Data, algorithms and collaboration combine for machine-learning success

Ashwin Venkat is the Senior Principal Scientist and Team Lead for the Advanced Analytics/Machine Learning group at Seeq. He has more than 20 yr of experience developing, implementing and commercializing new analytics and ML technology. Prior to joining Seeq, he served as an application architect for a predictive analytics/ML startup. Dr. Venkat has also served in roles at Shell and Chevron, both focused on developing and implementing technology for improving the performance of manufacturing assets. Dr. Venkat earned a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Sepide Zakeri is a Senior Applied ML Scientist (Applications) at Seeq, where she leads the development, implementation and commercialization of new analytics and ML technology for the process industries. Dr. Zakeri earned a PhD in petroleum engineering from the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma.

Joseph Disantis is a Senior Applied ML Scientist at Seeq. He has more than 15 yr of experience working in research and development with energy companies to solve high-value business problems by leveraging time series data. Prior to joining Seeq, he developed patented technologies at Marathon Oil Company related to synthetic fuel production and drilling rig control systems. DiSantis also has experience building successful data science teams focused on applied ML across the upstream domain.

Alex Johnstone is a Process Engineer with 15 yr of experience in the oil and gas industry. He has worked in upstream operations in California and the UK North Sea, focusing on optimization and continuous improvement. In his current role, Johnstone is responsible for the decarbonization of supply, positioning Ithaca Energy as a leading low-carbon producer.

Jim Martin heads the Operational Excellence Group at allnex. The group assists allnex’s plants in decreasing energy consumption, reducing waste generation, improving asset reliability, increasing non-capital production capacity, and expanding into the world of digitalization. He has worked for more than 25 yr in both direct manufacturing roles and manufacturing support roles. Martin earned a Bch degree in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an MBA degree from Carnegie Mellon University.