Zoya Heidari is a faculty member in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering. Her research team develops new methods for reliable interpretation and integration of multi-scale (i.e., pore-scale, core-scale, and well-log-scale) formation data measured in the laboratory or in the subsurface in challenging formations such as organic-rich mudrocks and carbonate formations. The new unconventional methods include (a) laboratory measurement techniques and (b) interpretation techniques to characterize unconventional rocks, where conventional methods often fail. The research outcomes of my team improve evaluation of static and dynamic formation properties, which leads to enhanced reservoir characterization and production planning in both conventional and unconventional reservoirs.

Dr. Heidari is the founder and the director of The University of Texas at Austin Industrial Affiliates Research Program on “Multi-Scale Rock Physics.” She has been recognized internationally for her achievements, including a Distinguished Technical Achievement Award from the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts, the Arie van Weelden Award for significant technical contributions by a young professional from the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, and an Innovative Teaching Award from the Society of Petroleum Engineers.