Prominent Geologist John Jiao Retires from UW School of Energy Resources

The University of Wyoming (UW) School of Energy Resources (SER) announced the retirement of Zunsheng “John” Jiao, a principal scientist in the Center for Economic Geology Research (CEGR).

Jiao’s professional career spans over four decades, characterized by a steady progression from academic instruction to high-level leadership in geological research. He leaves behind a profound legacy in Wyoming’s energy, carbon management, and subsurface research.

 

He began his career as a geological instructor at Shaanxi Normal University. After serving as a geological assistant at California State University, he earned his Ph.D. in geology from UW in 1992, commencing years of research service to the university and the state.

 

In 2001, he transitioned to the private sector as vice president and senior geologist for Innovative Discovery Technologies, LLC. He later served at the Wyoming State Geological Survey, holding roles as senior geologist and chief geologist while also acting as an adjunct professor at UW.

 

For the last fourteen years, Jiao has been a cornerstone of the CEGR research team (formerly the Carbon Management Institute). His work has been pivotal in advancing carbon management characterization, specifically through sophisticated reservoir modeling and geomechanical analysis for CO2 storage.

 

He played a vital role in the Wyoming CarbonSAFE initiative, a flagship project designed to sequester industrial CO2 in deep geological formations, and served as co-principal investigator on multiple, high-profile research grants.

 

Jiao’s influence extended well beyond the borders of Wyoming. He served as a lead researcher under the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC), a Department of Energy-funded initiative. In this role, he spearheaded a major enhanced oil recovery storage project in the Ordos Basin, China, fostering international cooperation.

 

Throughout his tenure, Jiao has also been a prolific contributor to the field, authoring more than 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and in the 2022–23 fiscal year, he was recognized with a UW Distinguished Research Service Award.

“John’s retirement marks the end of an era for SER,” says CEGR Director Fred McLaughlin. “His colleagues recognize him not only for his technical brilliance but also for his collaborative spirit and mentorship. We are so grateful for his remarkable contributions and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

 

“I’m grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity I’ve had to be part of such a wonderful team,” says Jiao.