EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
DANIELA A. ARIAS ORTIZ embarked on her academic journey in Petroleum Engineering with a strong foundation from the National University of Colombia, Medellin, where she completed her BSc in 2017 with a GPA of 4.3/5. Her undergraduate work focused on complex geomechanical challenges and reservoir simulations, paving the way for her future studies. Daniela then pursued her MSc and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, specializing in Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering. She demonstrated her academic excellence through her notable thesis work on shale reservoir simulation and later her PhD dissertation, which focused on physics-based and data-driven production forecasting.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Daniela’s career took a decisive turn when she interned with Saudi Aramco at both the Remote Fields Gas Production Engineering Department and the Unconventional Department. These roles provided practical exposure to unconventional reservoir simulation, production data analysis, and hydraulic fracturing techniques. Additionally, she gained experience in reservoir engineering with Equion-Energia-Limited, Colombia, where she contributed to evaluating the productivity of fractured wells through advanced simulation methods.
Daniela’s research centers on unconventional reservoir simulation, shale oil, and shale gas, with a specific focus on multi-stage hydraulic fracturing design and production data analysis. Her work has led to significant insights into rate transient analysis and the impact of fracture geometries on reservoir performance. She has pioneered methods to predict ultimate recovery from hydraulically fractured shale gas wells, contributing to more accurate forecasting and enhancing the recovery rates from shale formations.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Daniela’s research has influenced both academia and industry by introducing innovative models for shale reservoir production forecasting. Her contributions have been recognized at various international conferences such as the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition and Interpore 2023. Her studies on fracture propagation and hydraulic fracturing have shaped current understandings of the energy transition and the optimization of unconventional resources.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Daniela has published several influential papers, including works presented at conferences like the SPE Annual Technical Conference and International Petroleum Technology Conference. Some of her key publications include:
- The Impact of Stimulation Treatment Size on Ultimate Recovery from Hydraulically Fractured Shale Gas Wells (2022)
- Validation and Analysis of the Physics-Based Scaling Curve Method for Ultimate Recovery Prediction in Hydraulically Fractured Shale Gas Wells (2022)
- The Effect of Hydraulic Fracture Geometry on Well Productivity in Shale Oil Plays with High Pore Pressure (2021)
These publications are essential for advancing understanding in shale gas production and contribute to ongoing research in unconventional energy resources.
HONORS & AWARDS
- Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence (2024 & 2023, KAUST)
- SPE KAUST Student Chapter Presidential Award for outstanding student chapter (2023)
- Second Place in Middle East Region Petrobowl (2019)
- Outstanding Contribution to Student Life at KAUST (2023)
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Looking forward, Daniela aims to continue her research into data-driven production forecasting and hydraulic fracture modeling to further optimize unconventional energy extraction. Her legacy will likely shape the future of energy sustainability, ensuring efficient and environmentally responsible production methods in the petroleum industry.
FINAL NOTE
Daniela A. Arias Ortiz is a brilliant Petroleum Engineer whose work on unconventional reservoirs has transformed the way the industry views hydraulic fracturing and shale oil/gas production. Her pursuit of innovation in shale reservoir simulation and rate transient analysis has positioned her as a promising leader in energy research.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS