Oil and Gas Upstream

In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Andy Cordova, president of Lufkin Industries, discussing the evolution of rod lift technology and its significance in the oil and gas industry. They explore Lufkin’s history, the transition from conventional to modern reservoirs, and the challenges faced in managing production from horizontal wells. […]

In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert talks with Lisa Blankenburg, North American Technical Sales Director at TAQA, about her career journey from nursing to a leading role in oil and gas. They discuss TAQA’s innovative technologies, such as sand screens, production enhancement, and swell plug solutions; used to tackle challenges […]

In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with Mahmoud Nasef, Regional Business Development Manager for NOV in Dubai. They discussed Mahmoud’s journey into the oil and gas industry, the role of a regional business development manager, and the innovative Downhole Broadband Solutions (DBS) technology that is transforming drilling operations. The […]

In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, meets with Dena Wiggins, NGSA. They discuss the role of NGSA in the natural gas industry, the importance of infrastructure and permitting, the critical nature of natural gas storage, and the dynamics of pricing in the market. They also touch on the impact of shale development on energy independence, […]

In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with Adam McCullough, Alaska Program Manager at NV5 Geospatial, about the transformative role of geospatial technologies in modern energy projects. From LIDAR and thermal imaging to bathymetric mapping and digital twin systems, Adam explains how these innovations help oil and gas operators make […]

In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Claudia Molina, President, Seguen Technologies, discussing her extensive background in the oil and gas industry, the importance of data science, and the intersection of technology and human expertise. They explore the concepts of commercial and technical viability, the role of curiosity in career development, and the perception of risk […]

In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert engages with the Program Co-Chairs of the 2025 URTEC “Unconventional Resources Technology Conference”, discussing the recent evolution of unconventional resources production, the integration of geothermal energy, and the future of the oil and gas industry. The guests share their backgrounds, the significance of URTEC […]

In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Ram Seetharam, the ROICE Executive Director, at the University of Houston, discussing new life for old energy assets. The conversation covers the potential for reusing decommissioned oil and gas platforms for renewable energy projects, including offshore wind, hydrogen production, and CO2 sequestration. Ram shares insights from his extensive experience...

In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with Sally Goodson, President of Goodson Energy Associates, about her journey in the oil and gas industry, the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field, and her book ‘Upstream Dream’. They discuss the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of […]

In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Dr. Susan Nash, Director of Innovation, Science, and Technology at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. They discuss Dr. Nash’s journey in the energy sector, the challenges of energy poverty, the importance of education and training in energy access, and innovative solutions like […]