Colin Sturm, Ph.D., P.E.
Address: Houston, TX 77008
Mobile: +1 713.000.0000
Email: drcsturm@gmail.com
Résumé/CV: Simple PDF version
View Colin Sturm's profile on LinkedIn
Colin

Professional Info


I am a senior production engineer with 18 years of experience in management, well optimization, facility optimization, reservoir modelling, simulation and modelling, and computer programming. I’m accustomed to working in diverse teams, in the field, and have delivered cost and time savings on a variety of projects. My goal is to develop innovative engineering solutions that consistently improve operations and further organizational objectives.

Work Experience


Amazon Web Services Logo

Amazon.com, Houston, TX

2020 - Present
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Senior Energy Consultant

  • Subject matter expert in support of AWS Global Energy/Oil & Gas Accounts.

Apache Corporation, Houston, TX

2014 - 2020
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Senior Production Engineer

  • Dynamic Optimized Pumping Routes
    • Developed an algorithm in Python to optimize pumper routes based on production, risk, and proximity.
    • Reduced drive time and mileage by 30% and pumper’s daily route automatically directed to 75% greater potential cash margin.
    • Began scaling out to all of Apache North America: Currently running 15% of Apache NA routes, $250M/D, 5 MBBLD, 20 MMSCFD, with more than 100 users of the optimization algorithm.
    • Created a mobile report with asset tracking and relevant well site information for pumpers on site.
    • Project managed a team of 5 in multiple disciplines: ESRI mapping, field implementation, data management, programming, and statistics.
  • Predicted seismic induced activity
    • Collaborated with Auckland University researchers to develop an algorithm that predicts pressure buildup and local seismic activity of salt water disposal.
    • Autonomous ISIP picking reducing human error, increasing confidence and accuracy.
    • Coauthored best paper out of 600 submissions awarded by US Rock Mechanics Symposium.

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  • Completion data collection
    • Created an algorithm to run on a Raspberry Pi, connect to a service company network, and transmit relevant data to Apache.
    • Reduced third party companies from data flow lowering per well cost by $3000.
    • Cut the time needed to bring data to near time from days to seconds.
    • Lessened the potential for error by reducing the necessity for human interaction.
  • Extended analysis of StimPlan simulations
    • Rock fracture modelling of injected chemicals, surfactants, proppant, and water, with a team of 3 covering disciplines of reservoir, petrophysics, and geology.
    • Launched a Python web framework accessible within Apache network to house multiple applications.
    • Time of Stimplan analysis reduced from days to minutes using Python algorithm.
  • Organized and led a monthly completion data networking and governance meeting for all North America.

Production Engineer III

  • Optimized production wells in Oklahoma (SCOOP/STACK) and Texas (Austin Chalk).
  • Tank leak detection
    • Used machine learning in Python with Cygnet and OSI PI to improve leak detection of holding tanks. Reduced false positive +30%, and increased true positives 50%.
  • Initial Shut-in Pressure escalation and plateau.
    • Developed a workflow in Spotfire utilizing Python and R to estimate fracture dimensions based on published theory.
  • Frac AFE Cost Estimation.
    • Improved workflow regions used to estimate the cost of completing a well.
  • Designed a well completion database used by all districts.
  • Managed rotational engineers and interns.
  • Coloborated and Designed well completion database.
  • Created numerous data analysis charts using Spotfire.
  • Developed decline curves from Aries data showing daily granularity.
  • Created database and imported Frac Focus data for analysis.
Spotfire Aries
  • Quickly assess actual production to forecasted production.
  • Filters to visualize problem areas.
Spotfire Production
  • Choose any well or group of wells to compare production.
Python Aries 1
  • Created entirely using Python and querying the Aries database.
  • Select criteria for which wells to analyze.
Python Aries 2
  • Select a specific well to view the daily production forecast.
  • Calculate monthly production for a group of wells.

Devon Energy via M&H Engineering, Houston, TX

2013 - 2014
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  • Developed a Valve Fail Open graphical user interface for Devon Energy.
  • Designed intuitive interface for easy and efficient valve analysis.
  • Managed project directly with Devon operations engineers for 30% under budget final product.
Valve Fail Open GUI
  • Created as specified by field engineers at Devon.
  • Numerical methods used to determine accurate valve fail open pressure.

