TWA Interview

Academic research can help bridge the gap between innovation and industry. In this interview, Sherif Fakher, SPE, reflects on his experiences in academia, volunteer leadership with SPE, and the importance of collaboration, innovation, and rethinking waste as a resource in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

In this interview, Sushma Bhan, energy data, AI leader, and technical director of the SPE Data Science and Engineering Analytics Technical Section, shares lessons from 3 decades at Shell, discussing digital transformation, the future of AI in upstream operations, leadership development, and career advice for the next generation of energy professionals.

Rodriguez reflects on engineering growth, systems thinking, and how strong technical foundations remain valuable across evolving industries.

Brittany N. Cole offers career advice on how new graduates can avoid the “busy but ineffective” trap, prioritize high-impact work, and build strategic value in their first 90 days to accelerate long-term career growth in an AI-driven workforce.

Rita Okoroafor, SPE, reflects on her journey from petroleum engineering to academia, emphasizing how subsurface expertise, curiosity, and collaboration can drive innovation and support the transition to sustainable, low-carbon energy systems.

CEO and author Kelly Mooney shares practical career advice for young professionals on career fit, self‑advocacy, navigating workplace power dynamics, and building long‑term success without burnout.

Nicole Johnston shares practical advice on how women can navigate workplace challenges, avoid non-promotable work, advocate for themselves, and build the skills and relationships needed to advance into leadership roles.

Liu shares her career experiences as it spans biomedical engineering, multiphase flow measurement in oil and gas, and emissions quantification.

Young professionals aim to demystify Drillbotics for students and early-career engineers by offering practical insights into the technical, organizational, and decision-making challenges encountered throughout the competition.

Mark your calendars for the first SPE Live featuring the 2025 TWA Energy Influencers.