Sarkeys Energy Center Institutes

PoroMechanics Institute (PMI)

The University of Oklahoma (OU) boasts the top program in the world dedicated to the investigation of the mechanics of popous media, in particular to rock mechanics, with applications to the exploration and production of hydrocarbon energy. Directed by Dr. Younane Abousleiman, who holds the Larry W. Brummett/ONEOK Chair in the Sarkeys Energy Center and the School of Civil Engineering & Environmental Science, the institute has a staff of prominent scientists from multiple disciplines to conduct research. One of the major sources of funding is provided by a consortium (i.e. PoroMechanics Institute Consortium) of sixteen domestic/international oil and gas companies and educational institutes. Research efforts also involved graduate research assistants from all over the world.

Institute for Exploration and Development Geosciences

Institute director Dr. John P. Castagna holds the Edward L. McCollough Chair in Geology and Geophysics. He is a research and exploration geophysicist with extensive industry experience in integrated petroleum geosciences and is a strong believer in the team approach to problem solving. The institute conducts research in applied geo-physics, petrophysics, petroleum geology, reservoir science, and application of high-performance computing to petroleum geosciences. Examples of current projects include research into the development of a continuous permeability logging device funded by the Gas Research Institute, reservoir geophysics research funded by a consortium of oil companies, and proprietary field studies and investigations of direct hydrocarbon indicators.

Institutes for Energy and the Environment

Dedicated to providing the basic scientific foundation upon which solutions for applied environmental problems can be built, the Institute for Energy and the Environment is directed by noted microbiologist Dr. Joseph M. Suflita, who is a nationally recognized expert on bioremediation. Institute scientist, working closely with graduate students; investigate biotechnological solutions to contamination problems faced by oil and gas industry.

Institute for Science and Public Policy

Founded in 1970, the Institute for Science and Public Policy uses a collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach to link scientific and engineering information to decision-making in order to support the development and implementation of innovative solutions to complex policy problems. Directed by Dr. James L. Regens, Professor of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, the Institute’s facility and staff have extensive expertise in risk assessment, environmental modeling, decision analysis, technology evaluation, remote sensing/GIS, environmental impact assessment, materials flow analysis and regulatory analysis. The Institute conducts research in the areas of risk assessment, terrorism threat reduction, environmental modeling, technology evaluation, energy systems, and industrial ecology. Students from different academic units participate in projects and gain experience in multidisciplinary research that directly benefits their career development. Recent projects have been supported by a variety of agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Institute for Energy Economics and Policy

Directed by Dr. Dennis O’Brien, formerly deputy assistant secretary for International Energy Security for the U.S. Department of Energy and an executive with Caltex Petroleum Corp., the Institute for Energy Economics and Policy focuses on the global energy industry and its relationship with national and state energy industry issues and policy. The institutes brings together the extensive resources of the university in business, economics, and energy sciences, as well as external resources to address key economic, technology, geopolitical, political, and social policy issues related to energy. The institute focuses on important energy relationships in the Middle East, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and their relationship with the United States and Oklahoma.

GEO Information Systems

Geo Information Systems has a long history of building quality energy-related geosciences databases and applications for both the public and the private sectors. Form its beginning as a repository of usable and practical oil-oriented information, departmental expertise evolved into areas of computer processing, database development, and applications development that include a current emphasis on mapping and Geographical Information Systems. With these capabilities, GEO Information Systems has developed strong ties with federal and state agencies, the petroleum industry, and other private and public sector organizations as well as the academic research community.

Institutes for Gas Utilization Technologies

The Institute for Gas Utilization Technologies uses a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach involving chemical engineers, mechanical engineers and chemists to develop technologies that enhance the value and use of natural gas resources. Research and development activities cover four primary areas: gas conversation to higher value chemicals and fuels, gas storage and separation, direct utilization, and gas vehicle systems. A great deal of industry attention that solves many of the storage and distance problems associated with using natural gas fuels for surface transportation.

Institute for Reservoir Characterization

Directed by former Shell and British Petroleum engineer Dr. Daniel J. O’Meara, the institute is internationally prominent with its interdisciplinary approach to the science of reservoir characterization. Institute geophysicists, geologists, engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists use the university, to develop and test reservoir characterization tools and methods. An inter-disciplinary course on applied reservoir characterization is the first such course for industry professional is in great demand across the United States and abroad.