Matthew T. Balhoff is the department chair and a professor in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin). He holds the Lois and Richard Folger Leadership Chair and Bank of America Centennial Professorship in Petroleum Engineering.
His research areas of interest include geologic carbon storage, EOR, integrated reservoir characterization, hydraulic fracturing and reservoir geomechanics, reservoir engineering, unconventional resources, petrophysics and pore scale processes, and reservoir simulation.
An SPE member since 2009, Balhoff became an SPE Distinguished Member in 2017 and is a winner of the 2022 SPE Lester C. Uren Award, 2017 SPE Southwestern North America Regional Reservoir Description and Dynamics Award, 2014 SPE International Young Member Service Award, and 2012 SPE International Teaching Fellow Award.
He holds BS and PhD degrees in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University.
In this interview with TWA, Balhoff shares advice for students and young professionals in the industry to help maximize their academic experience and early careers.
TWA: How has the petroleum engineering curriculum evolved in the past 5–10 years?
Matthew Balhoff (MB): The fundamental concepts of reservoir, drilling, production engineering, and formation evaluation have remained unchanged. What has changed is the continued shift to shale reservoirs, especially in the US. Additionally, there is increased focus on data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Finally, our expertise in the subsurface is being applied to carbon storage, hydrogen storage, geothermal energy, and critical mineral extraction from brines.
TWA: Are you seeing a shift toward interdisciplinary education (e.g., blending petroleum engineering with environmental science, business, or computer/data science)?
MB: The oil and gas industry has always been interdisciplinary, combining expertise in all areas of engineering, geology, business, and more. I do see it becoming more interdisciplinary, especially in AI/data science.
TWA: Are students still gravitating toward traditional upstream roles, or are more pursuing alternative energy or tech-adjacent roles?
MB: Most of our students are still obtaining employment in traditional upstream roles, but there are growing opportunities in carbon storage, geothermal energy, and lithium extraction. In the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at UT-Austin we offer many exciting electives as part of our sustainable energy minor and upcoming MS degree in “subsurface energy engineering.” They are also gravitating towards data science/AI roles within and outside the industry.
TWA: What advice do you give students about navigating boom-bust cycles in the industry?
MB: Remember, you are an engineer first and a petroleum engineer second. The skills you learn about problem solving, being creative, and communicating complicated ideas easily translate to other industries. So be open minded about other opportunities (internships and full-time jobs) in bust cycles. Also, consider graduate school in petroleum engineering or another field.
TWA: How important are internships and co-ops—and how can students stand out when applying for them? How has the availability of internships changed over the years?
MB: They are extremely important. Firstly, they offer a hands-on balance to your academic preparation. Second, the experience is invaluable on a resume. Finally, they are the most direct path to a full-time position with the company for which you intern. The availability fluctuates with the petroleum market.
Don’t be afraid to take a position in a tangential field if necessary. Experience is experience!
TWA: What are the most underutilized resources students have access to in university?
MB: Faculty and student organizations. As faculty we are here for so much more than just teaching your classes. Come to us for advice. Student organizations, especially in the department, are a great way to network with industry and learn from your classmates (all while having fun).
TWA: What do you wish more students did with their time outside of the classroom?
MB: Networking and focusing on soft skills like oral and written communication.
TWA: What excites you most about the future of petroleum engineering education?
MB: I believe our profession will be more important than ever in the future. In addition to the challenges of recovery of resources (as has always been the case), we will be tasked with reducing emissions, storing CO2, and applying our expertise to other subsurface energy applications.
TWA: What skills will be non-negotiable for the next generation of petroleum engineers?
MB: Coding/programming and applications to AI and data science.
TWA: What’s one piece of advice you give your students every year?
MB: When we must make a difficult decision, especially when it comes to a career with multiple options, there isn’t necessarily one “right” decision. All the options may lead us to successful careers and happy lives.
TWA: What are some of the most impactful opportunities students can access through SPE (e.g., scholarships, conferences, committees)?
MB: As a young professional, try get involved in SPE as much as possible whether it be the student paper contest, PetroBowl, attending the North American Student Symposium, Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, other conferences, or volunteering.
TWA: What advice would you give to a student who joined SPE but isn’t sure how to get involved beyond just membership?
MB: Talk to your SPE officers, faculty, or just browse the SPE website. The organization has so much to offer, especially for students and young professionals.