News

Cullen Students Among Inaugural Cohort of UH-Chevron Energy Graduate Fellows
August 28, 2023
University of Houston, the Energy University, is proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of UH-Chevron Energy Graduate Fellows – eight graduate students who are actively involved in innovative energy-related research across the… 		Eight University of Houston graduate students were selected as 2023-24 UH Chevron Graduate Energy Fellows (L to R): Kripa Adhikari, Aparajita Datta, Chirag Goel, Meghana Idamakanti (top row), Erin Picton, Mohamad Sarhan, Swapnil Sharma, and Larkin Spires (bottom row).
UH Researchers Develop Oil Recovery Tools with ‘Significantly Higher Accuracy’ than Current Methods
May 25, 2023
A team of University of Houston researchers has developed a series of digital applications to make energy industry processes more efficient. Three innovative online calculators, the most recent being the UH Hydrocarbon Gas… 		The apps were developed by Mohamed Soliman, chairman of the UH Department of Petroleum Engineering; Birol Dindoruk, the American Association of Drilling Engineers Endowed Professor in petroleum, chemical and biomolecular engineering at UH; and Utkarsh Sinha, who earned a master’s degree in petroleum engineering from UH in 2018.
Cullen honors 15 at 2022-23 Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards
May 8, 2023
The Cullen College of Engineering recognized 15 members of the faculty, staff and students at its 2022-23 Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards, held during the Faculty-Staff Meeting on May 2. A full photo gallery can be found on… 		Dean Joseph W. Tedesco presents Varad Joshi, teaching assistant in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, with a Teaching Excellence Award.
UH Energy Experts to Share Insight and Knowledge at OTC 2023
April 27, 2023
Professor Xingpeng Li Recognized as ‘Emerging Leader’ for Contributions to Offshore Power Systems and Security University of Houston energy experts will be front and center at the 2023 Offshore Technology Conference on May 1–4.… 		University of Houston energy experts will be front and center at the 2023 Offshore Technology Conference from May 1 to May 4.
Cullen improves marks in latest U.S. News Grad School rankings
April 25, 2023
The University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering has improved two spots, to 69th overall of U.S. Engineering schools, in the latest yearly rankings by the U.S. News & World Report. Excluding private colleges and… 		The University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering has improved two spots, to 69th overall of U.S. Engineering schools, in the 2023 rankings by the U.S. News & World Report.
Cullen recognizes 16 Outstanding Juniors and Seniors for 2022-23
April 13, 2023
The Cullen College of Engineering offers its congratulations to the 16 students who have been named Outstanding Juniors and Seniors for the 2022-23 academic year. Students are nominated by professors, with one junior and one… 		The Cullen College of Engineering recognizes 16 students who have been named Outstanding Juniors and Seniors.
Kohn finds academic success thanks to family, military
April 6, 2023
When Clayton Kohn was experiencing one of economic downturns that hit the energy industry and Houston metro area in 2008, he realized that he needed to expand his skills and knowledge. He was working industrial construction at… 		Clayton Kohn is the 2023 Outstanding Senior for the Petroleum Engineering Department at the Cullen College of Engineering, and he attributes his success to the support system provided by his wife, Monique, and his uncle and aunt, Mike and Christie Byrne.
Torres balances fatherhood, work on path to academic excellence
March 22, 2023
Before he leaves for class each day, Cullen College of Engineering junior Eden Torres has a tradition that he does to help him focus as he heads out the door. “My family has a little routine before I leave for the day. We do a… 		Eden Torres is the 2023 Outstanding Junior for the Cullen College of Engineering's Petroleum Engineering Department.
Soliman honored as 2023 Legend of Hydraulic Fracturing
March 15, 2023
A Cullen College of Engineering professor and department chairman is one of two recipients of one of the highest awards given by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Mohamed Soliman, William C. Miller endowed chair holder… 		Mohamed Soliman, William C. Miller endowed chair holder and Chairman of the Petroleum Engineering Department, was recognized as a 2023 Legend of Hydraulic Fracturing at the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition.
Petro's Dindoruk Part of Seminal Study About Geothermal Energy in Texas
February 6, 2023
Experts Offer Insight for Future Development & Decarbonization Researchers from five Texas universities, the University Land Office and the International Energy Agency jointly published a landmark study evaluating the… 		Birol Dindoruk, the American Association of Drilling Engineers Endowed Professor in Petroleum, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston.
