NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University (WVU) students in geoscience and energy engineering will benefit from a $26.8 million software donation from Rock Flow Dynamics. The gift includes licenses for tNavigator, a reservoir modeling and simulation platform, aimed at enhancing educational and research initiatives at WVU. This donation will serve the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Most software licenses will support the Statler College, enriching the resources available to students and faculty. Samuel Ameri, professor and chair of the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, expressed appreciation, stating, “We are immensely grateful to Rock Flow Dynamics for its generous in-kind donation of software licenses to benefit our students and faculty.” Ameri emphasized that the software would bolster the department's research and prepare students for energy sector careers.

The tNavigator platform, noted for its innovative tools, will be available to students studying geoscience, reservoir, and production engineering. Rock Flow Dynamics also organized a training session to familiarize faculty and students with the software.

Tim Pawlik, director of sales USA for Rock Flow Dynamics, highlighted the company’s commitment to building academic partnerships with top geoscience and engineering schools globally. “In prioritizing our partnerships, WVU stood out as a logical choice not only because of the investments in these schools, but also for their regional leadership in energy and responsible resource management,” Pawlik explained.

The remaining software licenses will benefit the Department of Geology and Geography in the Eberly College. Brent McCusker, chair of the department, believes these tools are crucial for students in earth and environmental sciences. “Our students benefit tremendously from the use of real-world applications that make their course material come alive with possibilities,” McCusker noted.

This donation was facilitated through the WVU Foundation, responsible for managing private donations to the university.