resources, hydrogen storage, geothermal energy, and carbon capture. By applying modern physics, especially nuclear physics and formation evaluation tools like pulsed neutron methods, the researchers aim to revolutionize how energy resources are detected, quantified, and optimized. Alejandro’s research focuses on detecting and quantifying lithium brines within subsurface formations using petrophysical techniques combined with nuclear physics and isotope geology. Given lithium's critical role in batteries and clean energy, their work explores the complex geology of lithium-rich “salars” in South America and how integrating physics measurements can improve resource estimates. Julio’s work centers on using pulsed neutron tools to evaluate hydrogen storage capacity in depleted reservoirs or aquifers, essential for optimizing emerging hydrogen energy solutions. The podcast also highlights the importance of communication skills alongside technical expertise for scientists aiming to lead the evolving energy sector. Overall, the conversation emphasizes collaboration, curiosity, and the evolution of energy research, showcasing how young scholars leverage interdisciplinary methods to address global energy and environmental challenges. Highlights 🧪 Alejandro’s PhD research pioneers the use of nuclear physics to detect lithium concentrations in subsurface brines. 💧 Julio’s work applies pulsed neutron techniques to monitor hydrogen storage, key for future clean energy systems. 🌍 Lithium resources in the Andes region, particularly in Bolivia’s salars, are complex and critical for global energy demands. 🎓 UT Austin’s Formation Evaluation program integrates advanced petrophysics and formation evaluation in energy research. 🗣 Strong communication skills are vital for technical experts aspiring to managerial roles in the energy industry. 🤝 Collaboration among multidisciplinary scientists accelerates innovation and problem-solving in geoscience and engineering. 🎙 The SPWLA student chapter at UT Austin fosters leadership and outreach, with plans for digital media engagement.

  4. Sep 23

    170: Dr. Tamer Ali

    In this episode of the PBE podcast, host Troy Tittlemier sits down with Tamer Ali at IMAGE 2026 to explore the cutting edge of geology, geophysics, and AI integration. Tamer shares his incredible journey from growing up on a farm in the Nile Delta to processing seismic data across six countries, and eventually earning degrees from the Colorado School of Mines and LSU. The conversation dives into Tamer's groundbreaking PhD dissertation, which uses a novel AI hybrid model—combining generalized additive models (GAM) and k-means clustering—to quantitatively integrate geophysical and geological data. By predicting grain size and permeability in shallow, unconsolidated sediments, Tamer's work precisely locates dangerous water seepage beneath structures like the LSU Veterinary School of Medicine. This localized, quantitative approach could save tens of millions of dollars annually in levee restoration and prevent catastrophic infrastructure failures across the Lower Mississippi Valley. Episode Highlights: The Elevator Pitch: An introduction to Tamer's extensive academic background and his focus on quantitative data integration using AI. Roots in the Nile Delta: Tamer discusses his Egyptian heritage, farming background, and how a geologist uncle sparked his early love for earth sciences. The Industry Grind: Balancing a full-time 3D seismic processing career at WesternGeco with a grueling daily commute to earn a master's degree at Colorado School of Mines. Quantitative vs. Qualitative: The shift from subjective visual inspections to writing robust Python and R code to build a new hybrid AI model. The LSU Vet School Project: Securing an AAPG grant and Army Corps permits to investigate uneven stress and water seepage beneath the university building. K-Means Clustering for Civil Engineering: Applying five distinct data properties to accurately classify subsurface facies from zero to 90 feet. Saving Millions & Preventing Disasters: How Tamer's precise seepage detection can prevent future tragedies like Hurricane Katrina and save an estimated $50 million a year. The Future of Petrophysics: Tamer's next chapter pursuing the only specialized petrophysics master's degree in the United States at Texas A&M-Kingsville.

