Director's Blog

Helen Chang is the 2009-10 SPE Director, Canadian Region.

I’d like to begin by dedicating this blog to my good friend and mentor, Sara Thomas, who passed away suddenly last year.  I shared many happy years in the laboratory with Sara under the tutelage of S.M. Farouq Ali.  Sara was a world renowned expert in enhanced chemical oil recovery.  She served as a lecturer at the University of Alberta and also served as a Distinguished Lecturer for the Society of Petroleum Engineers from 2005-2006.  To those who have known Sara or been touched by her, donations can be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in the name of Dr. Sara Thomas.  She was a truly remarkable lady and will be greatly missed.

Applications for the Canadian Regional STAR Scholarship and Fellowship are due in March.  In 2009, SPE International Board of Directors approved for each of its 15 Regions valued up to $20,000 USD ($5000 per yr)  undergraduate scholarship and one $40,000 USD ($10,000) graduate fellowship renewable yearly for up to four years or until graduation.  All students attending an accredited Canadian university in a petroleum industry related field are eligible to apply.   In addition, high school seniors entering university may also apply for the undergraduate award.  More details can be found at:

http://www.spe.org/career/univ_prog/star_scholarship.php

This year, in the absence of a corporate sponsor to support student membership dues for 2010, SPE is reaching out to our sections and our members to make contributions to help support this program.  The SPE International Board has committed that no student will be turned away for lack of funds.  However, we are hopeful that sections and SPE members will be able to contribute to the student membership program and ensure the program does not lose its momentum in attracting young people to the E&P industry.  Please contact service@spe.org if you’d like to sponsor a student.

Please feel free to email me at helenc@speca.ca if you have any questions or comments.