Dr. Dario Grana, (M.S. and Ph.D., Geophysics, Stanford University),
Wyoming Excellence Chair and SER Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics and
Wyoming Excellence Chair. Dr. Grana’s research areas of interest include modeling, characterization and interpretation
of subsurface reservoirs for energy resources exploration and production, using geophysical
methods. Reservoir geophysics aims to estimate rock and fluid properties to quantify
energy resources volume and productivity. Dr. Grana’s research also includes time-lapse
modeling of rock and fluid properties changes for reservoir monitoring to update the
reservoir model and estimate the dynamic variations of geological properties and processes.
Dr. Grana applies innovative modeling methods to hydrocarbon and CO2 sequestration
studies to predict the fluid behavior in the subsurface, to optimize production, and
to reduce the probability of leakage. Dr. Grana’s research has been applied in several
case studies all over the world, including a CO2 sequestration project in Southwest
Wyoming and a CO2 feasibility study in Norway. Dr. Grana’s research results improved
the accuracy of the predictions and reduced the uncertainty, which allowed reducing
the operation risks. The recent research conducted by Dr. Grana and the application
to CO2 sequestration provided a valuable contribution in the development of strategies
for carbon dioxide reduction. Dr. Grana published 20 peer reviewed papers in the academic
year 2020-21 and delivered 4 invited talks at University of Southern California, EAGE
conference on Seismic Inversion, KAUST (Saudi Arabia), and University of Bergen (Norway).
In April 2021, Dr. Grana also released a new book, “Seismic Reservoir Modeling” with
Prof. Tapan Mukerji and Dr. Philippe Doyen published by Wiley Blackwell. Dr. Grana
currently teaches four classes at the University of Wyoming: an undergraduate level
class on the basic concepts of exploration geoscience, two undergraduate classes on
mathematical methods for geoscience, and a graduate seminar on diversity and inclusion
in geosciences. Dr. Grana’s classes at the University of Wyoming contribute to the
formation of the new generation of scientists, including geologists, geophysicists,
and petroleum engineers who aim to work in the energy sector.