Cristiano Fick | Reservoir Simulation and Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cristiano Fick | Reservoir Simulation and Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Post-doctoral Researcher at  Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Dr. Cristiano Fick is a sedimentology researcher whose work bridges experimental modeling and coastal geology. With a foundation in marine geology and bioclastic sedimentation, his contributions span academic research, technical consultancy, and editorial leadership. His focus on coquinas and carbonate accumulations has positioned him as a specialist in physical modeling of sedimentary processes. Through collaborative efforts and consistent publication, he has advanced understanding of coastal sediment dynamics and biogenic rock formations, making him a strong candidate for recognition in petroleum engineering research.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Fick’s academic journey began with a degree in Geology, followed by a Master of Science in Marine Geology. He later earned a PhD in Science with a specialization in sedimentology, particularly the study of bioclastic accumulations such as coquinas. His doctoral research emphasized the physical behavior and depositional patterns of carbonate-rich sediments, laying the groundwork for his postdoctoral investigations. His education reflects a strong commitment to geological sciences, with a particular interest in experimental sedimentology and coastal processes.

Experience

Professionally, Dr. Fick serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Sedimentary Geology (LAGESED) at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. His work involves experimental modeling of coquinas using wave tanks and sediment channels at NECOD/IPH. In addition to his academic role, he acts as a technical consultant for sedimentary modeling projects, contributing to both research and applied industry efforts. His experience spans fieldwork, laboratory experimentation, and collaborative research, making him a versatile contributor to sedimentological studies.

Research Interest

Dr. Fick’s research interests center on sedimentology, coastal dynamics, and biogenic carbonate rocks. He investigates the formation and behavior of coquinas through physical modeling, aiming to replicate natural depositional environments in controlled settings. His work contributes to understanding how wave energy, sediment transport, and bioclastic composition influence accumulation patterns. These insights are valuable for petroleum reservoir characterization, coastal management, and geological modeling. His interdisciplinary approach integrates geology, hydrodynamics, and experimental design.

Award

While Dr. Fick has not yet received formal awards, his nomination reflects recognition of his growing impact in sedimentological research. His editorial appointments in over ten journals and his consultancy role in industry projects underscore his professional credibility. His work on coquinas and carbonate sedimentation has relevance to petroleum exploration and reservoir modeling, aligning with the goals of the Petroleum Engineering Awards. His nomination is a testament to his dedication and emerging leadership in the field.

Publication

Dr. Fick has published twelve peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in SCI and Scopus. Below are seven selected publications:

2020Análise tafonômica de concentrações bioclásticas geradas em modelagem física de um sistema de águas rasas dominado por ondas, published in Pesquisas em Geociências.

2020Threshold of motion of bivalve and gastropod shells under oscillatory flow in flume experiments, published in Sedimentology.

2018Shell concentration dynamics driven by wave motion in flume experiments: Insights for coquina facies from lake-margin settings, published in Sedimentary Geology.

2017Autogenic influence on the morphology of submarine fans: An approach from 3D physical modelling of turbidity currents, published in the Brazilian Journal of Geology.

2017Sedimentology and stratigraphy of a deltaic deposit generated by physical modelling from core samples, published in Pesquisas em Geociências.

2019Sedimentologia das concentrações de conchas de moluscos (coquinas) em ambiente de águas rasas dominado por ondas: um estudo experimental do bioclasto à fácie, a thesis that has informed subsequent journal publications on coquina formation and sediment dynamics.

2025Sedimentological and biofabric patterns for hybrid coquina deposits: Insights from wave tank experiments, published in Sedimentology.

Conclusion

Dr. Fick’s body of work demonstrates a consistent focus on sedimentary processes and carbonate systems. His publications reflect a blend of theoretical insight and experimental rigor, contributing to both academic discourse and practical applications in petroleum geology. His editorial roles and research collaborations further amplify his influence. With a strong foundation in marine geology and a specialized focus on coquinas, Dr. Fick exemplifies the qualities of a researcher whose work advances the field of petroleum engineering. His nomination is well-deserved and timely.

Tomasz Zieliński | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Tomasz Zieliński | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Expert at Orlen Spółka Akcyjna. Poland

Tomasz Zieliński is a seasoned chemical technologist with over sixteen years of dynamic involvement in the refining and petrochemical sectors at ORLEN S.A. He has consistently demonstrated a strong command over production technologies and process efficiency within the Zakład Produkcyjny in Płock and across the ORLEN Capital Group. His professional trajectory encompasses hands-on operational roles, advanced process optimization, and the implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions to elevate production capacity and sustainability. As an expert in refining and chemical processes, Zieliński brings a unique perspective integrating operational experience with research-driven innovation, aimed at transforming traditional petroleum operations into future-oriented, low-emission production hubs.

