Title: Subsurface Energy and Digital Innovation

Abstract:

This presentation introduces the Subsurface Energy and Digital Innovation Center (SEDI), a newly established center of excellence within the University of Wyoming's School of Energy Resources.  SEDI focuses on integrating digital technologies into energy research, with core areas in Blockchain for Sustainable Energy, AI and Big Data Analytics, Scientific Machine Learning, Novel Fluids, and Digital Twins using Virtual and Augmented Reality. These initiatives are designed to tackle industry-relevant challenges, drive innovation, and promote sustainability across the energy sector—locally in Wyoming and globally.

I will highlight several ongoing projects at SEDI, showcasing practical applications and their real-world impact on energy extraction, storage, and environmental performance. These projects illustrate how SEDI is positioned to lead digital transformation within the energy sector.

Additionally, I will provide a sneak peek into a new initiative within the Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering—the Integrated Rock and Fluid Dynamics Research Laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility is being developed to pioneer breakthroughs in enhanced primary recovery from unconventional reservoirs by bridging the gap between rock mechanics and fluid dynamics. This holistic approach will enable more efficient hydraulic fracturing techniques and lead to substantial advancements in unconventional resource development.

Bio:

Dr. Soheil Saraji is an Associate Professor of Energy and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Wyoming and the director of the Subsurface Energy and Digital Innovation (SEDI) Center of Excellence. He also co-directs the Hydrocarbons Research Laboratory. With over two decades of research experience, Dr. Saraji has made significant contributions to subsurface energy extraction, storage, and carbon geo-sequestration. His work includes over 80 peer-reviewed journal publications, conference proceedings, book chapters, and U.S. patents, as well as a recent book on Sustainable Oil and Gas using Blockchain.