Petroleum's Thakur to Lead ‘Best and Brightest’ Scientists and Researchers in Texas
January 25, 2023
University of Houston Distinguished Professor of Petroleum Engineering Ganesh Thakur has been elected as the next vice president, and eventual president, of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (… 		University of Houston Distinguished Professor of Petroleum Engineering Ganesh Thakur has been elected as the next vice president, and eventual president, of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST).
Cullen announces 8 promotions for Fall 2022
July 14, 2022
The Cullen College of Engineering is happy to announce that the following eight members of the faculty have been promoted for the 2022-23 academic year. All promotions take effect as of Sept. 1, 2022. This listing is alphabetical… 		The Cullen College of Engineering is happy to announce that the following eight members of the faculty have been promoted for the 2022-23 academic year.
Petroleum graduate Villarroel takes 1st in regional student paper contest
June 15, 2022
A Petroleum Engineering graduate from the Cullen College of Engineering has earned a first-place finish for his presentation at the Society of Petroleum Engineers GCNA/SWNA (Gulf Coast and Southwest North America) Regional… 		Andres Villarroel, a May 2022 graduate with a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering, earned a first-place finish for his presentation at the Society of Petroleum Engineers GCNA/SWNA (Gulf Coast and Southwest North America) Regional Student Paper Contest.
Cullen Researcher Determines Shale Reservoirs Could be Substantial Lithium Source
May 18, 2022
It might seem paradoxical, but producing oil and gas from shale reservoirs could actually help the world transition to cleaner energy sources. One of the keys to a successful energy transition will be enough lithium to make the… 		Kyung Jae Lee, an Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering at the Cullen College of Engineering, uses a new paper to describe the potential of petroleum-based rock brines as a new source of lithium.
Cullen recognizes efforts of faculty, students with 2021-22 Excellence Awards
May 5, 2022
The Cullen College of Engineering and Dr. Joseph W. Tedesco, Ph.D., P.E., the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Endowed Chair and Dean, are pleased to share the 2021-22 Faculty and Student Excellence Award winners. The initial announcement… 		Dr. Joseph W. Tedesco, Ph.D., P.E., the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Endowed Chair and Dean, presents the W.T. Kittinger Teaching Excellence Award to Jae-Hyun Ryou of Mechanical Engineering.
ME, IE grad programs improve in latest U.S. News & World Report rankings
April 4, 2022
The graduate level programs Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering at the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering improved the most year-to-year, according to the latest rankings edition of U.S. News… 		The Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering departments have both gained more than 10 spots in the latest graduate school rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
EAA recognizes 50 students for academic achievements, leadership
February 25, 2022
The Engineering Alumni Association (EAA) hosted another successful event on Feb. 22, as the 2022 Engineers Week Awards program recognized 50 students for their accomplishments. Since 2004, the EAA and industry donors have come… 		Haley Conley, posing with friends.
UH NSBE receives $10k grant for community garden revamp
January 31, 2022
Reflecting the organization's commitment to the community, the Dow Promise Program has awarded a $10,000 grant to the University of Houston branch of the National Society of Black Engineers, to partner with the Blodgett Urban… 		UH NSBE members volunteering at a previous community event at the Blodgett Urban Gardens.
UH, Shell, TotalEnergies sign $500k extension to $1M project
January 27, 2022
A million-dollar research project between the Cullen College of Engineering at the University of Houston, Shell and TotalEnergies has been extended with another $500,000 grant from the two industry companies. The initial $1… 		George K. Wong, Ph.D., an Associate Professor in the Petroleum Engineering Department, has been the PI for a $1 million project with Shell and TotalEnergies that has received a $500,000 extension. Lori Hathon, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the same department, is a co-PI on the project.
Paper finds 46 Cullen College professors among Most-Cited
January 5, 2022
According to an updated paper from researchers at Stanford University, 46 past and present professors affiliated with the Cullen College of Engineering are among the Top 2 percent of cited research papers in the world. The… 		More than 45 professors and researchers affiliated with the Cullen College of Engineering have been recognized as among the most cited in the world.