Dr. Eric van Oort is a world-class expert in drilling and production. His areas of research and professional expertise include drilling automation, shale-fluid interaction and novel shale drilling fluids, well manufacturing technology, wells-related business planning and performance improvement, well engineering, zonal isolation/cementing, borehole instability/lost circulation prevention, artificial borehole strengthening, hydraulic fracturing and associated water management, real-time operations center activities, geomechanics/rock mechanics and production technology.

Prior to coming to the University of Texas, Dr. van Oort led a successful career at Shell Oil Co., where he most recently served as Onshore Gas Technology Manager. In this role, van Oort was responsible for the implementation of new technology in North American Onshore Gas relating to fit-for-purpose rig development for well manufacturing, frac spread optimization, water management, rig automation and remote operations.

Van Oort published more than 75 internal Shell reports and holds four U.S. patents and five international patents on drilling techniques and associated best practices, drilling fluids and wellbore stability, among others.