1) What motivated you to pursue post-graduate studies?

With a background in Computer Engineering, I became interested in reservoir simulation and applied Bayesian optimization to history-matching problems—one key aspect was comparing classical and quantum computing approaches. More broadly, my biggest motivation was a strong drive to learn more about the world around me. Having the opportunity to deeply explore a topic and apply it to real-world problems has been extremely fulfilling.

2) Machine Learning (ML) is a transformational technology. Where do you see it being applicable in Oil & Gas (O&G) operations?

During my Ph.D. research, I directly experienced the benefits of applying ML to history-matching reservoir simulation models. In reservoir modeling, replacing complex nonlinear partial differential equations with high-speed physics-informed ML proxy models can deliver significant gains in speed and performance. In well path planning, applying techniques like path-finding methods to create well paths in static models could improve iteration speed by acting as a filter in low-precision models before moving to methods with higher precision and accuracy. I see this framework as having broad applicability across O&G operations.

3) What do you do for fun?

I enjoy spending time outdoors—skiing, mountain biking local trails, and more recently, long-distance running. The peace of mind that comes from getting out into the wilderness and exercising really helps balance the busy and loud nature of everyday life. And now we have a newborn son, so we’re also experiencing a good new chapter of life!

1) You actively volunteer in the SPE Ghana regional section, a part of the SPE Africa. Please tell us about your role there.

We were delighted to receive the 2023 SPE Presidential Award for Outstanding Section. I currently serve as the Deputy Student Liaison Chair, where we organize webinars and student-focused programs, including our recent Effective Leadership Orientation for Student Chapter Officers. We are also organizing the national Petrobowl competition. One highlight was serving as Team Lead and Coach for UMaT’s winning 2024 SPE Drillbotics Team. As an RDTS Board member, I help channel webinars and related events to a broader audience here. Overall, I’ve benefited greatly from connecting with people across SPE.

2) What attracts you to a university environment and R&D?

R&D gives me the space to think critically, innovate, and experiment, rather than settling for solutions that are simply “good enough.” The university environment offers the freedom to pursue unconventional approaches that could potentially reshape entire fields. I also value the strong culture of mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

3) Please share some of your favorite places, events, or experiences.

I enjoy visiting the Kwame Nkrumah Museum in Accra, Ghana, which captures the struggles and journey of Kwame Nkrumah, a nation builder. Beyond its educational value, his vision inspires me to be a change agent. Outside of work, I enjoy playing the piano, guitar, flute, and saxophone, and I also love to sing. I enjoy watching live football matches with friends, especially Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. I’m a big fan of Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus.

1) What is the role of a Flow Assurance Simulations Engineer? What tools and techniques do you use?

We ensure the uninterrupted transport of hydrocarbons from the reservoir to processing facilities. Wax, hydrates, asphaltenes, scale, and corrosion can cause flow issues. I use advanced modeling and simulation tools to predict fluid behavior, design and optimize pipeline systems, validate fluid-handling capacities, and develop mitigation strategies for start-up, shutdown, and steady-state operations. This work also involves chemical selection, risk assessment, and operational troubleshooting, all aimed at maintaining safe, reliable, and cost-effective production. Ultimately, flow assurance is critical to both the integrity and profitability of oil and gas operations.

2) What was the topic of your Ph.D.? What motivated you to pursue post-graduate studies? How did it help you prepare for your O&G career?

I focused on understanding the role of wax and hydrate inhibitors in solving flow assurance challenges. In the field visits during my undergraduate studies, I saw the operational difficulties associated with transporting crude oil. At the same time, I gained a deeper appreciation for the critical role energy plays in our collective well-being. This triggered an interest in designing solutions that led to a Ph.D. and subsequently an engineering career in O&G.

3) You must be a cricket fan 🏏 Who is your favorite team?

I love both playing and watching cricket in my free time. My favorite teams are the Indian Men’s and Women’s cricket teams. The game-day atmosphere can be electric, and watching games with friends and family makes it even more exciting.

1) What does a typical work rotation look like for you as an MWD / Directional Drilling Field Engineer?

On-site, I work with a family of advanced MWD tools, which require careful handling. As a crew of about four people, we are responsible for operations, including tool programming, deployment, monitoring, and data quality control. A single run can last days or weeks. Safety is always the top priority. The data we acquire provides the client with information such as wellbore trajectory, formation properties, and drilling dynamics, which informs drilling decisions.

2) What sparked your interest in an oil & gas career, and how did your studies prepare you for field engineering?

My involvement in the Drillbotics competition, where our university team designed and built a fully functional laboratory-scale directional drilling rig, sparked my interest in O&G. Through Drillbotics, I gained hands-on experience with drilling mechanics, automation, data acquisition systems, and control algorithms, which closely reflect real-world MWD and directional drilling workflows. Beyond the technical skills, the project strongly developed my problem-solving ability, communication, and leadership skills, preparing me well for the real world.

3) How do you spend your time off rotation?

Part of my off-field time is dedicated to rest and recharge. At the same time, the rotation allows me to continue developing myself as an engineer. This flexibility allowed me to start CLS Engineering & Energy, an engineering-focused initiative where I work together with colleagues on concept studies, technical evaluations, and simulation-based analyses supporting city councils in Germany on geothermal-related topics.