An applied mathematician's industrial journey

Abstract: What does it mean to be a mathematical engineer versus an engineered mathematician? This question, once posed to me by a professor, shaped the trajectory of my career. After completing my degrees, I chose to enter industry with the goal of bridging theory and practice—using mathematics and physics to understand and model complex systems, and engineering to solve real-world challenges. For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of pursuing this mission at SLB, a company founded on the belief that science benefits both individuals and humanity. Inspired by its founders—a physicist and an engineer—who championed the interplay between science, education, and business, I aim to honor these values in this talk. Following a brief overview of SLB’s core services, I will share my journey through diverse domains including exploration geophysics, analytical chemistry, and drilling. Across these fields, a common thread emerges: the design and development of theoretical and practical digital solutions grounded in physical and mathematical principles to deliver reliable, repeatable, and user-centric experiences.