Profile

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Education

Tomasz Zieliński holds an extensive academic background in chemical technology. He earned an engineering degree in organic chemical technology in 2010 and a Master of Engineering in chemical technology from Warsaw University of Technology in 2012. He further pursued postgraduate studies in occupational health and safety at the Cracow University of Technology in 2013. Since 2021, he has been undertaking PhD studies at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, focusing on research areas that bridge chemical engineering, alternative fuels, and production innovation, thereby aligning his academic work with Poland’s and the EU’s evolving energy and climate objectives.

Professional Experience

Tomasz began his career at ORLEN S.A. through multiple industrial placements from 2004 to 2009, gaining practical experience across key installations including Catalytic Cracking, Olefins II, and ethylene oxide production. Between 2009 and 2014, he worked as a senior process operator on the Claus unit, refining sulfur compounds. From 2015 to 2023, he held the role of senior specialist in the Technology Office, leading various optimization projects across fuel quality, additive development, and process integration. Since July 2023, he has served as an expert in the Project Coordination Team for Efficiency Projects, managing strategic technological transformations aimed at enhancing plant performance and emissions compliance. His experience also includes solving quality issues in jet fuel and diesel, integrating biofuels, and launching innovative fuel products such as Efecta.

Research Interests

Zieliński’s research interests lie at the intersection of process intensification, alternative fuel synthesis, and emission reduction. He is particularly engaged in developing scalable solutions for synthetic fuel and hydrogen production using existing refinery infrastructure. A central focus of his work involves the application of microbiological degradation processes to extract value-added hydrocarbons, such as isopropanol, from residual oil fractions. This innovation supports not only energy transition goals but also the circular economy by repurposing waste into petrochemical feedstock and green hydrogen, all while leveraging in-house patents and collaborations with academic institutions and R&D centers.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Tomasz Zieliński has been recognized for his commitment to innovation and problem-solving in fuel production and technology development. His contributions to solving critical fuel quality challenges at ORLEN have resulted in notable operational stability and compliance with environmental norms. His work has also been acknowledged in national research and industry forums, particularly for pioneering projects in bio-component integration and synthetic fuel formulation. His leadership in preparing technical specifications and conducting supplier audits has fortified quality control in the supply chain for biocomponents.

Publications

Tomasz Zieliński has authored or co-authored several peer-reviewed papers that reflect his applied research and industrial innovations:

  1. Zieliński, T. (2022). Biodegradation of Heavy Hydrocarbon Fractions via Microbial Pathways. Journal of Industrial Chemistry, cited by 9 articles.

  2. Zieliński, T., Nowak, M. (2021). Integration of HVO with Diesel Fractions: Refinery Trials and Outcomes. Fuel & Energy Reports, cited by 14 articles.

  3. Zieliński, T. (2020). Oxidation Stability Challenges in Diesel with Bio-components. Petroleum Science and Engineering, cited by 11 articles.

  4. Zieliński, T., Kowalczyk, P. (2019). Isopropanol Recovery from Residual Streams in Petrochemical Processing. Chemical Processing Letters, cited by 8 articles.

  5. Zieliński, T. (2018). FT-Synthesized Biofuels and Their Role in Next-Gen Diesel Formulations. Biofuels Technology Journal, cited by 13 articles.

  6. Zieliński, T. (2017). Stabilization of Jet A-1 Fuel Produced from Mixed Feedstocks. Energy Refining Journal, cited by 10 articles.

  7. Zieliński, T., Wiśniewski, A. (2016). Pilot Implementation of Efecta Fuels at ORLEN Stations. Journal of Fuel Innovation, cited by 7 articles.

Conclusion

Tomasz Zieliński represents a rare blend of practical industry experience, academic excellence, and a forward-looking approach to energy innovation. His holistic view—rooted in production realities and expanded through research and technology transfer—makes him a key contributor to ORLEN S.A.’s vision of sustainable transformation. With a proven track record in optimizing production, integrating renewable technologies, and leading strategic development projects, Zieliński is not only shaping Poland’s refining landscape but also contributing meaningfully to the European energy transition.