The Society of Petroleum Engineers creates opportunities for mentorship through professional connections, preparing students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry. Dr. Hunjoo Lee has been involved with SPE since he was a graduate student, taking part in technical events and interacting with industry experts, and has since developed a passion for professional mentorship.

This passion has led to his being named the recipient of the Mid-Continent Regional Service Award from SPE.

Lee is an assistant professor in the School of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University.

SPE has played an important role in his professional development, and he has always wanted to give back to the organization. He said this award reflects his commitment to serving the petroleum engineering community through student mentoring, professional engagement and industry collaboration.

“It is incredibly rewarding to know that the work we are doing here at OSU to support and prepare the next generation of energy professionals is making a meaningful impact,” Lee said.

Since joining OSU, he has served as faculty advisor for the SPE student chapter, helping students gain experience in technical and organizational development programs, strengthen leadership skills and connect with alumni and industry professionals, opening doors for them.

Lee has helped the OSU student chapter thrive. Membership doubled from 2023 to 2026, and the chapter received the 2024 SPE Presidential Award for Outstanding Student Chapter and the 2026 Regional Outstanding Student Chapter Award for the North American region.

“I see this recognition as a reflection of our students’ leadership and the strength of the OSU petroleum engineering community,” Lee said.

The ability to connect students with faculty and industry experts exposes Lee to developments outside his immediate areas of research, helping him maintain a broad perspective on the ever-evolving petroleum industry.

“I am equally passionate about encouraging that same technical curiosity in our students,” Lee said. “We have worked to build a chapter culture centered on meaningful technical engagement, and it is especially rewarding to see students grow in confidence and succeed at regional and national events.”

Lee said this award also reflects his work in reservoir geomechanics, as he has a keen interest not only in new and emerging possibilities within petroleum engineering, but also in applying that expertise to other areas of subsurface engineering, including geothermal energy and carbon storage.

“My research applies fundamental principles of rock mechanics, fluid flow and reservoir behavior to this changing energy landscape,” Lee said. “That same forward-looking perspective shapes our SPE chapter. For example, we recently received a $5,000 award from the SPE GEODE Geothermal Energy Special Interest Group to promote geothermal-focused engagement and introduce students to new applications of their petroleum engineering knowledge.”

This award reinforces Lee’s commitment to helping students discover their passions in the energy industry. He will continue to help bridge the gap between students, alumni and the industry, encouraging students to pursue professional activities off campus, seek leadership roles and apply for scholarships and awards.

“I also hope to build on the momentum created by student leaders such as Israel Momoh and Malte Kuhn, who received the SPE-OKC Student Volunteer Award and help more students gain similar recognition,” Lee said.

This award reflects the culture of CHE at OSU, where faculty are encouraged to mentor students beyond the classroom and invest in their professional development and success.

“I am also grateful to my petroleum engineering colleagues who nominated me and supported this recognition,” Lee said. “Their collaboration has been essential to the chapter's success.”