Aramco researcher wins prestigious award

Hasmukh Patel of the Houston Research Center has won an award from the International Association of Advanced Materials for making significant contributions to the field of materials science.

The award is one of 25 that have been received by scientists at the U.S. research centers so far this year.

Patel, who holds 16 patents and has published more than 50 scientific papers, has worked in India, Italy, Korea, U.K., and the U.S. In addition to his journal articles, Patel authored a book in 2014 on nanoclays, contributed a chapter to another book and received a prestigious fellowship from the Indian government in 2016.

A former postdoctoral fellow assisting Nobel Prize-winning chemist Fraser Stoddart, Patel works on smart materials and ways to improve drilling fluid so that it is more effective at high temperatures. This work addresses major challenges for drilling and EXPEC Advanced Research Center is taking it to the field for testing.

This coveted global recognition is awarded to individuals who have exemplified enduring research leadership and a vision for the field of advanced materials science, engineering, and technology
-- International Association of Advance Materials

“We are proud of this well-deserved recognition by Dr. Patel for his contributions to Materials Science literature,” said Ghaithan Muntasheri, director of R&D in the Americas. 

“Indeed, bringing fundamental science to address Upstream drilling challenges will generate value for our business stakeholders,” added Dr. Ashraf AlTahini, EXPEC ARC manager. 

Since earning his doctorate in 2009 in India, Patel has traveled globally gathering experience in various subjects, including

• Nano-composites
• Porous materials for carbon capture
• Hybrid membranes for gas separation and fuel cell application.