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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project focuses on the development of mathematical models of solids, such as asphaltenes and hydrates, which are formed and deposited in reservoirs and wells during oil and gas production. These solids have a great impact on production, so it is important to have models that represent this phenomenon.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
Earlier this year I presented partial results of my research, entitled “Hydrates formation and deposition in the wellbore,” at the annual meeting of the RSJIP (Reservoir Simulation Joint Industry Program). Professors from The University of Texas at Austin, students, and industry members participate in this meeting to present advances related to reservoir simulation, flow assurance, hydrogen storage, CO2 capture and storage, among other topics. I hope to be able to publish the full results of this study in a specialized journal in 2024.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
The oil industry is committed and has dedicated many resources and efforts to reach the goal of zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Many projects at UT Austin are related to the development of technology to make CO2 capture and storage processes more efficient. Even my research involves the modeling of some phenomena that occur during the injection of CO2 in reservoirs, such as the formation of hydrates and asphaltenes.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
Through a collaboration with Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), my research project analyzes data from Mexican oil and gas fields that have flow assurance problems.
What drew you to Texas and UT Austin?
First of all, that UT Austin's graduate program in petroleum engineering is number one in the ranking of universities in the United States. Professors in the Department of Petroleum Engineering are internationally recognized for their contributions to this area of knowledge. Lastly, I was drawn to the idea of being part of a very diverse community. In my department, for example, 80% of the students are international.
What have been some good things you did not expect from Texas or UT Austin?
I was amazed at the number of resources available to students at the university. For example, for me, it was quite a challenge to master English in the first semester of my Ph.D., but the university has a writing center and programs to help you improve your oral communication in English, which helped me a lot. The university cares a lot about the physical and mental well-being of the students. UT Austin offers to pay for a taxi service when you stay late at the university so you can get home safely. We also have psychological support always available for students.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Austin and living in the United States?
At first it was quite a challenge to communicate in another language, but there are many tools that the university offers to help you adapt. Another one of the main challenges was having to start my doctoral studies during the pandemic, but UT Austin implemented the online system very well and the entire university staff was always vigilant of the physical and mental well-being of the students.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
The financial support of Conacyt-ConTex has been crucial to continue with my doctoral studies. In addition to the financial support, the people at ConTex know The University of Texas System very well and have given me information about other processes, such as how to register, tuition payment, health insurance, etc.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future? How do you hope your research will benefit people in the United States and Mexico?
In the future, in order to share with new students the knowledge I have acquired, I would like to work as a professor at a Mexican university that has a petroleum engineering program. I would also like to continue collaborating with industry and academia in Mexico and the United States. The results of my research will allow the modeling of complex phenomena that occur during the production of hydrocarbons, such as the formation and precipitation of solids in the reservoir and in the well. These models can also be applied to make CO2 capture and storage processes more efficient.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students who are considering studying in Texas?
My advice to students who aspire to study at UT Austin is to prepare and apply. Austin is a very nice and quiet city. In addition to all the technical knowledge you can acquire at UT, the cultural exchange with local students and students from other parts of the world is extraordinary. There are many student organizations that you can join to enhance this academic and cultural exchange. Being a part of UT is definitely a life-changing experience.
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