UW Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering Welcomes New Department Head

The University of Wyoming College of Engineering and Physical Sciences has named Soheil Saraji as the new head of the Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering.

Saraji received his Ph.D. from UW in 2013 and then worked as a postdoctoral research associate. He has been a professor in the department since 2022, as well as in the UW School of Energy Resources, earning the distinction of the Richard and Marilyn Lynch Non-Endowed Chair in Subsurface Energy and Digital Innovation in 2024.

Danny Dale, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, says he is looking forward to working with Saraji in this new capacity, especially on opportunities to strengthen relationships with industry partners in the department and the new Multidisciplinary Advanced Stimulation Lab.

“Dr. Saraji has the confidence of both the faculty within the department, but also from a broad swath of our alumni,” Dale says. “He has already shown excellent leadership by being deeply involved in the department's Top 5 in 5 initiative, the development of the Multidisciplinary Advanced Stimulation Lab, 2+2 pathways and overall curricular innovation.”

Saraji’s own extensive energy research expertise lies in the areas of subsurface processes, stimulation technologies and digital innovation. In particular, he focuses on enhanced and improved oil recovery and reservoir dynamics; geochemistry and reactive transport in porous media; carbon and hydrogen geological storage; and blockchain innovations in energy and sustainability.

Saraji’s vision for the department emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, hands-on student training and strong engagement with industry partners, ensuring the department will continue to lead in energy research and education.

“I am honored to step into the role of department head and excited about the opportunity to build on the strong foundation already in place,” Saraji says. “The Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering is well positioned to lead in subsurface energy, and I look forward to supporting our faculty, staff and students as we continue to expand our impact in education, research and industry engagement.”