In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with David Smith, Vice President, Innovation, Black Pearl, about their innovative technologies such as Beacon and Zephyr. They discuss David’s diverse background, and insights into hydraulic fracturing, and partnership between company and client in technology development. The conversation also touches on the philosophy behind the company name “Black […]
In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert talks with Bill Rhea, Pilot Exploration, talks about knowing where to drill thus eliminating dry holes through the use of technology based on sedimentary residual magnetics (SRM) magnetic bright spots (MBS) based on understanding the full magnetic spectrum of the earth especially the Flex Trend in the Gulf of […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert and Sarah Kern, Director of Strategic Engagement at Energy Innovation Capital discuss Sarah’s career journey from electrical engineering to the drilling industry, her involvement in industry organizations, and the success of the ATCE 2025 conference. The conversation also touches on leadership changes within SPE, […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Andy Cordova, president of Lufkin Industries, discussing the evolution of rod lift technology and its significance in the oil and gas industry. They explore Lufkin’s history, the transition from conventional to modern reservoirs, and the challenges faced in managing production from horizontal wells. […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert talks with Lisa Blankenburg, North American Technical Sales Director at TAQA, about her career journey from nursing to a leading role in oil and gas. They discuss TAQA’s innovative technologies, such as sand screens, production enhancement, and swell plug solutions; used to tackle challenges […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with Mahmoud Nasef, Regional Business Development Manager for NOV in Dubai. They discussed Mahmoud’s journey into the oil and gas industry, the role of a regional business development manager, and the innovative Downhole Broadband Solutions (DBS) technology that is transforming drilling operations. The […]
In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, meets with Dena Wiggins, NGSA. They discuss the role of NGSA in the natural gas industry, the importance of infrastructure and permitting, the critical nature of natural gas storage, and the dynamics of pricing in the market. They also touch on the impact of shale development on energy independence, […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with Adam McCullough, Alaska Program Manager at NV5 Geospatial, about the transformative role of geospatial technologies in modern energy projects. From LIDAR and thermal imaging to bathymetric mapping and digital twin systems, Adam explains how these innovations help oil and gas operators make […]
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Claudia Molina, President, Seguen Technologies, discussing her extensive background in the oil and gas industry, the importance of data science, and the intersection of technology and human expertise. They explore the concepts of commercial and technical viability, the role of curiosity in career development, and the perception of risk […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert engages with the Program Co-Chairs of the 2025 URTEC “Unconventional Resources Technology Conference”, discussing the recent evolution of unconventional resources production, the integration of geothermal energy, and the future of the oil and gas industry. The guests share their backgrounds, the significance of URTEC […]
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Ram Seetharam, the ROICE Executive Director, at the University of Houston, discussing new life for old energy assets. The conversation covers the potential for reusing decommissioned oil and gas platforms for renewable energy projects, including offshore wind, hydrogen production, and CO2 sequestration. Ram shares insights from his extensive experience […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with Sally Goodson, President of Goodson Energy Associates, about her journey in the oil and gas industry, the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field, and her book ‘Upstream Dream’. They discuss the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Dr. Susan Nash, Director of Innovation, Science, and Technology at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. They discuss Dr. Nash’s journey in the energy sector, the challenges of energy poverty, the importance of education and training in energy access, and innovative solutions like […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Susan Howes, President, SCA Subsurface Consultants Associates. They discuss Susan’s journey in the oil and gas industry, the intricacies of upstream operations, and the importance of reservoir engineering. The conversation also touches on the challenges and innovations in subsurface engineering, the role of […]
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Eric Junkers, President, Hytorc, discussing the evolution and importance of bolting systems in the oil and gas industry. They explore the science behind bolting, the tools and technologies used, and Hytorc’s role in significant events like the Deepwater Horizon incident. Eric emphasizes the company’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and […]
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Tak Ishikawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MIH). They discuss the company’s extensive history, its significant role in the energy sector with DOE investment, particularly in natural gas and carbon capture technology, and the future of energy in the context […]
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Matthew Stevenson, Chief Revenue Officer, Svante, about the advancements in carbon capture technology and its significance in addressing climate change. They discuss the different methods of carbon capture, particularly focusing on adsorption, and the role of industries like cement in carbon emissions. Matthew shares the evolution of Svante’s technology, […]
In this conversation, Elena Melchert interviews Anne Bradbury, President and CEO of AXPC, discussing the role of independent oil and gas producers in the U.S. energy landscape. The benefits of U.S. export of oil and gas, sound regulatory and permitting requirements and certainty especially as related to infrastructure. The discussion also highlights innovation within the […]
This conversation with Host, Elena Melchert, Elodie Morgan and Habib Al Khatib, explores innovative approaches in geophysics, particularly focusing on SpotLight technology that revolutionizes seismic imaging and subsurface monitoring. The guests discuss the philosophical underpinnings of monitoring, the journey of building SpotLight, and the challenges faced in the carbon capture and storage (CCS) sector. They […]
In this conversation, the founders of Clas VI.AI discuss the challenges faced in the oil and gas industry, particularly regarding the administrative burdens associated with permitting processes. They emphasize the need for efficiency and how AI technology can streamline these processes, ultimately leading to faster project approvals and reduced costs. The discussion also touches on […]