Schlumberger Information Solutions (SIS) has contributed oil, gas and other energy-related simulation software, valued at $11.8 million, to the petroleum engineering program at the University of Missouri-Rolla.

SIS is the world’s leading supplier of technology, project management and information solutions to the oil and gas industry.

Dr. Daopu Numbere, a professor of petroleum engineering at UMR, worked with SIS to procure the donation. Numbere says the software suite, called GeoQuest ECLIPSE reservoir simulation software, will enhance the training and research opportunities for UMR faculty and students.

"Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with simulation skills who can seamlessly integrate into the oil and gas industry with minimal additional training," Numbere says. "At graduation, our students will now be equipped with the skills to be proficient in the industry’s leading simulation software."

In addition to oil and gas research, the ECLIPSE suite is suited for coal bed methane research, geo-mechanical studies, chemical studies, thermal studies and well test analysis.

"This is an important and timely donation that will help to foster more collaborative research among the various energy researchers in our school and on campus," says Dr. Mariesa Crow, dean of the UMR School of Materials, Energy and Earth Resources. "UMR is extremely grateful to Schlumberger for its generosity."

The donation was facilitated by two UMR graduates who are now with SIS: Dr. Alpay Erkal, who earned a doctorate in geological engineering at UMR in 1997, and Ed May, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in petroleum engineering at UMR, in 1983 and 1995, respectively.

"Both alumni care passionately about UMR and the successes of its students," Numbere says. "I would also like to acknowledge the support of Krista Parker, who was formerly manager of university relations at SIS."