West Virginia University (WVU) and EQT partnered to create an advanced research laboratory for teaching, research, and workforce development. The EQT Foundation supported the costs associated with combining two existing laboratories into one to be known as the EQT Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Lab, which resides in the university’s Mineral Resources Building.
“The creation of this midstream-focused petroleum engineering curriculum is directly aligned with a growing need in our industry,” said J.E.B. Bolen, executive vice president of operations at EQT Corp. “Demand is rising for engineers and operators who understand gathering systems, compression, transmission, and the technologies that support safe pipeline operations.”
Students in both undergraduate and graduate studies will have the opportunity to work in the lab to learn midstream petroleum engineering, with a focus on the processing, transportation, and storage of oil and natural gas.
“The EQT Midstream Engineering Lab enhances hands-on learning, exposes students to advanced technologies, and supports capstone projects, while enabling the application of AI in pipeline monitoring and midstream research. We are grateful for EQT’s continued partnership and commitment to the future of our program,” said Samuel Ameri, professor and chair of the WVU petroleum and natural gas engineering department.
[Editor's Note: In the May issue of JPT, Sarah Fenton, executive vice president of upstream at EQT, is interviewed. The interview can be read here.]