Montana Tech Petroleum Engineering Department

Celebrating Excellence at IADC 2024! Our remarkable participation at the International Association of Drilling Contractors General Assembly continued with a major highlight, Brad James receiving the prestigious Contractor of the Year Award! This top honor is reserved for distinguished members who have made extraordinary contributions to the drilling and energy community, and it was well deserved by Brad. In a wonderful gesture, Brad chose to donate the monetary component of his award to Montana Technological University, further supporting our mission to prepare the industry’s next generation. We were also filled with pride to see our alumnus Nick Olds, Executive Vice President for Lower 48 at ConocoPhillips, recognized. Nick’s successful journey from his bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering at Montana Tech to becoming an influential industry leader is truly inspiring. His roles on the Montana Tech University Foundation Board, Yellowstone Forever, and other industry organizations showcase his ongoing impact and dedication. What an incredible turnout at IADC 2024! We’re already looking ahead to next year’s meeting, which will celebrate the association’s 85th anniversary. We can’t wait to see everyone again and continue building on these strong connections. Todd Hoffman Jack Skinner Foued BADROUCHI, PhD Mike Harris Mike DuBose Audrie Jensen Jason McFarland Shawn Firenza #MontanaTech #IADC2024 #PetroleumEngineering #IndustryLeadership #DrillingIndustry #AlumniPride #CommunitySupport #FutureLeaders

We were honored to have a group of our students, along with the faculty advisor Foued BADROUCHI, PhD, attend the International Association of Drilling Contractors General Assembly in San Antonio. The event was a fantastic success, marked by a great turnout, a rich program, and a vibrant atmosphere of optimism for the future of the drilling industry. The assembly was a powerful reminder that our universities continue to play a crucial role in fueling the industry’s future. Our students’ presence demonstrated the strength and potential of the next generation of petroleum engineers, and we were proud to be recognized as the newest addition to the Drilling Contractors' International Association. From insightful presentations to invaluable networking opportunities, it was an experience that left our attendees inspired and ready to tackle the challenges of this ever-evolving industry. The call from the industry was clear: keep sending high-quality graduates ready for the demands of this new era. We’re committed to doing just that. Thank you to everyone who made this an unforgettable experience! Todd Hoffman Foued BADROUCHI, PhD David Rathgeber Sue Schrader, PhD PE Jack Skinner Audrie Jensen Harrison Walund Brad James Jason McFarland Mike DuBose #MontanaTech #IADC #PetroleumEngineering #FutureLeaders #DrillingIndustry #Networking #Optimism #HigherEducation

Great discussion Todd Hoffman and co-authors!

On Wednesday, October 30th, we had the pleasure of welcoming Michael Pyrcz ????, a professor from the Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin and the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, as part of his IAMG Distinguished Lecture Tour. The day began with Michael delivering an insightful lecture to our undergraduate students on the application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the importance of feature reduction in data science. The topic was well received, sparking curiosity and excitement among students eager to explore the power of data analytics. Later, Michael engaged both students and faculty with his lecture on "Integrating Geostatistics into Data Analytics and Machine Learning". His expertise in geo-machine learning offered a unique blend of geological insight and data science, leading to enriching discussions throughout the day. Michael Pyrcz enjoyed connecting with his fellow Canadians ?? (our Canadian exchange students). We are grateful to Michael for sharing his knowledge and inspiring our Montana Tech community. Thank you for stopping by! Todd Hoffman Michael Pyrcz ???? Foued BADROUCHI, PhD Sue Schrader, PhD PE David Rathgeber Peter Granda Shaena Jackson #MontanaTech #DistinguishedLecture #DataAnalytics #MachineLearning #Geostatistics #PCA #PetroleumEngineering #GeoScience #InspiringVisit

We’re excited to announce that Montana Tech has officially become a member of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)! ?? This new membership brings incredible value to our department and complements our well-established SPE and AADE student chapters, creating even more opportunities for industry engagement and professional development. We look forward to participating in the IADC Annual General Meeting in San Antonio from November 13-15, and we’re excited about the new avenues this partnership will open for our students and faculty. Todd Hoffman Foued BADROUCHI, PhD David Rathgeber Mike DuBose Mike Harris #MontanaTech #IADC #PetroleumEngineering #SPE #AADE #Leadership #IndustryEngagement #FutureEngineers

