Mr. Abdul-Muaizz Koray | Adaptive Leadership | Best Researcher Award

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, United States

Profile 

Google scholar 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Koray Abdul-Muaizz’s academic journey is marked by excellence and a strong focus on Petroleum Engineering. He began his higher education at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering in July 2019. During this period, his academic performance was exemplary, achieving a Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 77.11, which translates to a GPA equivalent of 3.69/4.0. This solid academic foundation paved the way for Koray’s advanced studies, where he pursued a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He graduated in May 2023 with a stellar GPA of 4.0/4.0, underscoring his academic dedication and competence in his field.

Professional Endeavors 🛢️

Koray’s professional career began with a role as an Engineering Intern at the Ministry of Energy, Ghana, where he worked from September 2019 to October 2020. His responsibilities included compiling production data from significant oil fields in Ghana, such as Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa Gye Nyame, for both reservoir and production analysis. This role also saw him review petroleum agreements between oil companies and the government, ensuring compliance, and providing recommendations on proposals for monetizing flared gas.

After this internship, Koray moved to New Mexico, where he held multiple roles that contributed to his technical expertise and leadership in the field. At the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (NMOCD), where he worked as an Engineering Intern from May 2022 to April 2023, Koray engaged in data analysis, reviewing operator submissions on venting and flaring, and performing internal audits related to natural gas waste rules.

Following his academic journey, Koray joined the New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC) as a Pipeline Integrity Management Engineer in July 2023. In this role, he conducts comprehensive assessments and threat analyses of the company’s transmission pipelines, ensuring their safety and compliance with regulations. He is responsible for managing key documents, such as the Baseline Assessment Plan (BAP), and leading multiple projects that guarantee the structural integrity of NMGC’s pipeline network.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Koray’s research contributions have been significant in the field of Petroleum Engineering. He has co-authored multiple publications that demonstrate his commitment to advancing technology in oil recovery and subsurface characterization. His work often focuses on the application of machine learning techniques to optimize processes within the petroleum industry, particularly for improving oil recovery and characterizing subsurface formations. Notably, his 2023 paper, presented at the SPE Oklahoma City Oil and Gas Symposium, explored the Application of Machine Learning Optimization Workflow to Improve Oil Recovery. Additionally, he has contributed to the understanding of geothermal energy, particularly in assessing the Red River Formation in North Dakota as a potential geothermal hotspot using machine learning.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Koray’s academic and professional endeavors have been widely recognized. His Kelly Roustabout Graduate Fellowship award in January 2023 and SPE Roswell section scholarship in May 2022 reflect his academic excellence and commitment to his field. Additionally, his participation in significant projects, such as data analytics for oil recovery and thermal enhanced oil recovery, highlights his technical prowess and innovative approach to engineering challenges.

He also participated in several competitions and was a contestant in the 2019 Ghana Petrobowl, where his team placed first. This accolade, along with the College of Engineering Provost Excellent Students Award, exemplifies his leadership and competitive spirit.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Koray’s influence extends beyond his technical contributions. He has actively participated in volunteer activities, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a supportive community. His work as a volunteer at the State Science Olympiad event in New Mexico and as a judge for the New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair showcases his dedication to inspiring young minds and promoting STEM education. Koray also served as a representative for NMGC’s Engineering Department in the United Way campaign, helping to raise money for charity and positively impacting society.

His leadership experience, particularly as the Petroleum Engineering Department Representative at New Mexico Tech and his role as the Electoral Commissioner for the Ghana Engineering Students Association (GESA), highlights his ability to guide and inspire his peers, organizing key events and fostering a collaborative environment.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔑

As Koray continues to develop his career, his contributions to pipeline integrity, machine learning applications in oil and gas, and geothermal energy will likely have a lasting impact. His diverse skills, from Python and MATLAB programming to proficiency in petroleum engineering software like CMG and PETREL, position him as a valuable asset in the industry.

His professional certifications, including the Engineer Intern (EI) in the State of New Mexico and certifications in Gas Transmission Operations and Compressor Station Design, provide a strong foundation for his future roles. Additionally, his membership in professional organizations such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the Southern Gas Association (SGA) will continue to offer him platforms to collaborate with industry leaders and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Looking ahead, Koray’s work in machine learning and energy systems has the potential to play a significant role in addressing the challenges of sustainable energy production and environmental conservation. His future contributions will likely drive innovation in the petroleum industry, particularly in enhancing oil recovery methods and utilizing renewable energy sources like geothermal power. His legacy, grounded in both academic excellence and practical expertise, positions him as a future leader in the global energy sector.