Global Recognition in Houston

A final-year student of Petroleum Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Cherish Onyedikachi Chukwu, has emerged second globally in the Undergraduate Division of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International Student Paper Contest held in Houston, Texas, United States.

Chukwu secured the position at the global final of the competition on October 21, 2026, during the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE), a major gathering of professionals in the global oil and gas exploration and production industry.

Innovative Biogenic Methane Research

Representing Africa at the international contest, she presented a research paper titled “Reactivating Depleted Gas Reservoirs for Biogenic Methane Production: A Microbial Stimulation Framework Integrating Monod Kinetics and Finite Difference Reservoir Simulation.”

The research examines the potential for producing biogenic methane from depleted gas reservoirs by stimulating indigenous microorganisms with low-cost nutrients derived from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and glycerol.

It integrates Monod kinetics with finite-difference reservoir simulation to assess the potential for additional methane production from mature gas fields using existing subsurface infrastructure. The approach explores the possibility of converting depleted gas reservoirs into productive sources of biogenic methane, offering a potential pathway for improving resource recovery while utilising existing infrastructure.

Path to the Global Finals

Commenting on the achievement, her departmental SPE Faculty Adviser, Engr. Prof. Stanley Onwukwe, described Chukwu as an exceptional and hardworking student who had brought honour to the Department through her performance in various competitions.

The latest achievement builds on her success at the national level earlier in the year. In March 2026, Chukwu emerged national champion in the Undergraduate Category of the SPE Nigeria Council Student Paper Contest held during the Students Technical Symposium and Exhibition (STSE) at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State.

Her emergence as the national champion earned her a place in the international competition, where she represented Africa and finished second in the undergraduate division. The SPE International Student Paper Contest provides a platform for student researchers to present their technical work to an international audience of professionals and experts in the oil and gas industry.