Q&A

1. Tell us about your data management professional journey. What did you aspire to be when you started your career?
   I began my career with a strong foundation in Oil and Gas Engineering, which equipped me with extensive knowledge in field development well planning, reservoir evaluation, facilities concept selection, and the basic reservoir data requirements critical for successful exploration and production (E&P) activities. This academic background sparked my interest in leveraging data to optimize oil and gas development and operations.
   
   My career in data management began in 2007 when I started working as a Petroleum Data Analyst and Integrator at Fugro UK and progressed to work as an E&P data Analyst at Independent Project Analysis where I supported major oil companies capital projects ( BP, Shell, Equinor, OMV, and more) to successfully delivered their field development capital projects and minimal risk. I have continued supporting E&P projects to date in achieving optimal E&P data and cost-effectiveness. My role primarily focused on collating, analyzing, and managing exploration and project-related data, including historic wells, drilling, and reservoir data. I was responsible for evaluating this data to establish the economical valuable reserves and identify investment opportunities. My work involved integrating and evaluating diverse datasets across multiple fields to support field development and for informed effective investment decision-making processes.
   
   Key Responsibilities in Data Management:
   
   • Data Storage: I implemented strategies to organize data in databases, and cloud platforms (ArcGIS) for efficient retrieval.
   • Data Integration: Combined data from varied sources into a unified system, creating a single source of truth for analysis and reporting.
   • Data Quality: Focused on maintaining data accuracy, completeness, and consistency to ensure reliable results.
   • Data Analysis: Used statistical, predictive, and exploratory techniques to analyze and extract meaningful insights and automate a dashboard enabling data-driven decision-making.
   One of my most impactful contributions was Extracting, Transforming, and Loading (ETL) data into ArcGIS databases, enabling visualization of well status, field location, reservoir reserve and lithology, and pay zones. This process helped stakeholders make informed investment decisions by providing a clear picture of potential opportunities.
   
   Career Aspirations
   From the outset of my career, I aspired to merge my technical expertise in E&P with my growing passion for data management and analytics:
   • To be an active E&P Analyst and Consultant, leveraging my engineering background and experience to support optimal field development projects and help maximize return on investment (ROI). Also creating innovative tools and platforms for storing, analyzing, and managing E&P data to improve operational efficiency and decision-making in the E&P industry. This passion has driven me to study Data Science to leverage technology and programming to build models that automate data management processes and analysis, further enhancing efficiency and accuracy in the oil and gas sector.
     
     
   Through continuously enhancing my skills in data visualization, field development planning, and data analytics, I have been able to contribute meaningfully to the oil and gas sector, ensuring robust data-driven solutions to complex exploration and production challenges.
   
   
2. Tell us why taking the CPDA™ exam became a priority.
   Taking the Certified Petroleum Data Analyst (CPDA) exam became a priority for me as part of my commitment to excellence and credibility in the E&P industry. With over 15 years of experience in field development, supporting diverse projects, and analyzing E&P data globally, I recognized the need to align my expertise with a reputable certification that validates my skills and demonstrates my commitment to mastering E&P data management process and industry's best practices and standards.
   
   In 2019, I came across a PPDM Association advertisement on LinkedIn through a PPDM staff, which led me to explore their mission and reputation. I was impressed by their dedication to advancing professional data management standards in the petroleum industry. After discussing its value and impact, I decided to pursue the certification to reinforce my ability to provide strategic support in E&P data analysis and field development. The certification process challenged me to deepen my understanding of industry standards, and upon successfully passing, it enhanced my credibility, visibility, and opportunity to network with other professionals in the sector.
   
   CPDA validated my skills knowledge and provided networking opportunities. I believe this achievement would provide a competitive advantage to contribute more effectively to E&P projects in my career advancement by ensuring data integrity and driving informed decision-making, aligning with my goal of leveraging data to optimize field development and maximize ROI for stakeholders. This commitment will continue to reflect in my ability to deliver measurable results and adds value to any organization focused on innovation and operational excellence in the oil and gas industry.
   
   
3. What tangible and intangible benefits have you gained from being a CPDA™?
   Becoming a Certified Petroleum Data Analyst (CPDA) has provided me with a range of benefits that have significantly enhanced my professional contribution to the field of data management.
   
   Tangible Benefits:
   
   • Professional Recognition: Achieving the certification has positioned me among the top professionals in petroleum data management, giving me credibility and visibility within the industry.
   • Networking Opportunities: I have had the privilege of collaborating and listening to industry leaders and esteemed colleagues, both virtually and in person during various meetings and events.
   • Access to Resources: The certification granted me access to extensive E&P resources available on the PPDM website, which has been invaluable in staying updated on industry best practices and standards.
     
     
   Intangible Benefits:
   
   • Members Support: The immersive support I received from Margaret Barron, has been instrumental in networking among fellow CPDA colleagues.
   • Community Engagement: Volunteering and participating in professional forums have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the data management community and brainstorm ideas with fellow volunteers.
   • Enhanced Decision-Making: The knowledge and frameworks I’ve gained have empowered me to make more accurate, strategic, and impactful decisions in E&P data analysis and management.
   
