Master of Engineering
Petroleum Engineering — Drilling Specialty
Texas A&M University
Career highlights
Shell Exploration & Production
2012–2025Completion Execution Lead — Vito Phase 2 & 3
2023–2025Led 5 deepwater wells (injector/producers & OHGP producers) — Best-in-Class, Top Quartile (30,000 ft MD, 4,000 ft water depth, >7,500 psi differential depletion).
- Pioneered industry-first piston-jettison JABS barrier valve application
- Co-authored technical paper published in Oil & Gas Journal
- Innovation recognized as Shell best practice for deepwater completions
Interventions Lead — Perdido
2020–2022Executed 4 high-complexity subsea interventions while advancing hydrate prevention technology.
- Developed novel Subsea Cutter/Injection Valve
- Advanced Shell's subsea innovation portfolio
Wells Research Engineer — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2018–2020Managed $2MM technology investment program fostering global R&D collaboration between Shell Brazil and Shell Houston.
Lead Completion Engineer
2012–2016Delivered multiple deepwater completions (Perdido, Cardamom, Stones) ahead of schedule and under budget.
ENI US Operating Company
2025Completion Advisor — Project-Based Contract
2025Provided technical oversight and strategic guidance across deepwater projects for major operator.
- Delivered first successful ENI completion in the GOM after 2-year cold-stack
- Realized $2-5MM cost avoidance through regulatory problem-solving
- Recognized by Eni's global headquarters
Southwestern Energy Company
2010–2012Operations Team Lead, Completion Engineering
2010–2012Directed high-volume horizontal completion operations in Fayetteville Shale play.
- 145 wells / 1,480 frac stages in one year
- Managed dedicated frac crew and 6 wellsite supervisors
Education
Bachelor of Science
Computer Engineering
University of Houston · Magna Cum Laude | National Merit Scholar
This technical foundation complements 20 years of hands-on completion engineering — enabling a depth of analysis and problem-solving that goes beyond traditional consulting.
Published work & industry recognition
"New Barrier Valve Provides Option for Stacked Completions"
OIL & GAS JOURNAL · May 2024Patalakha, A., Neal, G., Randle, B. — technical paper documenting industry-first piston-jettison barrier valve application for dual-function stacked/comingled deepwater completions.
Read Full ArticleAdopted standard
Vito Phase 2 innovations recognized as Shell completion best practice for deepwater applications.
HQ-recognized results
ENI cost optimization work recognized by operator's global headquarters and regional leadership.
Why Corevigil
After 20 years delivering elite results for Shell, ENI, and major operators, I founded Corevigil to offer independent engineering consulting with the same caliber of expertise — minus the corporate overhead.
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Contact me directly to explore how my expertise can benefit your operations.