Alexis Koulidis, Ph.D.

Alexis Koulidis, Ph.D.

Bio

Dr. Alexis Koulidis is an Assistant Professor in Intelligent Drilling and Completion within the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. Prior to joining the University of Calgary, he served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Delft University of Technology (2023–2026). He received his Ph.D. in Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in 2023.

His research focuses on drilling engineering for subsurface energy systems, with particular emphasis on drilling mechanics, well integrity, wellbore strengthening, and the development of advanced downhole tools. His work combines large-scale experimental investigations, novel sensing technologies, and data-driven approaches, including artificial intelligence and camera-based drilling analytics.

He has over 8 years of international experience across academia and industry, integrating experimental design, computational modelling, and data analysis to address engineering challenges in subsurface systems. He has authored more than 24 journal and technical publications and one book chapter, and was a finalist in the ADIPEC Awards.

Furthermore, he served as a scientific committee member of the ICDP Workshop UrbEnLab at TU Delft, contributing to the development of a 4.5 km deep monitoring well.

Education

Ph.D., Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia
2018 – 2023
Supervisor: Prof. Shehab Ahmed (Program Chair Electrical and Computer Engineering)

M.Sc., Petroleum Engineering
Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria
2015 – 2017

Diploma (5-year Integrated Master’s Degree), Mineral Resources Engineering
Technical University of Crete, Greece
2009 – 2015

Achievements

  1. Dean’s Award for Outstanding Academic Performance and Contributions (2022)
  2. Finalist, ADIPEC Awards – Digital Transformation Project of the Year (2020)
  3. Finalist, Young Vision Award – Wintershall & Gazprom Competition (2017)

Experimental Setups and Research Infrastructure

  • Scaled Drilling Rig: Designed and developed a laboratory-scale system replicating real drilling operations

  • In-Cutter Force Sensing Technology: Developed novel sensing systems to measure cutting and frictional forces at the cutter scale

  • Filtration Apparatus: Built experimental setups to evaluate filtration behavior in unconsolidated formations

  • Flow Loop System: Designed customized flow loops to reproduce conditions in horizontal wells

  • Well Integrity Testing Apparatus: Developed systems to assess sealing performance of annular materials under thermal cycling

  • Core Flooding Systems: Designed and automated experimental setups to study multiphase flow and bacterial growth in subsurface systems

  • Return Permeability Device: Created automated apparatus for evaluating well development and permeability recovery

  • Computer Vision Monitoring Systems: Implemented non-invasive, camera-based monitoring and edge-computing solutions for real-time drilling analysis

Selected Journal Articles AND Conference Proceedings

  1. Koulidis, A., Bloemendal, M., & Vardon, P. J. (2026)
    Experimental Assessment of Sealing Integrity of Grouts and Clay Pellets Under Thermal Cycles Representative of HT-ATES Operation.
    Geothermal Energy. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-026-00374-9

  2. Bruhn, D., Abels, H., Barnhoorn, A., …, Koulidis, A., et al. (2026)
    An Urban Energy Laboratory for Monitoring and Better Understanding of Subsurface Processes Related to Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Heat Production – UrbEnLab.
    Scientific Drilling. https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-35-83-2026

  3. Koulidis, A., Grubben, T. M., van der Schans, M., Bloemendal, M., & Vardon, P. J. (2025)
    The Impact of Bridging Additives on Wellbore Strengthening in Shallow Unconsolidated Formations.
    Groundwater Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.13455

  4. Koulidis, A., Ooi, G., & Ahmed, S. (2024)
    Application of Artificial Intelligence to Predict Rock Strength and Drilling Efficiency Using In-Cutter Sensing Data and Vibration Modes.
    Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-024-01823-6

  5. Skenderija, J., Koulidis, A., Sorgun, M., & Ahmed, S. (2024)
    Improved Cuttings Transport in Horizontal Wells: An Experimental Study Using a Clamp-on Tool for Efficient Hole Cleaning.
    Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 49:9027–9042. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-024-09006-5

  6. Koulidis, A., Pelfrene, G., & Ahmed, S. (2024)
    Experimental Investigation of Rock Cutting Process and Derivation of 3D Spatial Distribution of the Formation Strength Using In-Cutter Sensing.
    Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, 14:365–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-023-01712-4

  7. Koulidis, A., Laumann, S., & Vardon, P. J. (2026)
    Comprehensive Assessment of the DEL-GT-02 Drilling Operations at TU Delft Campus.
    World Geothermal Congress

  8. Koulidis, A., Skenderija, J., & Ahmed, S. (2023)
    Drilling Monitoring System: Mud Motor Condition and Performance Evaluation. In: SPE Middle East Oil, Gas and Geosciences Show. SPE-213422-MS.
    https://doi.org/10.2118/213422-MS

  9. Skenderija, J., Koulidis, A., Sanchez, D., & Ahmed, S. (2023)
    Advanced Hole Cleaning in Horizontal Wells: Experimental Investigation Supported by a Downhole Clamp-on Tool. In: SPE Middle East Oil, Gas and Geosciences Show. SPE 213675-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/213675-MS

  10. Koulidis, A., & Ahmed, S. (2023)
    Advisory System for Drilling Optimization Using Artificial Intelligence and In-Cutter Sensing Data. In: SPE AI Symposium. SPE-214468-MS.
    https://doi.org/10.2118/214468-MS

Book Chapter

  • Koulidis, A., & Ahmed, S. (2024)
    Positive Displacement Motor Condition and Performance Prediction Using Surface and Downhole Sensor Data. 10.5772/intechopen.114269