The University of Tulsa's Petroleum Engineering Department

Allen Sinor, 45 was named Vice President Technology for Hughes Christensen in February of 2006. Allen joined Baker Hughes in 1997 as Drilling Research Manager responsible for technology and facility development. In 2005, Allen became the Director of Worldwide Applications Engineering for Hughes Christensen. Prior to joining Hughes Christensen, Allen worked for Amoco Production Company on their Drilling Mechanics Team. Allen is acknowledged by the industry as a drilling mechanics expert severing on various industry committees. During his 23-year industry career, Allen has filed eight U.S. downhole tool patents and authored 23 technical papers. Allen holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Tulsa in Petroleum Engineering.

Allen in his own words:

How did I choose TU?

The University of Tulsa has always had a great reputation in the academic world. I became interested in the Petroleum industry in the late 80’s during the oil and gas boom. Many at the time considered the Petroleum Engineering department at T.U. to be number one in the nation for the quality of engineers and the breadth of research projects. I was fortunate to have a couple of Petroleum engineering students from the University of Tulsa visit with me one-on-one while I was still in high school. Their enthusiasm, from classroom to campus was a turning point in my selection process.

Did TU provide you with good education for your career needs?

Absolutely! Most of my professors were recognized by the oil and gas industry as experts in their field. Dr. Brill on multiphase flow, Dr. Brown on production, Dr. Azar on drilling just to name a few. More importantly, their teaching had a practical side, relating information in the books to real world challenges and solutions. These professors set standards that are being used by many in the industry today.

Any fond memories you would like to share with us?

Physical Chemistry with Marwin Kemp. I remember the stories going into his class about the amount work required; and they were all true. Dr. Kemp had this ingenious system where progressing ahead from subject to subject required 100% mastery of that particular topic. Each student had to complete 15 subjects at 100% for a “C” and 20 subjects at 100% for a “B”. A passing grade on the final showing mastery of the book resulted in an “A”. Some of my fondest classroom memories are of this class and Dr. Kemp’s teaching style.

I have to close in saying the campus life at T.U., from life at the Twin Towers dormitory staying in the PIT to intramural activities will always be cherished. Many of my closest friendships were made there, many of whom are my peers in the oil and gas industry today.