About

Justin B. Montgomery, PhD Candidate

Justin is currently working towards a PhD in Computational Science & Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT. He is also a research assistant in the MIT Energy Initiative and part of MIT Geonumerics and the MIT Geospatial Data Center. Justin holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and an S.M. in Technology and Policy from MIT.

Justin’s research interest is in modeling complex systems and decisions, especially using data science and statistics. His primary research focus is developing interdisciplinary statistical models for production from hydraulically-fractured shale gas and tight oil wells, incorporating information about field operations, petroleum engineering, geology, and spatial relations. These data-driven models can be used to quantify uncertainty, improve forecasts, and guide decision-making for the appraisal and development of a resource (such as informing choices about where to drill or refracture wells, and how to manage the learning process). An interactive example of this work is the Bakken Breakeven Calculator, a statistical-economic model to predict the oil price at which different locations in the Bakken oil field financially break even.

Justin has worked with companies including Shell, Accenture, BHP Billiton, and Rolls-Royce on projects involving data analytics, continuous improvement, and process or design optimization. Through these projects, he has gained firsthand exposure to oil and gas drilling, completions design, reservoir engineering, and development planning. Justin has a passion for seeing academic knowledge applied to real-world industry problems and always welcomes new challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room E19-307, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

jbm@mit.edu