  5. Sep 23

    169: Dalma Cerro Arrieta

    In this episode, we sit down with Dalma Cerro Arrieta, a petroleum engineer and PhD candidate at UT Austin, to discuss her journey through the geosciences. Dalma shares her path from studying at a public school in northern Colombia to learning Portuguese in three months for a Master's degree in Brazil, and eventually transitioning to a PhD program in Texas. The conversation dives into the technical details of geomechanics, her time working for Petrobras in the Brazilian pre-salt layers, and her current research using NMR and resistivity logs to estimate permeability in complex carbonates. Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 - Origins & Education: Dalma discusses growing up in Colombia and her early interest in organic chemistry before shifting her focus to petroleum engineering at the National University in Medellín. 00:04:17 - A Life-Changing Encounter: Dalma explains how volunteering at a university geomechanics conference led to a meeting with a Brazilian professor, resulting in a master's degree offer in Brazil. 00:05:51 - Geomechanics Simplified: A breakdown of earth mechanics, wellbore stability, and how mud weight is used to prevent well fractures and keep fluids inside the rocks. 00:09:35 - Rock Frackability: An exploration of the rock properties used in frack modeling, including Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus. 00:11:17 - Innovative Fracking Concepts: A discussion on a patented, non-traditional "kinetic frac" method that utilizes expanding CO2 bubbles to shatter rock. 00:16:48 - Industry Experience at Petrobras: Dalma shares her experience working on wellbore stability in Brazil, specifically focusing on the challenges of drilling through salt seals to reach presalt carbonate reservoirs. 00:18:28 - The Journey to UT Austin: The story of how Dalma relocated to Austin to learn English, eventually passing her GRE and TOEFL exams to begin her PhD in formation evaluation. 00:21:15 - Permeability in Complex Carbonates: Insights into Dalma's current research on combining Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and electrical resistivity logs to navigate the challenges of micropores and heterogeneous rock. 00:22:22 - Protecting NMR Data: Practical advice on using ditch magnets in mud tank possum bellies to clear out iron and prevent electrical field disturbances during NMR logging. 00:24:26 - Leadership in SPWLA: Dalma highlights the importance of the UT Austin SPWLA student chapter for building networking skills, forcing student engagement, and connecting academia with industry professionals. 00:31:21 - Demystifying Wettability: A concise explanation of wettability and how rock mineralogy determines its affinity for holding oil versus water.

  6. Sep 23

    168: Axel Jeconiah and Christian Dominguez

    In this episode of the People Behind Energy (PBE) podcast, host Troy Tittlemier travels to UT Austin to sit down with PhD students Axel Jeconiah and Christian Dominguez from Dr. Carlos Verdin's formation evaluation program. The conversation dives deep into the future of the energy industry, focusing heavily on new-generation geothermal technologies, the integration of machine learning, and advanced fracture detection methods. Axel and Christian share their unique journeys into the energy sector—from growing up in Qatar and Houston to pursuing cutting-edge DOE-funded research. The episode explores how modern physics and engineering are being applied to create more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, including the economic challenges of mapping geothermal fractures and the vision for distributed geothermal micro-wells. Episode Highlights 00:00:00 - Introduction at UT Austin and meeting the PhD students in the formation evaluation program. 00:01:46 - Axel and Christian share their backgrounds, from Houston and Qatar, and what inspired them to pursue petroleum engineering. 00:04:33 - Breaking down the basics of geothermal energy and how water heat is converted to turbine power. 00:06:11 - Exploring "new generation" geothermal technology and the process of hydraulically fracturing hot dry rock. 00:09:41 - The experimental research surrounding the extraction of lithium from underground geothermal brines. 00:11:03 - Discussing Texas geothermal anomalies and the impact of tight gas on thermal conductivity in the McAllen area. 00:13:17 - Defining the difference between Machine Learning and AI, and their growing necessity in the energy sector. 00:15:41 - Axel details his DOE-funded PhD research on using electromagnetics and conductive proppant to map fractures through casing. 00:23:48 - Vision for the future: Why distributed networks of 20-megawatt micro-wells are more effective than giant, single-source geothermal wells. Episode Sponsors Mandrill Energy Solutions: Providing tailored staffing, solids control solutions, and equipment solutions to keep energy operations running safely and efficiently. Resonate H2O: A premium hydration mix featuring electrolytes and essential amino acids to support everyday focus and performance.

