Energy Transition Expert Joins UT PGE Faculty
September 10, 2024
Hewei Tang joins the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems (UT PGE) faculty as an assistant professor this semester, bringing her extensive background in engineering clean energy to the program.
Tang’s research expertise includes a focus on scientific machine learning, geologic carbon storage, geothermal energy, integrated reservoir characterization and reservoir simulation. Most recently, she was a staff scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she researched reservoir characterization as well as deep learning and uncertainty quantification in subsurface applications.
Tang is executive editor of Geoenergy Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering) and serves on the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) program committee. She holds an MS and PhD in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University and a BS in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Tsinghua University.
Below, Tang shares her thoughts on research, teaching, the future of subsurface engineering and more.
What most excites you about joining UT PGE?
UT PGE is renowned for its cutting-edge research in subsurface energy. I am thrilled to collaborate with distinguished faculty members and interact with brilliant students in the department.
What kinds of research are you looking forward to doing at UT PGE?
I will conduct numerical simulation and experimental study of coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes of subsurface energy systems, including geothermal energy systems, geological carbon storage, hydrogen storage, and unconventional oil and gas recovery. I will also leverage scientific machine learning for THMC modeling, dynamic reservoir characterization, and management.
What is your teaching philosophy, and what can students expect from your classes?
My teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating an engaging learning environment to encourage both critical thinking and practical application. In my classes, students can expect a blend of theoretical foundations, real-world applications and hands-on practice. My classes will also encourage discussions, presentations and collaboration.
How do you see the oil and gas industry adapting to net-zero emissions and the challenge of climate change?
The oil and gas industry is undergoing significant transformation in response to climate change challenges and net-zero emissions goals. Such a transformation requires the talents and technical innovations of future petroleum engineers.
When you’re not teaching or in the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and swimming.
Dig Deeper
- Read about UT PGE research at the forefront of the energy transition.
- Meet more of our world-renowned faculty members.
- Apply to our top-ranked undergraduate or graduate petroleum engineering programs.
Hewei Tang joins the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems (UT PGE) faculty as an assistant professor this semester, bringing her extensive background in engineering clean energy to the program.
Tang’s research expertise includes a focus on scientific machine learning, geologic carbon storage, geothermal energy, integrated reservoir characterization and reservoir simulation. Most recently, she was a staff scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she researched reservoir characterization as well as deep learning and uncertainty quantification in subsurface applications.
Tang is executive editor of Geoenergy Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering) and serves on the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) program committee. She holds an MS and PhD in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University and a BS in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Tsinghua University.
Below, Tang shares her thoughts on research, teaching, the future of subsurface engineering and more.
What most excites you about joining UT PGE?
UT PGE is renowned for its cutting-edge research in subsurface energy. I am thrilled to collaborate with distinguished faculty members and interact with brilliant students in the department.
What kinds of research are you looking forward to doing at UT PGE?
I will conduct numerical simulation and experimental study of coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes of subsurface energy systems, including geothermal energy systems, geological carbon storage, hydrogen storage, and unconventional oil and gas recovery. I will also leverage scientific machine learning for THMC modeling, dynamic reservoir characterization, and management.
What is your teaching philosophy, and what can students expect from your classes?
My teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating an engaging learning environment to encourage both critical thinking and practical application. In my classes, students can expect a blend of theoretical foundations, real-world applications and hands-on practice. My classes will also encourage discussions, presentations and collaboration.
How do you see the oil and gas industry adapting to net-zero emissions and the challenge of climate change?
The oil and gas industry is undergoing significant transformation in response to climate change challenges and net-zero emissions goals. Such a transformation requires the talents and technical innovations of future petroleum engineers.
When you’re not teaching or in the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and swimming.
Dig Deeper
- Read about UT PGE research at the forefront of the energy transition.
- Meet more of our world-renowned faculty members.
- Apply to our top-ranked undergraduate or graduate petroleum engineering programs.
