Geothermal energy, a renewable source of power generated by the earth's core, is currently contributing only 2 percent to U.S. renewable electricity generation. Despite this, there’s sufficient heat inside the earth to meet total global energy demand twice over. Petroleum engineering disciplines are posed to make significant contributions in the development of geothermal energy production for electricity generation by translating technologies used for production of oil and gas to geothermal fields.
The Payne Institute for Public Policy at Colorado School of Mines is hosting a Geothermal Solutions Symposium on December 2, 2025, on the Mines campus. The symposium is a convening of academics, industry, non-profits, regulators, and policymakers to discuss advancing geothermal technology and accelerating project development.
Colorado School of Mines has a variety of geothermal experts, including those listed here, who stand ready to answer questions from journalists about this rapidly expanding energy field. Contact Erich Kirshner, media relations specialist, at erich.kirshner@mines.edu to coordinate an interview with any of Mines’ geothermal experts.
Mohamed Shafik Khaled, assistant professor of petroleum engineering
Khaled is an expert on geothermal drilling, high-temperature well construction, and multi-criteria risk assessment for geothermal projects. His research uses field data, laboratory experiments and scientific machine-learning models to improve real-time management of downhole temperatures and drilling dysfunction, enabling safer, more cost-effective “geothermal-anywhere” developments and the repurposing of existing oil and gas wells for geothermal energy.
Jennifer Miskimins, professor in petroleum engineering
Miskimins, the department head for Mines’ petroleum engineering department and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) 2026 President, is an expert in enhanced stimulation and hydraulic fracturing techniques as they apply to geothermal applications. Her work focuses on optimizing the fluid flow capabilities of geothermal systems to enhance their energy generation capabilities. She is interested in the conversion of these techniques from the oil and gas industry to other subsurface settings.
Anna Littlefield, geothermal and CCUS program manager, Payne Institute
Littlefield’s research focuses on the geochemical impacts of injecting CO2 into the subsurface as well as the overlap of geotechnical considerations with policymaking.
Sebnem Düzgün, professor, mining engineering
Düzgün is the co-founder of Thermofilic, LLC, a Mines start-up delivering AI-based precision-exploration services. Thermofilic generates high-resolution probability maps that estimate the footprint of geothermal resources, providing exploration teams with transparent, explainable decision support on where to drill and why.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
