I am Mohamed Shafik Khaled, an assistant professor in the Petroleum Engineering Department at Colorado School of Mines, where I joined the faculty in August 2024. My primary focus lies in drilling engineering and geothermal energy development. At Mines, I am dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers and establishing a world-class drilling research group focused on creating safe, sustainable, and cost-effective approaches to accessing subsurface energy resources. Our goal is to drive innovations that advance geothermal and carbon sequestration projects globally, with a particular emphasis on optimizing drilling efficiency and enhancing well construction.
My academic path began with a bachelor’s and master’s in petroleum engineering from Suez Canal University and Cairo University. My career took off with Halliburton Co., where I worked for over five years as a directional drilling field engineer and later as a Drilling Solutions Engineer, gaining invaluable field experience in well planning and overcoming drilling challenges across diverse international projects. Then, I completed my Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University and continued in academia as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, within the Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering and the Bureau of Economic Geology.
At Mines, my current research focuses on advancing drilling technologies and well construction methodologies for geothermal systems. Our team is working on developing advanced drilling models, validated through experimental work on our Apache drilling rig, aimed at improving the commercial energy extraction from geothermal systems. In collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we are addressing geothermal drilling challenges in the U.S., developing risk assessment criteria to ensure safe operations. Additionally, we are contributing to the DOE/GLADE project to enhance geothermal drilling efficiency and create innovative downhole temperature models. In partnership with Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), we’re also assessing the potential of repurposing mature hydrocarbon wells for geothermal energy in Webb County, Texas. Additionally, we are establishing a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) drilling fluid and cement lab, which will be vital for experimental research in geothermal, carbon sequestration, and hydrogen storage projects.
This semester, I am teaching PEGN 311, Drilling Engineering, which introduces students to key topics like drilling systems, well cementing, drilling fluids, drillstring design, and well control. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching has been witnessing my students’ growth and enthusiasm as they delve into the field of drilling. Recently, we visited an Apache drilling rig at Edgar Mine, where students could observe drilling firsthand. In November 2024 we’re scheduled to visit a Helmerich & Payne rig operated by Chevron in Greeley, providing further hands-on learning experiences. Such field trips are invaluable in inspiring students to visualize their futures within the drilling industry.
Outside of Mines, my family and I are thoroughly enjoying Colorado’s vibrant community and scenic beauty. The warmth of the Mines community has been a highlight, with enthusiastic alumni frequently reaching out to support my teaching and research. As a family, we cherish exploring Colorado’s landscapes, whether through hiking or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air. Our recent trip to Aspen to experience the fall colors was particularly memorable, and we look forward to many more such adventures.