By Rita Okoye
In a world grappling with energy transition and climate resilience, data is emerging as one of the most valuable tools for driving innovation and professionals like Oluchi Osuagwu are leading the charge.
Oluchi Osuagwu is a petroleum engineer and data scientist whose work sits at the intersection of traditional energy systems and modern artificial intelligence. With dual master’s degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Data Science from the University of Oklahoma, her research focuses on the use of machine learning to model complex two-phase fluid flows, a foundational concept in oil and gas operations, pipeline design, and reservoir management.
Her thesis centered on the narrow STEM area of vertical downward liquid-gas flow. This specialized research in critical engineering technologies not only advances academic understanding in multiphase systems but also presents real-world applications in optimizing production and mitigating flow assurance risks. By integrating computational modeling with experimental data, she contributes to building smarter, more efficient infrastructure for energy transport and resource management.
Oluchi’s experience spans both industry and academia. At her current role in a Fortune 1 company, she applies statistical analytics to business operations, supporting projects that detect operational anomalies and improve data-driven decision-making. These skill sets, she notes, are transferable across sectors, including energy, where the need to predict outcomes, monitor equipment performance, and reduce downtime is more critical than ever. Her proven record of success in related efforts, combined with her advanced STEM degrees and specialized knowledge, positions her well to advance endeavors of national importance in critical technology areas.
“Energy systems are becoming more complex, decentralized, and data-rich,” she explains. “We can’t afford to manage them with outdated methods. Analytics and AI are not just helpful, they’re essential.”
In addition to her technical work, Oluchi continues to collaborate with academic mentors to explore how data-driven methodologies can be adapted to solve challenges across the energy value chain, from upstream operations to sustainability planning.
A published researcher and recipient of awards including the Total National Merit Scholarship, NSBE BCA Scholarship and the Gallogly College of Engineering Scholarship, Oluchi is also passionate about representation in STEM. Through outreach initiatives, she encourages the next generation, especially girls, to pursue careers in science and engineering, ensuring that future innovation reflects diverse perspectives.
Looking ahead, she envisions a world where advanced analytics powers a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable energy landscape