Advancing energy through research in porous media
Porous media refers to natural or engineered materials, such as rock formations or soil, that contain interconnected pores or void spaces. These pores allow fluids to move through the material. In subsurface engineering, porous media is important in processes like groundwater flow, oil and gas extraction, and other processes such as carbon storage, geothermal energy production, and hydrogen storage.
For her research and dedication to this field of study, Dr. Rita Esuru Okoroafor, assistant professor and Chevron Corporation Faculty Fellow in the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering, is the recipient of the Rien van Genuchten Early-Career Award of Porous Media for a Green World.
According to Okoroafor, she integrates geochemistry, geomechanics, and reservoir engineering with laboratory experiments and advanced simulations to improve understanding of these fluid-rock interactions, enhance hydrogen storage efficiency, optimize geothermal reservoir performance, and improve the long-term security of CO₂ storage. Her research also explores the impact of these subsurface technologies on communities, ensuring there is no short-term or long-term impact on people and society.
"This synergy between experiments and simulation has equipped me with the ability to understand challenges such as rock alterations, seal integrity, and fluid transport in geothermal systems, hydrogen storage and carbon sequestration, enabling me to make significant strides in advancing subsurface sustainable energy solutions," said Okoroafor.
As the honoree, Okoroafor will attend the Interpore Conference, which will allow her to expand and strengthen her research collaborations with global experts and present her findings at the conference. The award will also help her continue discovering best practices, regulatory frameworks and risk mitigation strategies in porous media.
"Receiving the Rien van Genuchten Early-Career Award is indeed an honor and a validation of the hard work my team and I have put into advancing subsurface energy research," said Okoroafor. "It is gratifying to have my contributions recognized early in my career, and it reinforces my commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in porous media science and engineering for a sustainable future."
Additionally, Okoroafor was recognized as one of the top 10 pioneering women leaders for the future of hydrogen by Women World Magazine, further showcasing her commitment and excellence in sustainable and renewable energy research.
Her successes have come through collaboration with students and faculty, including her former students Axel Indro, Deena Tayyib, Ahmed Bin Abed, Oluwakemi Olofinnika, Yuezhou Kang, and Aidan Watson, and current students Henry Galvis, Lokesh Kumar Sekar, Touka Elsayed, and Vida Martey-Korley. Okoroafor continues working closely with her colleague, Dr. Hamidreza Samouei, from the Department of Petroleum Engineering. Okoroafor has also received support for her research from the following: Texas A&M's Energy Institute under the leadership of Dr. Efstratios Pistikopoulos; WD Von Gonten Labs; and Dr. Raymundo Case of the National Corrosion and Materials Reliability Lab.
Provided by Texas A&M University