Professor at Southwest Petroleum University, China
Prof. Hu Jia is a distinguished academic in petroleum engineering, currently serving at the State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, China. His work bridges the gap between chemical formulation and reservoir engineering, focusing on enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and oilfield chemistry. With a career marked by innovation and practical impact, Prof. Jia has developed advanced materials for water shutoff, conformance control, and wellbore plugging. His research has been successfully applied in major Chinese oil companies, including CNPC, CNOOC, and Sinopec. He is widely recognized for translating laboratory breakthroughs into field-scale solutions.
📘 Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
Prof. Jia’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Yangtze University (2002–2006), followed by a Master’s and PhD in Petroleum Engineering from Southwest Petroleum University (2006–2012). His doctoral work laid the foundation for his future research in polymer gels and reservoir simulation. He later expanded his international exposure through a postdoctoral research position at Texas Tech University (2015–2016), where he contributed to advanced polymer science and well completion technologies. This blend of domestic and international education has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and applied petroleum engineering.
🛠️ Experience
Prof. Jia has held progressive academic roles at Southwest Petroleum University, starting as a Lecturer (2012–2014), then Associate Professor (2015–2018), and currently as a full Professor since 2019. His professional experience also includes a six-month internship with CNPC & Chevron’s CDB Gas Project, where he gained hands-on field exposure. He has led or co-led nearly 40 research projects funded by national foundations and major oil corporations. His editorial and peer-review contributions span over 20 international journals, reflecting his leadership in the scientific community. His work consistently integrates experimental research with field implementation, making him a sought-after expert in EOR.
🔬 Research Interests
Prof. Jia’s research focuses on enhanced oil recovery, particularly through the development of functional materials such as polymer gels, microgels, and nanocomposites. His work addresses challenges in water shutoff, conformance control, and temporary wellbore plugging under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. He emphasizes the synergy between chemical design and reservoir simulation, using both laboratory experiments and numerical modeling. His recent studies explore the elastic energy release of polymer gels and the application of fuzzy logic in evaluating conformance treatments. His innovations are not only scientifically rigorous but also tailored for real-world oilfield applications, bridging academia and industry.
🏆 Awards
Prof. Jia has received numerous accolades for his academic and technological contributions. These include the prestigious Fok Ying Tung Education Foundation Award (2020), the Feixiang Technology Rookie Award—the highest academic honor at SWPU—and multiple Science and Technology Progress Awards from national petroleum associations. He was also nominated for the Eni Award and recognized for outstanding doctoral dissertations at both provincial and university levels. His editorial excellence has earned him Outstanding Reviewer awards from journals like Fuel and the Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. These honors underscore his impact on both research and education in petroleum engineering.
📚 Selected Publications
Prof. Jia has authored over 90 peer-reviewed papers and holds 17 patents. His work has garnered more than 1,200 citations on Google Scholar. Notable publications include:
- Jia H. et al. (2024). “Polymer gel for water shutoff…” SPE Journal. Cited by 15.
- Jia H. et al. (2023). “High-Density solid-free flexible microgel…” SPE Journal. Cited by 22.
- Jia H. et al. (2022). “New insights into the DPR mechanism…” Petroleum. Cited by 18.
- Jia H. et al. (2022). “Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method…” Petroleum. Cited by 10.
- Jia H. et al. (2021). “Solid-Free Flexible Colloidal Completion Fluid…” SPE Journal. Cited by 25.
- Jia H. et al. (2020). “Highly Elastic Composite Gel…” SPE Journal. Cited by 30.
- Jia H. et al. (2019). “In-situ generated foamed gel…” SPE Journal. Cited by 28.
🧾 Conclusion
Prof. Hu Jia exemplifies the integration of scientific innovation with engineering application. His pioneering work in polymer-based EOR technologies has significantly advanced the field of petroleum engineering. With a strong foundation in education, a robust research portfolio, and a commitment to practical problem-solving, he continues to influence both academic and industrial spheres. His leadership in research, mentorship, and international collaboration positions him as a key contributor to the future of sustainable oil and gas development.