  7. Sep 23

    167: Dave Kennedy, Evolution of UTAPWeLS & Well-Log Modeling

    The Evolution of UTAPWeLS & Well-Log Modeling In this episode of the PBE Podcast, host Troy Tittlemier sits down with Dave Kennedy to explore the history of the UT Austin Formation Evaluation research consortium and the development of the UTAPWeLS software. Dave shares his expansive career journey, spanning from his early days at Georgia Tech and military service during the Vietnam War, to his extensive work with industry giants like Schlumberger, Mobil, ExxonMobil, and Baker Hughes. The discussion dives deep into the evolution of well-log modeling, detailing the industry's shift from the standard 30-year use of the 6FF40 induction instrument to proprietary array induction tools. Dave also highlights how consortium leader Carlos successfully united competing service companies to build a comprehensive petrophysical simulator that continues to push the technological envelope today. Episode Highlights Introduction to Dave Kennedy, his long-standing association with Carlos since 1986 at Berkeley, and the start of the UT Austin consortium in 2000. Dave’s early life: Attending Georgia Tech, his family's military background, and his decision to join the army as airborne infantry during the Vietnam War. Entering the oil patch: Landing a job at Schlumberger in 1972 after sending out a hundred letters through a vendor catalog. Transitioning to research: Moving to Mobil in 1988, solving Maxwell's equations to understand the 6FF40 induction tool's response function, and adding 100 million barrels to the Statfjord field reserves using forward modeling. The industry shift to array induction tools and the service companies' initial reluctance to share their proprietary hardware specifications and modeling data. The birth of UTAPWeLS (University of Texas at Austin Petrophysical and Well-Log Simulator): How Carlos successfully negotiated with competing service companies to incorporate their models into a unified simulator for the industry. Forward modeling vs. inversion: A breakdown of how UTAPWeLS helps determine hydrocarbon saturation by overlaying guessed formation layer conductivities onto observed tool responses. Dispelling the myth of a "mature industry": How technological advancements like fiber optics, miniaturization, and rare earth magnets for nuclear magnetic resonance keep the oil and gas sector on the cutting edge. Concluding thoughts on the 26-year-old consortium's ongoing evolution, Carlos's leadership, and the modern integration of AI into their research.

  8. Sep 21

    166: Mark Kittridge and Carlos Torres-Verdin

    In this episode of the People Behind Energy podcast, Dr. Carlos Torres-Verdín (Professor at the University of Texas at Austin) and Mark Kittridge (Principal and Manager of the Quantitative Interpretation Team at Occidental Petroleum) explore the 26-year history and future of the UT Austin Formation Evaluation Consortium. The conversation details Dr. Torres-Verdín’s journey in establishing an independent academic program for formation evaluation, Mark Kittridge’s perspectives as a long-time industry sponsor, and the core physics behind subsurface reservoir measurements. They also examine how multiphysics modeling, novel sensors, and artificial intelligence are advancing petrophysics, driving reservoir recovery factors, and enabling energy transition applications such as CO2 sequestration. Key Highlights & Timestamps - Celebrating 26 Years of Innovation: The conversation opens with reflections on the 26-year uninterrupted legacy of the UT Austin Formation Evaluation Consortium and its pivotal role in advancing petrophysics. - Mark Kittridge’s Longhorn Legacy: Mark shares his journey coming to UT Austin in August 1986 for his Master's in Petroleum Engineering under Dr. Larry Lake, discussing how his graduate work laid the foundation for his industry career. - Dr. Carlos Torres-Verdín’s Career Path: Carlos outlines his academic and industry path, from earning his PhD at UC Berkeley to conducting research at Schlumberger (SLB) and working in operations at YPF in Argentina before joining UT Austin in July 1999. - Pitching the Consortium Vision in 2000: Carlos recalls pitching his vision for an academic unit dedicated to formation evaluation, pushing back against the perception that petrophysical technology had reached its limit. - Early Consortium Impact: Mark discusses the immediate value the consortium brought to operators by tying tool physics directly to multiphysics, multiscale data, quantitative interpretation, and downhole formation testing. - The Power of Academic Neutrality: The guests discuss how UT Austin provided a neutral, independent research environment to maximize measurement value without commercial tool bias. - The Future of Subsurface Physics: Carlos highlights future research frontiers, focusing on complex heterogeneous rocks, new in situ sensors, fast computing, and combining physical laws with artificial intelligence to boost reservoir recovery factors. - Demystifying Formation Evaluation: Mark and Carlos break down how petrophysicists translate indirect wellbore measurements (density, acoustic, electromagnetic) into key reservoir properties like porosity, fluid saturation, and permeability. - Evolution of the University JIP Model: The group analyzes how university-led Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) must evolve amid changing academic landscapes and shifting industry funding priorities. - Subsurface Engineering in the Energy Transition: Mark details his work in CO2 sequestration, explaining how traditional petroleum engineering methodologies are being repurposed for carbon capture, groundwater management, and global energy solutions.

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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Energy innovation is born in the Permian Basin, we’re on the front lines of it! Let’s build a community for the next generation of energy needs.

Information

  • Creator
    People Behind Energy
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    255
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    PBE Podcast