In January, Yujing Du joined The University of Tulsa's faculty becoming the university's first female tenure-track faculty member in petroleum engineering.
Du holds an MS degree and PhD from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and a BS from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. She worked as a postdoctoral fellow in applied physics at Harvard University before joining The University of Tulsa as an assistant professor of petroleum engineering in 2025.
The Way Ahead (TWA): How do you envision the role of petroleum engineering evolving in the global energy transition, especially with the increasing focus on renewable energy and sustainability?
Yujing Du (YD): I believe that the knowledge and technologies developed in traditional petroleum engineering will continue to play a vital role in the global energy transition. Fundamental principles and innovations, such as subsurface fluid flow, reservoir modeling, and drilling technologies, can and should be directly applied to emerging energy solutions. These include but are not limited to geothermal energy extraction, hydrogen storage, and carbon capture and sequestration, all of which are crucial for advancing a more sustainable energy future.
By adapting and advancing existing technologies and infrastructure, petroleum engineering can play a crucial role in creating a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape while ensuring a smooth and reliable transition.
TWA: Your research includes geothermal energy systems and geological carbon sequestration. How do these areas align with traditional petroleum engineering, and what unique opportunities do they offer for a sustainable future?
TD: Yes, my research focuses on understanding the fundamental physics underlying key engineering processes within geothermal energy extraction and geological carbon sequestration. These processes, such as the propagation of hydraulic fractures and fluid flow and transport dynamics within porous and fractured subsurface rock formations, are central to petroleum engineering and have been extensively studied in the field.
The expertise, methods, technologies, and infrastructure developed by petroleum engineering, ranging from reservoir modeling to well drilling and fracturing techniques, are directly applicable to these emerging energy solutions. By leveraging these established capabilities, we can accelerate advancements in sustainable energy systems, such as geothermal energy, creating new opportunities for sustainable energy development while ensuring efficient and effective resource management.
TWA: In your opinion, what are the biggest technological or scientific hurdles the industry faces in transitioning to low-carbon energy sources while maintaining global energy security?
YD: The key challenge in transitioning to low-carbon energy sources while maintaining global energy security lies in ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply. Human society will continue to depend on stable energy resources, not only because energy reliability forms the foundation of technological advancements, from artificial intelligence (AI) to life science studies, but also because human well-being should remain central to modern societal development.
From my perspective, a major technological hurdle is the ability to scale up energy solutions, from battery energy storage systems to large-scale grid integration. While battery energy storage systems have made significant progress, their scalability remains a challenge in meeting the demands of a global energy transition. Efficient energy storage is essential to managing the intermittency of renewable sources like solar and wind, ensuring a stable and continuous power supply.
Additionally, advancements in smart grid technology and AI-driven energy management systems are needed to optimize energy distribution and real-time consumption.
TWA: What innovations or breakthroughs do you see on the horizon for making geothermal energy more accessible and cost-effective?
YD: Key breakthroughs in making geothermal energy more accessible and cost-effective may include the advancement of techniques to recover energy from low-permeability and low-temperature reservoirs. Traditional geothermal systems rely on high-permeability, high-temperature formations, but expanding viability requires innovative approaches to extract heat from less ideal reservoirs.
Advancements in reservoir stimulation methods, such as hydraulic and chemical fracturing, can enhance formation permeability and improve fluid circulation in low-permeability reservoirs. Drilling innovations, such as high-temperature-resistant materials, can lower costs and enhance efficiency, making geothermal energy viable in a broader range of geological settings.
Additionally, low-temperature heat utilization technologies, such as binary cycle power plants and heat pumps, enable efficient energy conversion from lower-temperature sources. By integrating these advancements, geothermal energy can be harnessed from a broader range of reservoirs, making it more scalable and cost-effective.
TWA: What policy or industry incentives are most needed to accelerate the adoption of large-scale carbon sequestration projects?
YD: This is an important question, but as a scholar in science and engineering, I do not have the expertise to comment on policymaking. My work focuses on the scientific and engineering aspects of energy systems, particularly subsurface systems, whereas policy decisions require expertise in economics, governance, and regulatory frameworks. While I acknowledge the importance of policy in driving technological adoption, my contribution lies in advancing scientific understanding and developing technological solutions that can inform and support effective policymaking.
TWA: As the first female petroleum engineering faculty member at The University of Tulsa, what message do you have for young women aspiring to join and lead in STEM fields?
