Memorial University’s Chevron Chair in Petroleum Engineering has won the prestigious and highly competitive Society of Petroleum Engineers Regional Distinguished Achievement Award for Petroleum Engineering Faculty.

Dr. Lesley James received the award for her excellence in teaching, research and contributions to the petroleum engineering profession, as well as special effectiveness in advising and guiding students. The award is presented annually based on the recommendation of the regional director or the regional award committee.

‘Means a lot’

“I was so excited to learn that I was this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award,” said Dr. James. “It really means a lot to me to be recognized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, as I really value the society for all that it does. It was a nomination coming from Javad and the students, as I did not ask to be nominated.”

Javad Hashemi, Dr. James’s two-time teaching assistant and former president of the MUN Society of Petroleum Engineers, nominated Dr. James for the award and says he was “thrilled” when she won.

“Dr. James’s superiority in classroom teaching, excellence in research and her significant contributions to the petroleum engineering profession make her very deserving of this prestigious award,” said Mr. Hashemi. “She also provides great service to the community and actively contributes to local chapters of related professional associations.”

National recognition

Dr. James is an associate professor in the Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. Her research focuses on enhanced and improved oil recovery and her time is split between research, teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in process engineering and oil and gas engineering, and various committees and outreach activities.

Since joining Memorial in 2010, Dr. James has been actively involved in numerous committees and outreach opportunities, including the Petroleum Engineering Program Development Committee. She is a faculty mentor to the Student Society of Petroleum Engineers, and regularly promotes science and engineering through speaking engagements, leading tours on campus and mentoring.

“My congratulations to Dr. James on this prestigious national recognition,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “Dr. James is an exceptionally talented professor and researcher in our faculty and truly deserving of this award.”

Only one Canadian faculty member receives this award annually. More information can be found here.