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Cassandra Dewan is Shaping the Future of Energy Through SPE Initiatives 

8 October 2024

Featured Member: Cassandra Dewan, SLB, SPE Member since 2013

Cassandra Dewan, an accomplished Audit to Optimize Engineer at SLB, has been an active and passionate member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) since March 2013. Over the years, she has significantly contributed to various SPE programs, from the ATCE Energy Transition Subcommittee to the PetroBowl and Virtual Career Pathways Fair. Her journey within SPE not only highlights her dedication to the energy sector but also underscores her commitment to fostering professional growth and leadership among young professionals.

Leading the Charge in Energy Transition at ATCE 2024 

As the Chair Elect for the ATCE 2024 Energy Transition Subcommittee, Cassandra has taken on the challenge of integrating the Energy Transition Discipline into the conference agenda for the first time. Collaborating closely with Jose Villa, the ATCE 2024 Energy Transition Subcommittee Chair, she has been instrumental in ensuring that this new discipline is well-represented. Reflecting on the experience, Cassandra shared, “This was the first time that both Jose and I served on the ATCE Program Committee, so it was a learning curve, and we worked together to familiarize ourselves with the duties involved.” 

The significance of this new discipline in the ATCE program cannot be overstated, as it addresses critical topics such as Geothermal Energy, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), and Hydrogen Energy. Cassandra and her team have focused on ensuring that these core decarbonization topics are prominently featured, despite the challenges posed by the overlap with the Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (HSES) discipline. “The main challenge we had was developing the program to ensure that this new discipline is well-represented in the conference agenda through relevant topics and sessions,” Cassandra explained.

Her involvement in the Energy Transition Subcommittee has also deepened her understanding of the technological advancements needed to drive the transition to low-carbon energy sources. She noted, “What I have learned over the past few months, from the 250 papers we received in this discipline, is that a lot of work is being done to develop new technologies to provide new sources of energy while reducing carbon emissions.” However, she also highlighted the challenges that remain, including the need for greater financial support, government policies and regulations to bring these technologies to market. 

A Commitment to PetroBowl

Cassandra’s passion for SPE is perhaps most evident in her long-standing involvement with SPE’s PetroBowl, a fast-paced quiz competition that tests students’ knowledge of the oil and gas industry. After first encountering the competition in 2018 while serving on the organizing committee for the Regional PetroBowl competition in Trinidad and Tobago, she quickly became enamored with it. “It was fascinating to see the interactions and friendships that were built by the 16 who came from nine countries in the Latin America and Caribbean Region,” she recalled.

Since then, Cassandra has played a pivotal role in the evolution of PetroBowl, leading several groundbreaking initiatives. She was instrumental in organizing the first-ever Virtual Regional PetroBowl Competition in 2020, followed by the first-ever Virtual International PetroBowl Competition.

In 2022, she led the first Hybrid International PetroBowl Competition, which allowed participants who couldn’t attend in person to compete virtually. “Through the PetroBowl committee, I have had the opportunity to manage approximately 150 SPE volunteers from around the world, which has helped me to sharpen my leadership, organizational, and communication skills,” she said, reflecting on the impact of her involvement. 

Championing Career Development Through the Virtual Career Pathways Fair 

Cassandra’s commitment to professional development extends beyond competitions. Her involvement in the Virtual Career Pathways Fair (VCPF) has allowed her to share her industry expertise with students and young professionals.

She has observed that many students are primarily interested in roles within Drilling, Completions, and Reservoir Engineering, which can limit their career prospects. “My work experience is in Production and Operations as well as, Projects, Facilities and Construction, and hardly anyone visits these booths and asks us questions,” she remarked. 

Cassandra’s efforts to broaden students’ perspectives on the diverse career opportunities within the energy sector have been a key takeaway from her experience with the VCPF. “We need to be doing a better job at exposing our students to all sectors of the industry and all the job roles or positions that they can apply for,” she emphasized. 

A Lasting Impact on the Energy Industry

Cassandra’s involvement with SPE has not only allowed her to contribute to the industry but has also significantly shaped her own professional journey. “Being an SPE member and actively participating in various programs helps to boost my professional growth, thus giving me the confidence to apply for future career opportunities,” she shared. 

Her advice to young professionals considering a career in the energy industry reflects her deep commitment to the sector: “Do not listen to the noise; the oil and gas industry is not going anywhere, at least for the next 30 years. Pursue a career in the oil and gas industry because it gives you a sense of purpose and you are passionate about what you do.” 

As Cassandra continues to shape the future of energy through her work with SPE, her contributions serve as an inspiration to others in the industry. Her dedication to professional development, leadership, and innovation underscores the vital role that SPE plays in driving progress in the energy sector.