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Ms. Kawthar Babatunde | Energy | Young Scientist Award

Researcher at Penn state university, United States.

Ms. Kawthar Babatunde is a Ph.D. candidate in Energy and Mineral Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University with a multidisciplinary background in petroleum engineering, data science, and molecular simulation. With research spanning multicomponent gas transport, CO₂/H₂ storage, and shale reservoir behavior, she has developed advanced modeling tools to address energy and environmental challenges. She has held leadership roles in academic and professional societies, and her contributions have been recognized with awards including 1st place at the SPE Ph.D. Student Paper Contest (ENA/Mid-Con Region, 2024) and the prestigious WAAIME Scholarship. Ms. Babatunde is an advocate for interdisciplinary research, data-driven energy solutions, and female representation in STEM.

Publication Profile

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Google Scholar

Education

  • Ph.D. in Energy and Mineral Engineering (2022 – 2025, expected)
    The Pennsylvania State University, USA
    GPA: 3.6/4.0
    Thesis: Multicomponent Gas Transport in Organic-Rich Nanoporous Media
    Advisor: Dr. Hamid Emami-Meybodi

  • M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering (2019 – 2021)
    Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia
    GPA: 3.7/4.0
    Thesis: Molecular Modeling of Multicomponent Gas Adsorption on Heterogeneous Shale Surface
    Advisor: Dr. Berihun Mamo Negash

  • B.Sc. in Petroleum and Gas Engineering (2013 – 2017)
    University of Lagos, Nigeria
    GPA: 3.48/4.0
    Thesis: Investigation of the Effect of Rice Husk and Cassava Peel on the Rheological Properties of Drilling Mud
    Advisor: Dr. Adegboyega Ehinmowo

Professional Experience

Ms. Kawthar Babatunde is currently a Graduate Research Assistant at The Pennsylvania State University, where she leads research on species-based gas transport in low-permeability unconventional reservoirs. She has developed mathematical models for CO₂ and H₂ injection processes and proposed diffusion-based models for multicomponent gas transport.

Previously, she served as a Data Scientist at Brainiacs STEM and Robotics in Nigeria, where she applied Python-based data analysis techniques to support business decisions and led a data science team. At Universiti Teknologi Petronas, she worked as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, where she conducted molecular dynamics simulations and supported teaching in data science and fluid mechanics. Her early experience includes a Piping Engineering Internship at Ariosh Ltd. in Lagos, where she contributed to pipeline design for the Nigeria LNG Company.

She also has significant teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant at Penn State and UTP, where she assisted in courses ranging from well-logging and production engineering to Python and data science.

Research Interests

  • Unconventional Reservoir Engineering

  • Multicomponent Gas Transport in Nanoporous Media

  • Molecular Modeling and Simulation

  • CO₂ and H₂ Injection Modeling

  • Shale Gas Adsorption Mechanisms

  • Energy Transition Technologies

  • Machine Learning Applications in Reservoir Engineering

Awards:

  • SPE Student Paper Contest (PhD), 1st Place, 2024

  • WAAIME Scholarship, SME (2023, 2024)

  • Penn State University Graduate Fellow, Anne C. Fellow (2022–2023)

  • Outstanding Executive Award, UTP (2021)

  • Student Leader Grant, University of Lagos (2017)

Top Noted Publication

  1. Molecular simulation study of CO₂/CH₄ adsorption on realistic heterogeneous shale surfaces
    K.A. Babatunde, B.M. Negash, M.R. Mojid, T.Y. Ahmed, S.R. Jufar
    Applied Surface Science, Vol. 543, 148789, 2021
    Citations: 71

  • Performed detailed molecular simulations of gas adsorption on heterogeneous shale surfaces.

  • Pioneered a method to capture real mineral surface heterogeneity in adsorption studies.

  1. Adsorption of gases on heterogeneous shale surfaces: A review
    K.A. Babatunde, B.M. Negash, S.R. Jufar, T.Y. Ahmed, M.R. Mojid
    Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, Vol. 208, 109466, 2022
    Citations: 65

  • Comprehensive review of gas adsorption mechanisms in shale.

  • Identified challenges and prospects in modeling gas-solid interactions in shale formations.

  1. Species-based modeling of binary gas mixture transport in nanoporous media with adsorption
    K. Babatunde, H. Emami-Meybodi
    Energy & Fuels, Vol. 38 (21), pp. 20515–20534, 2024
    Citations: 3

  • Developed a novel species-specific diffusion model incorporating adsorption dynamics.

  • Applied to CO₂ and CH₄ binary gas systems in organic-rich nanoporous shale.

  1. A state-of-the-art review on waterless gas shale fracturing technologies
    M.R. Mojid, B.M. Negash, H. Abdulelah, S.R. Jufar, B.K. Adewumi
    Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, Vol. 196, 108048, 2021
    Citations: 94

  • Ms. Babatunde contributed conceptually and through molecular analysis to the team.

  • Focused on CO₂-based and surfactant-enhanced alternatives for waterless fracking.

  1. Effects of a viscoelastic surfactant on supercritical carbon dioxide thickening for gas shale fracturing
    M.R. Mojid, B.M. Negash, K.A. Babatunde, T.Y. Ahmed, S.R. Jufar
    Energy & Fuels, Vol. 35 (19), pp. 15842–15855, 2021
    Citations: 6

  • Investigated the use of viscoelastic surfactants to improve CO₂ viscosity for hydraulic fracturing.

  • Ms. Babatunde contributed to simulation and modeling aspects of the study.

Conclusion

Ms. Kawthar Babatunde clearly exemplifies the qualities of a rising research leader in the energy domain. Her strong publication record, innovative modeling work, and active engagement in both research and advocacy make her a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

She is not only contributing to cutting-edge technical knowledge but is also shaping the future of energy through interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity.

 

Kawthar Babatunde | Energy | Young Scientist Award

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