   Overall, this certification has not only enriched my technical and analytical skills but has also fostered meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose in advancing data management excellence within the oil and gas industry.
   
   
4. You are an active volunteering member of the PPDM Association. Tell us how serving on a committee has elevated your level of knowledge in the data management profession.
   Serving as a volunteer on UK Regional Leadership Teams a committee within the PPDM Association has been a privilege and a transformative experience that has significantly enhanced my knowledge of the data management profession. Volunteering allowed me to contribute meaningfully while gaining invaluable insights into the values PPDM provides to E&P industry members.
   
   Key Learning and Growth Areas:
   
   1. Enhanced Collaboration Skills: Participating in meetings and collaborating with colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds enriched my understanding of different approaches to solving data management challenges and fostered a spirit of teamwork and innovation.
   2. Knowledge of Standards and Practices: Preparing for and participating in committee discussions exposed me to industry-leading standards, practices, and frameworks, which deepened my understanding of data governance, and quality.
   3. Professional Growth Through Networking: The opportunity to engage with industry peers and experts during meetings and projects broadened my professional network and provided new perspectives on managing data efficiently and strategically.
   4. Commitment to Continuous Learning: Serving in this capacity not only allowed me to give back to the industry but also reinforced my dedication to staying informed and adaptive to the evolving needs of data management.
   It was an honor to serve, and I look forward to contributing again when the opportunity arises. The experience was both professionally and personally rewarding, and I am eager to continue leveraging my skills to advance the goals of the association and the broader data management community.
   
   
5. If you could be the CEO for a day in an E&P company, what advice you would communicate to your leadership about data management?
   The Critical Role of Data Management in the Oil and Gas Sector Exploration and Production.
   Today, as Energy continues to evolve, data management has become a cornerstone of operational excellence and strategic decision-making in the oil and gas industry. Our investment decision whole depends on insights driven by E&P data, I recognize that the ability to collect, analyze, and leverage data effectively is not just a technical advantage—it is a business imperative. The availability of adequate quality and accurate basic data for field development is fundamental to achieving field development objectives and return on investment. In the quest for oil and production attainment expectation, Data termed “The New Oil”, is a valuable resource that must be adequately extracted, refined, and utilized to generate value. Undoubtedly, in our business sector, we deal with vast amounts of data from geophysical surveys, drilling operations, reservoir simulations, production activities, and market analyses. Efficient data management ensures that this information is accessible, reliable, and actionable.
   
   Enhancing Decision-making and Boosting Productivity:
   
   Leveraging technology and Advanced Analytics
   To achieve our desired operational efficiency, effective data management must be in place that allows for optimization at every stage of the E&P lifecycle. From wildcat exploration and appraisal wells for identifying the most promising reservoir and reserve targets to optimizing drilling operations and managing production assets, data-driven insights can significantly reduce costs, minimize risks, and maximize returns. For example, acquiring adequate basic reservoir data and interpretation insights should be the foundation to making investment decision-making, real-time monitoring of drilling activities enables early detection of anomalies, reducing downtime and improving safety outcomes. Preventive maintenance for facilities will minimize downtime and risk to life and the environment.
   
   Achieving Sustainability Through Data
   The integration of advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence into our data management systems empowers us to make informed decisions with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Predictive maintenance, for instance, leverages historical equipment performance data to anticipate and prevent failures, thereby enhancing operational reliability. Sustainability is at the forefront of our industry, and data management plays a vital role in achieving environmental and social governance (ESG) goals. Accurate emissions data allows us to monitor and reduce our carbon footprint, while robust supply chain analytics ensure transparency and ethical practices.
   
   Overcoming Challenges in Data Management
   Despite the advantages of data management, there are numerous challenges facing data management in the oil and gas. The volume, variety, and velocity of data generated can be overwhelming. Ensuring data quality, cybersecurity, and interoperability across legacy systems are critical hurdles we must address. To overcome these, investing in state-of-the-art technology and fostering a culture of data stewardship across our organization is paramount.
   
   Empowering Teams
   Technology alone is not enough; it is the people behind the data who drive progress. As leaders, we must ensure that our teams are equipped with the skills and tools they need to harness the power of data. Training programs, collaborative platforms, and cross-disciplinary teams are essential for creating a data-driven culture.
   
   The Future of Data Management in E&P
   Looking ahead, the oil and gas sector will increasingly rely on digital twins, blockchain technology, and cloud-based platforms to streamline operations and enhance collaboration. By embracing these innovations, we can remain agile and resilient in an industry that continues to face volatility and transformation.
   
   A Call to Action
   The transformative power of effective data management should not be underestimated. By prioritizing data as a strategic asset and implementing best practices and standards as provided by PPDM, we can unlock new opportunities, drive sustainable growth, and maintain our competitive edge in an ever-changing energy landscape.
   
   As CEO, I will stand committed to leading the data management transformation in collaboration with PPDM, ensuring that our data management practices not only support our business goals but also contribute to a more efficient and sustainable future for the industry.