The University of Tulsa's Petroleum Engineering Department

Herman earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Petroleum engineering from The University of Tulsa in 1987 and 1989 respectively. Upon graduation, Herman joined Exxon Production Research to conduct reservoir simulation and field development studies of various fields in the Middle East. Thereafter he also transferred to Exxon Company U.S.A. where he gained operations experience.

He joined Ryder Scott Company in 1997 and is currently the International Vice President. Since joining Ryder Scott Company, Herman has conducted several field evaluations for private, publicly traded and national oil companies in the most important hydrocarbon-producing basins of the world. This experience includes conducting reserves evaluations under the strict US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines. As the principal in charge of Management Consulting Services at Ryder Scott Company, Mr. Acuņa has also worked in with various companies to evaluate complex problems and decision making to manage risk and uncertainty.

Herman is married to a Tulsa native, Lorna, who is also a graduate from The University of Tulsa (1986) and has three children.

Herman Acuņa in his own words:

What made you come to TU?

The fledging oil industry in my native country of Guatemala established a scholarship fund to attend top petroleum colleges in the U.S. (Texas A&M, Texas at Austin, Stanford, Tulsa). I selected Tulsa because it was ranked among the leading teaching organizations and offered better access to the faculty/facilities due to its smaller size.

How did the experience at TU prepare you for your career?

I believe that one of the most important teachings from TU is the experience to be a problem solver. The courses were designed, not only to teach the fundamentals, but also to learn how to apply this knowledge to new problems. One thing is certain, the first problem you will face in the industry is NOT a textbook example and the TU faculty knows this and prepares you for that day.

Any fond memories you would like to share?

Two memories:

Undergraduate: Walking into the brand new Keplinger Hall (I joined the year it was opened) of engineering and being marveled by the classrooms and labs. An of course that "new car" smell of the building!!

Graduate: Working with my peers on our graduate assignments in north campus' "Alpine House" during snowy days. The small little house looked and felt like a cabin in the woods! I still remember the green screen of my IBM AT trying to keep me awake.