Research Professor at Energy & Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah, United States
Dr. Peter E. Rose is a leading expert in geothermal reservoir engineering, tracer development, and sustainable subsurface energy systems, with over 30 years of impactful work in geoscience. He currently serves as the Geothermal Program Coordinator at the Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) at the University of Utah, where he is also a Research Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and an Adjunct Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering. He is widely recognized for developing naphthalene sulfonate tracers, now standard across the global geothermal industry, and has published over 120 scholarly papers, reports, and conference proceedings.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Rose’s educational foundation is in chemistry and chemical engineering. He earned a B.A. in Chemistry in 1974 from California State University, Chico, followed by an M.S. in Chemistry in 1978 and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 1993, both from the University of Utah. His doctoral research under Professor Milind Deo laid the groundwork for his later innovations in geothermal reservoir stimulation and flow diagnostics. This rigorous academic training has underpinned his multidisciplinary approach to applied geoscience and reservoir engineering throughout his career.
Experience
Dr. Rose began his professional career as a Senior Scientist at Thiokol Corporation, where he received the Franklin Award—Thiokol’s highest honor—for his contributions to high-temperature carbon composite rocket motor technology. Since 1993, he has led the geothermal research program at EGI, directing numerous high-profile DOE-funded projects focused on engineered geothermal systems (EGS), flow monitoring tools, tracer development, and reservoir stimulation. He is also the President of FluidTracer, Inc., where he led the FluorFlow™ project—a novel borehole fluorimeter for flow profiling. His work has taken him across international geothermal projects in France, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, and more.
Research Interest
Dr. Rose’s research is centered on developing and applying advanced tracer methodologies for geothermal, petroleum, and groundwater reservoir characterization. His innovations include fluorescent polyaromatic sulfonates, quantum dot tracers, and reactive tracer systems for fracture surface area analysis. He has also advanced borehole flow measurement tools and chemical stimulation agents for enhancing reservoir permeability. His multidisciplinary approach bridges geochemistry, hydrology, engineering, and subsurface diagnostics, all geared toward improving the sustainability and efficiency of geothermal energy production.
Awards
Among numerous honors, Dr. Rose received the 2018 Henry J. Ramey, Jr. Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Award for excellence in geothermal reservoir research. He has served as an invited speaker at global geothermal conferences in Taiwan, France, Indonesia, and China. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Lab Ex G-eau Thermie project in Strasbourg, France (2013–2017), and a Scientific Committee Member at the Swiss Laboratory for Geothermics. His DOE-funded projects have consistently received top peer-review ratings, recognizing his leadership in tracer technology and reservoir engineering.
Publications
Dr. Rose’s most cited and impactful peer-reviewed publications include:
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White, W., Rinehart, A., Rose, P.E., et al. (2025). “Modeling approaches for addressing enigmatic migration patterns for aqueous- and nonaqueous-soluble tracers…” International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control (in press).
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Van Wijk, J., Hobbs, N., Rose, P.E., et al. (2021). “Analysis of Geologic CO2 Migration Pathways…” Energies, 14, 7818.
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Kuo, C.H., Song, S.R., Rose, P.E., et al. (2018). “Reactive Tracer Experiments in a Low Temperature Geothermal Field…” Geothermics, 74, 298–304.
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White, M.D., Esser, R.P., Rose, P.E., et al. (2017). “Interpretation of Tracer Experiments on Inverted Five-Spot Well-Patterns…” Energy Procedia, 114, 7070–7094.
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Dean, C., Reimus, P., Rose, P.E., et al. (2015). “Laboratory experiments to characterize cation-exchanging tracer behavior…” Geothermics, 53, 213–224.
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Kleimeyer, J.A., Rose, P.E., and Harris, J.M. (2001). “Ultratrace-level fluorescent tracer concentrations…” Applied Spectroscopy, 55(6), 690–700.
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Rose, P.E., and Deo, M.D. (1995). “Steam-assisted gravity drainage in oil sand reservoirs…” Fuel, 74(8), 1180–1186.
Conclusion
Dr. Peter E. Rose’s career embodies a rare blend of scientific innovation, practical engineering application, and international leadership in geothermal energy research. Through his transformative tracer technologies, his design of diagnostic tools, and his high-impact collaborations, he has elevated the standards of geothermal reservoir management and helped shape the next generation of energy scientists. His sustained excellence, global recognition, and outstanding research contributions make him an exemplary candidate for recognition through national and international award platforms.