Procter & Gamble (P&G), Brussels, Belgium

2011 - 2013
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  • Optimized a manufacturing process to realize a costs savings of $2.5 million/year.
  • Led design, validation, and implementation of a $2 million customized 3D finite element method (FEM) particle tracking software using linear programming (with Altair Engineering).
  • Created, developed and led a global 5 day training course in Python programming. ppt
  • Designed an internal global engineering software for pipe flow and rheology modelling, which saved P&G $500MM.
  • Developed linear least squares regression for fast curve analysis.
  • Improved plant design by creating and validating static mixer simulations.
  • Engaged vendors on technical issues for development and improvement at plant sites.
  • Provided expert-level guidance to plant sites and work process implementation.
  • Prepared and maintained the associated technical content for all developed models and research.
Pipe flow pressure drop and flow rate GUI
  • Quickly determine the pressure drop, friction factor, and flow rate of a pipeline.
Fluid rheology data fitting GUI
  • Easily find the best curve fit for rheological data.

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  • A viscous fluid (red) mixing with a low viscous fluid as the fluids travel axially through a static mixer.
  • One of hundreds of CFD simulations showing two fluids mixing axially down a static mixer.

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  • One very viscous fluid (green) mixing in a low viscous fluid in a stirred tank.
  • The two fluids are being mixed by the impeller.
  • The impeller appears stationary in the simulation for reduced simulation time and quick analysis.

WinSim Incorporated, Houston, TX

2007 - 2010
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  • Maintained and developed process simulation, similar to AspenTech or Hysys.
  • Modelled projects: compressors, pumps, separators, etc. in surface and offshore.
  • Researched and programmed a packed column option which increased sales more than 30%.
  • Organized a weekly meeting with peers to review technical questions and brainstorm solutions.
  • Remediated problems by extensive research of thermodynamic and engineering theory.
  • Solved simulation errors with more than 200 documented solved issues.
  • Maintained and updated a 400+ page technical document describing improvements.
  • Worked with three phase flow, PVT curves, various equations of state.
WinSim DesignII GUI
  • Worked closely with CEO on improving simulation thermodynamics.
WinSim Documentation
  • Created concise documentation on all changes and improvements.
  • Documentation written completely in LaTeX totalling more than 400 pages.

Education


Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

2002 - 2007
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  • University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
    • Dissertation: Thermodynamic nano-filament force generation.
    • GPA: 3.8/4.0
  • Developed Matlab and Fortran algorithm to calculate energy stored in filament networks.
  • Invented a micro-fluidic flow cell from parts in the laboratory saving $10K in essential supplies.
Listeria with actin under SEM
  • A Listeria monocytogenes with actin polymers under scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
50 nm bead with actin under TEM
  • A 50 nm bead with actin polymers under transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
50 nm bead with actin under TIRF
  • A 50 nm bead with actin polymers under total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM).

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

1997 - 2002
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  • University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
    • Capstone Project: Natural gas transportation and optimization of delivery.
    • Minor in Chemistry, Graduated with Distinction.
    • Major GPA: 3.9/4.0, Cumulative GPA: 3.4/4.0
  • Collaborated with graduate students in the development of hard sphere simulation.
  • Optimized Fortran code to simulate hard sphere/surface interactions.
  • Wrote Fortran code to analyze Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube temperatures for spot cooling.
  • Created algorithm in a General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) for my Capstone Project. Excerpt
Unit Operations at OU
  • An example schematic I created for the technical report from unit operations.

Publications


Technology


  • Avocet
  • Stimplan
  • Harmony
  • Aspen/Hysys
  • Python
  • Excel/VBA
  • Java
  • HTML/JavaScript
  • Fortran
  • Matlab
  • R
  • Latex
  • Spotfire
  • Tableau
  • Power BI
  • SQL/Access

Spoken Languages


  • English - Native Speaker
  • French - Intermediate (lu, écrit, parlé)
  • Spanish - Novice

License and Certification


Leadership and Activities


  • Member - Gulf Coast Section of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
  • Sports Chair - Apache Young Professional Network (200 members)
    • Apache Corporation, Houston, TX - 2016 - 2020
    • Organized sporting events and intramural leagues.
  • First Place Winner - Houston Startup Weekend 2013: created a plant monitoring device
  • President - New Hire Intern Transferee Program (400 members)
    • Procter and Gamble, Brussels, BE - 2012 - 2013
  • President - Graduate Association of Chemical Engineers (100 members)
    • University of Florida, Gainesville, FL - 2004 - 2006
  • Member - South Texas Section of American Institue of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
  • Member - PyHou: Python Houston organization
  • Activities
    • Private Pilot
    • Mountain and Road Biking
    • Scuba (3 oceans)
    • Travelling (40+ countries)
    • Racquetball
    • Softball
    • 3D Printing

Relevant Courses


  • Non-Linear Equations
  • Finite Element Method
  • Molecular THemodynamics
  • Transport Phenomena
  • Continuum Mechanics
  • Interfacial Phenomena
  • Complex Fluids
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

Volunteer Work


  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Houston Heritage Society
  • Houston Tree Planting
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • YMCA Dragon Boat Race
  • Galveston Beach Clean Up
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • End Hunger
  • Project Cure