Petroleum Engineering

Research Interests

R&D in Petroleum Engineering disciplines, Applied geomechanics in energy resources; oil and gas, geothermal, CCUS, and gas storage. Applied hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas and geothermal reservoirs. Designing lab-scale testing procedures then field pilots to deploy new technologies. Teaching/training short courses in the same technical areas.

---

Biography

Dr. Hazim H. Abass is an esteemed expert in petroleum engineering, specializing in applied geomechanics and innovative technologies for energy resources, including oil and gas, geothermal energy, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage), and gas storage. With extensive experience in both academia and industry, he has contributed significantly to research and development in these areas, particularly in the applications of hydraulic fracturing, well completion, and well stimulation. He previously served as an SPE Distinguished Lecturer in 2011 & 2012, educating petroleum engineers on the use and misuse of applied rock mechanics in petroleum engineering.

Before joining the University of Wyoming, Dr. Abass served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston (2019–2024) and graduate course instructor at the China University of Petroleum (CUPB). Dr. Abass has taught a wide range of graduate and undergraduate courses in well completion, well stimulation, applied rock mechanics, and R&D for innovative technologies. His academic experience includes identifying field challenges and developing research projects aimed at delivering innovative solutions. As a full-time professor (2014–2017) at the Colorado School of Mines, he taught courses in well stimulation, formation damage, and petroleum engineering R&D, fostering the next generation of engineers in the field.

In the industry, Dr. Abass has held influential roles at major international research centers, with long-term assignments in the USA, South America, and the Middle East. Notably, he served as the Unconventional-Resources Champion at Saudi Aramco (2001–2014), where he identified technical challenges and spearheaded advanced research programs to develop practical solutions. During his tenure, he managed multimillion-dollar projects aimed at developing and deploying petroleum engineering technologies including high power laser applications in Upstream operations. His earlier experience includes consulting for PDVSA in Venezuela (1996–2001), leading the geomechanics team at Halliburton Technology Center (1988–1996), and working as a petroleum engineer at the Northern Petroleum Organization in Iraq (1977–1978).

With over 100 publications, patents, and books’ chapters, Dr. Abass is a recognized leader in his field, and his contributions continue to shape the practical applications of geomechanics in solving petroleum engineering challenges.

---

Education

BS Petroleum Engineering and Minerals, University of Baghdad, 1976

MS Petroleum Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1984

PhD Petroleum Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1988

---

Honors & Awards

The American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineering Honorary Membership, 2015

SPE International Award for Completion Optimizations and Technology, 2012

SPE International Distinguished Member Award, 2009

SPE Middle East Regional Award for Production Operations, 2008

SPE Distinguished Lecturer 2011-2012