YD: Yes, it is true that I am the first female tenure-track faculty member in petroleum engineering at The University of Tulsa. This is both a personal achievement and a step forward for the diversity and representation of women in STEM, particularly in petroleum engineering, a traditionally male-dominated field.
I believe in the importance of creating a welcoming and equitable environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential.
To young women aspiring to enter and lead in STEM fields, I encourage them to follow their passions with confidence and not be discouraged by gender imbalances. Science and engineering thrive from diverse perspectives, and their contributions will be instrumental in shaping the future of these disciplines. I hope my role contributes to the growing representation of women in engineering and encourages others to pursue their goals, overcome challenges, and make meaningful contributions to the field.
TWA: What challenges and opportunities have you experienced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, and how has it shaped your career and leadership style?
YD: Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous opportunities that were unrelated to gender or other personal attributes and choices. I am deeply grateful for the support and mentorship I have received in various forms, personally, technically, and professionally. In particular, I have benefited greatly from Masa Prodanovic, the first tenure-track female faculty member in petroleum engineering at UT Austin, whose invaluable guidance and mentorship have profoundly shaped my academic and professional journey. I see the challenges in life and career, whether related to gender or not, as opportunities for growth, pushing me to learn, improve, and adapt.
Working in a traditionally male-dominated field has strengthened my commitment to perseverance, collaboration, and inclusivity. It has shaped my leadership style by inspiring me to mentor and support others with an open mind, regardless of their backgrounds, just as I have been supported, and to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.
TWA: What strategies can universities and companies adopt to support women in petroleum engineering and encourage diversity in the energy sector?
YD: Universities can support women in petroleum engineering by offering targeted career programs, expanding networking opportunities, and increasing early STEM exposure. Leadership workshops and technical training on campus can equip female students with essential skills and confidence. Strengthening academic-industry connections through mentorship programs and industry panels can open career pathways. Additionally, outreach initiatives like STEM workshops and summer camps for K-12 students can inspire young girls to pursue engineering.
Companies can promote the engagement of females by enhancing industry-academia collaboration and mentorship programs. Networking events that connect female professionals with students can bridge the gap between education and industry. Structured mentorship programs can provide career guidance and industry insights for early-career engineers. Moreover, companies should establish clear career growth paths, including leadership training, sponsorship programs, and equitable promotion policies, ensuring women have equal opportunities for advancement. Through these efforts, universities and companies can create a more inclusive and supportive energy sector.
TWA: What advice would you give to young professionals and students aspiring to build a career in petroleum engineering, especially in a rapidly changing energy landscape?
YD: A strong foundation in science and engineering, combined with a dedicated work ethic, is essential in the ever-evolving energy landscape. While traditional petroleum engineering knowledge, such as oil and gas technologies, continues to be central, I encourage students and young professionals to embrace interdisciplinary learning. Exploring emerging energy systems, such as carbon management, geothermal energy, energy storage technologies, and digital innovations like AI and machine learning (ML), will be crucial for adapting to industry changes. Developing diverse skill sets and understanding how traditional and new energy technologies intersect will help them navigate and contribute meaningfully to the future of energy.
TWA: From your experience at Harvard and UT Austin, what role do academic-industry collaborations play in driving innovation in the energy sector?
YD: Both Harvard and UT Austin share a strong culture of academic-industry collaboration, which has led to impactful research with direct technological applications. Their partnerships with industry have led to high-quality publications, numerous patents, and innovations that advance the energy sector, from carbon sequestration technologies to the development of next-generation batteries.
From my perspective, academic-industry collaborations create a win-win situation, where the industry provides practical challenges and real-world needs, while academia contributes fundamental scientific insights and innovative approaches. This dynamic exchange accelerates technological progress, ensures research remains relevant to industry demands, and facilitates the transition of scientific discoveries into real-world solutions.
TWA: What has been the proudest moment of your career so far, and what’s next on your professional horizon?
YD: Every moment in my career journey has held significance, as each represents a small yet meaningful achievement along the way. While I cannot name them all, my proudest moment so far has been joining The University of Tulsa as a faculty member after 3 years of postdoctoral research at Harvard. This transition marks a significant milestone in my career, shifting from a mentee to a mentor, and from a dependent researcher to an independent scholar and leader.
Looking ahead, my goal is to establish my lab and define my research direction, building a national and international reputation while focusing on fluid dynamics and fracture propagation in porous and fractured media for both traditional energy systems and energy transition technologies. I am also committed to educating and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers, contributing to the future of energy through research and innovation.