Here’s a throwback for all our Montana Tech Petroleum Engineering alumni! Do you remember this iconic sucker rod pump in front of the Petroleum Engineering Department? It’s still running strong, just like the memories you’ve left behind. We’re lucky to have such a unique and inspiring place to study, with the beautiful backdrop of Montana and the exceptional charm of Butte. Share your memories with us—what do you remember most about your time here? #MontanaTech #PetroleumEngineering #SuckerRodPump #AlumniMemories #MontanaBeauty #ButteMT

We were proud to host our Industry Advisory Board (IAB) on campus for the Fall meeting, where several important topics were discussed. The board followed up on action items from past meetings and defined new objectives that will guide us forward. The Montana Tech Petroleum Department is fully committed to staying aligned with industry needs through continuous improvement in both teaching and research. The IAB plays a vital role in supporting our mission by ensuring our curriculum remains current and relevant to industry standards. Their guidance and mentorship help us shape the future of petroleum engineering education. We were honored to have our board members and alumni with us, and we look forward to our next meeting in the spring during the SPE Montana Tech Symposium in April. We are incredibly fortunate to have such tremendous industry support, ensuring our students are ready to lead in this ever-evolving field. Todd Hoffman Foued BADROUCHI, PhD David Rathgeber Sue Schrader, PhD PE McKenna Czerneski Justin R. Weinkauf, E.I.T. Precision Drilling Hess Corporation Baker Hughes Neil Decker Mackenzie Cook Harrison Walund #MontanaTech #PetroleumEngineering #IndustryAdvisoryBoard #IAB #Collaboration #EngineeringEducation #FutureLeaders

This year’s Bed Races was an absolute blast! Our SPE team didn’t just participate—they brought their A-game, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and engineering know-how. The Bed Races are a fun yet challenging part of Montana Tech's traditions, where teams race down the street with modified beds, blending speed, balance, and innovation. Our team had a great time navigating the course and soaking up the event’s lively atmosphere. While the American Society of Mechanical Engineers may have snagged the top spot, the experience and memories gained were the real victories. Check out the highlights in the video below, including Audrie Jensen and the team rolling down the mountain in style. We can’t wait to see them in action next year—there’s always room for another race! Todd Hoffman Mackenzie Cook Harrison Walund Shaena Jackson Sue Schrader, PhD PE David Rathgeber Foued BADROUCHI, PhD #MontanaTech #SPEStudentChapter #BedRaces #EngineeringCompetitions #Teamwork #FunAndLearning

One of the many perks of pursuing petroleum engineering is the door it opens to new experiences and adventures. Last week, our Montana Tech students didn't just attend ATCE 2024 in beautiful Louisiana, they took time to explore the local culture and environment as well. From a fast-paced airboat swamp tour spotting alligators, birds, and even coyote pups, to soaking in the stunning views along the Mississippi Riverbank, our students had an unforgettable time connecting with both nature and industry. Shoutout to Mackenzie Cook for bravely (and gently!) holding a baby alligator on the tour! Louisiana truly lives up to its state slogan, "Come as You Are. Leave Different." We’re so glad our students had the chance to enjoy these experiences while broadening their perspectives on the world and their careers. #MontanaTech #ATCE2024 #PetroleumEngineering #ExploreLouisiana #WildlifeAdventures #FutureEngineers #LearningAndFun

Proud Moments at ATCE’s 100th Anniversary! ?? It was truly inspiring to see so many of our undergraduate students attending ATCE 2024, immersing themselves in this incredible experience during such a pivotal time for petroleum engineering. Watching them engage in technical talks, learn about the latest industry advancements, and, perhaps most importantly, networking with professionals, was a proud moment for all of us at Montana Tech. These moments of curiosity, connection, and growth remind us why we do what we do: preparing our students for the dynamic future of the energy industry. Seeing them take these early steps in their professional journeys, in an industry that is constantly evolving, is nothing short of remarkable. Here’s to the next generation of petroleum engineers and to many more opportunities like this! Terry Palisch Todd Hoffman Foued BADROUCHI, PhD David Rathgeber Shaena Jackson Mackenzie Cook Sue Schrader, PhD PE #ATCE2024 #MontanaTech #PetroleumEngineering #FutureEngineers #Networking #LearningInAction #EnergyTransition