The SPE PetroBowl Competition is a prestigious event that brings together top-ranked universities from around the world to showcase their knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas industry. This year marked a significant milestone with the return of Missouri University of Science & Technology (S&T) SPE Student Chapter to the competition for the first time since 2018.
Missouri S&T has a longstanding history with SPE, and the revival of the PetroBowl team was driven by a shared enthusiasm among both students and faculty who were eager to see the university represented once again in the competition.
The journey to reestablish the team began in 2024, initiated by a group of graduate students. Through their hard work, determination, and commitment, Missouri S&T proudly made its return to the competition, reaffirming its presence in the global petroleum engineering community.
The Journey
The rejuvenation of Missouri S&T’s PetroBowl team began at the annual student chapter barbecue at Schumann Park in Rolla, Missouri. The idea of reviving the team emerged during a conversation between a professor, Makuach James Makeny, SPE, and fellow student, Abdul Mujeeb Kassim, SPE. Initially, the proposal was met with skepticism and concerns regarding student interest and involvement. However, Kassim and Makeny remained eager to bring the team back to life.
A short time later, Makeny drafted a detailed timeline outlining the necessary preparations for the team to succeed in the SPE North American Student Symposium (NASS) PetroBowl competition. Together, Kassim and Makeny sent out inquiries to recruit volunteers for the team. While there was initial interest, the demanding nature of some students’ curriculum proved it difficult for many students to commit to the time-consuming preparation process. Despite the setbacks, they remained determined, working tirelessly to reestablish the university team.
Preparing the Team
Kassim began preparing the team by organizing weekly meetings to discuss progress and assign study materials on various competition-related topics. To facilitate easier learning, he created a shared drive, granting members access to comprehensive resources at their convenience. As the competition approached, Kassim intensified the team’s training regimen. He organized nightly classes, conducting mock competitions with Makeny serving as moderator.
“I would share important notes on topics I thought were relevant, and we would discuss the concepts. We didn’t have buzzers, so we improvised by hitting our desks with markers during the mock competition,” said Kassim.
Funding posed a significant challenge, casting doubt on the team’s ability to attend the 2025 PetroBowl regional qualifiers. Just days before the competition, the team received confirmation of their funding, enabling their journey to Los Angeles to compete in the NASS PetroBowl regional qualifiers.
The dedication and perseverance of Kassim, Makeny, and their team marked the triumphant return of Missouri S&T’s PetroBowl Team, earning a second-place victory and qualifying for the 2025 PetroBowl competition.
Kassim, captain of the Missouri S&T PetroBowl team, reflects on their journey to success in the 2025 NASS PetroBowl regional qualifiers with a mix of pride and humility. The team faced significant challenges from the outset, grappling with a lack of confidence as they found themselves competing against schools with established reputations in the competition.
Despite extensive preparation, he admits that the team often felt underprepared, overwhelmed by the vast amount of knowledge required. Their dedication was further tested by harsh weather conditions, with team members often trudging through snow for late-night study sessions in the weeks leading up to the competition.
The turning point came with their first victory with this initial success sparking a dramatic shift in the team's performance and confidence. Kassim was particularly moved by the support they received from the petroleum engineering community. Top industry experts praised their efforts, and even rival schools they had defeated stayed to cheer them on through subsequent rounds.
Looking to the Future
With the regional qualifier complete, the team now turns its focus toward the upcoming international competition. However, there is still significant work ahead. As the international PetroBowl competition is scheduled for the fall 2025 semester, the team faces a key challenge: several current members are set to graduate in May, which may leave the team below the minimum required number of participants.
To address this, team leaders Kassim and Makeny are committed to rebuilding and strengthening the team. This time, their goal is to establish a more sustainable and long-term foundation by increasing student engagement—particularly among undergraduates. They plan to highlight the many academic, professional, and networking benefits that come with participating in such a prestigious competition.
In preparation for the international competition at the 2025 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) in October, Kassim plans to maintain a rigorous training regimen. This includes regular study sessions and simulated mock competitions designed to sharpen the team’s skills and timing. To enhance the quality of their practice sessions, Kassim has secured funding to purchase official competition buzzers, the same type used in the PetroBowl events. This investment will help the team improve response accuracy and efficiency, positioning them for a strong performance on the international stage.
Conclusion
The resurgence of Missouri S&T’s PetroBowl team stands as a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and leadership. What began as a simple conversation between three individuals at a barbeque, evolved into a remarkable journey of growth, collaboration, and achievement.
Through perseverance and dedication, the team not only overcame logistical and financial hurdles but also proudly secured a second-place finish at the regional qualifiers and advanced to the PetroBowl competition at ATCE—an accomplishment that has reignited Missouri S&T’s presence on the PetroBowl stage.
As the team looks ahead to the international competition, their commitment to excellence remains the same. With strategic recruitment efforts, structured training, and a renewed focus on long-term sustainability, Missouri S&T is set to continue building a lasting legacy within SPE.
Abdul Mujeeb Kassim, SPE, is a graduate petroleum engineering student at Missouri S&T. He is the current vice president of Missouri S&T’s SPE Student Chapter. He has previous experience with reservoir engineering, natural gas engineering, and production engineering in Ghana.
Mary Grace Stoj, SPE, is a petroleum engineering student at Missouri S&T. She has previous research experience with carbon capture and storage. She is the personal relations chair for the Missouri S&T SPE Student Chapter where she works to highlight the chapter’s strengths through articles and social media.
Makuach James Makeny, SPE, is a South Sudanese petroleum engineer with more than 15 years of experience at White Nile Petroleum Operating Company, Petronas, and Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company, spanning Africa, Asia, and North America. As Missouri S&T faculty liaison, he coached Missouri S&T students at the NASS PetroBowl regional qualifiers.
He holds a BSc/MSc in petroleum engineering, an MBA in oil and gas, and an ongoing PhD in petroleum engineering research. Makeny bridges academia and industry, developing next-generation talent while driving innovative solutions for tomorrow's complex energy challenges.