In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Lewis Matthews, CEO of Project Gemini. They discuss Matthews’ journey into the oil and gas industry, the importance of data and AI in modeling and decision-making, and how Project Gemini is revolutionizing portfolio optimization through innovative techniques. The conversation highlights the integration of human expertise with AI, the significance of causal frameworks, and how game theory can be used to optimize oil and gas portfolios from a large number of options.

linkedin.com/in/lewis-matthews-52449352 https://projectgeminae.net/ Click for example of causal inference of induced seismicity https://github.com/Project-Geminae/induced-seismicity

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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 Pearl” and the journey that led to its founding.

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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 America.

[email protected] 

linkedin.com/in/j-w-bill-rhea-iv-1290b71b

Michael H. Gustin, President & CEO

+1 254.633.3633

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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, the role of Energy Innovation Capital in venture funding, and the importance of networking and industry involvement for career growth.

Episode Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-e-kern

https://www.energyinnovationcapital.com

https://www.eicroserock.com

https://www.spe.org

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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. The conversation highlights innovations in rod lift technology, including the development of variable speed drives and the NovaWave system, which optimize production and reduce costs for operators.

Episode Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-cordova-10a072130

https://www.linkedin.com/company/lufkinindustries

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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 well production, water control, and well abandonment. Lisa also highlights the global issue of sustained annular pressure and shares her outlook on the future of swellable technologies in the industry.

Episode Links

https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrialization-energy-services-co

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisablankenburg

https://www.tq.com

linkedin.com/in/mariaisabelayala

https://www.tq.com/solutions/taqas-completion-division/completion-fluids/sealing-solutions/swellplug

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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 conversation highlights the importance of advanced technologies in the oil and gas sector, the evolution of drilling data collection methods, and the impact of this data capture on subsurface exploration and energy production. In this conversation, Mahmoud Nasef discusses the advancements in drilling technology, particularly focusing on risk mitigation, the digital revolution in drilling, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. He emphasizes the collaboration between different engineering disciplines to enhance drilling operations and the potential of new technologies to unlock previously unreachable oil resources. The discussion also highlights the role of real-time data in improving safety and efficiency in drilling operations, as well as the future of drilling technology and its implications for energy security.

Episode Links 

https://www.linkedin.com/NOVDigitalServices

https://experience.nov.com/dbs/p/1

https://www.nov.com/products/downhole-broadband-solutions

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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, future demand for natural gas, and the relationship between natural gas and renewable energy sources.

Natural Gas, NGSA (Natural Gas Supply Association), LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), Energy Infrastructure, Permitting Reform, Energy Storage, Shale Development, Energy Market Trends, Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Integration. 

Episode Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denawiggins

https://www.linkedin.com/company/natural-gas-supply-association

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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 better decisions—from exploration and permitting to environmental risk management. He also shares how advances in quantum computing and AI are redefining how the industry integrates surface and subsurface data for smarter, faster, and more sustainable outcomes. Together, they explore how technology, data, and decades-long foresight are shaping the next frontier of the upstream sector.

Episode Links

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nv5-geospatial

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mccullough-387b904b

Oil and Gas, Energy, Upstream, Geospatial Data, Remote Sensing, NV5, LIDAR, Bathymetry, Digital Twin, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Management, Permitting, Environmental Risk, Alaska,

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