Topic:Economic, Social, and Political Impact of Low Oil Prices
Abstract:The presentation will offer a perspective on recent happenings in the oil industry and interrelated economy and will discuss some of the main perturbations and changes, including substantial changes in the domestic retail price of gasoline. Needless to say, the oil industry is an important and influential player in our overall economy, and changes have both positive and negative impacts on most all human activity. We will attempt to recognize some of the greater social and political impacts, and particularly to identify the principal causes of the recent period of much reduced prices in gasoline motor fuel. The Speaker brings some useful experience with the exploration, drilling and production aspects of the oil industry; and although he has opinions, he makes no claim to be a notable authority on the oil economy. The discussion includes some special focus on technological advancements that have played a major roll in recent improvements in oil production. Opinions are given on effects related to the economy.Round Table Discussion: The intent of this presentation is to first offer the foregoing introductory discussion of the subject, and then the Speaker will host a general group discussion by the audience for the remaining available time. All experiences and opinions are welcome, and this is hoped to be a mutual learning experience for all. slides
Speaker:Darrell Word of D. R. Word Associates
Speaker’s Bio:Dr. Word received BSEE, MSEE, and PhD degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas. He worked at the UT-Electrical Engineering Research Laboratory (EERL) and the Electrical Geophysics Research Laboratory (EGRL) for 10 years, doing research in low frequency EM fields associated with the Earth System and on instrumentation and methodologies for various EM applications such as submarine detection, communications, and electrical geophysics. He also has served as an adjunct professor in the UT- ECE Department from time to time. In 1970, he was a partner and co-founder of Geotronics Corporation of Austin, providing electrical geophysics instrumentation and methodologies and exploration services for oil and mining companies. Since 1990, Dr. Word has operated a private consulting firm, D. R. Word Associates, working in a wide range of fields, including instrumentation, signal processing, electromechanical and control systems, communication and telemetry, radio navigation, EM related applications, electrical geophysics, etc.; and he is occasionally involved in certain aspects of AC power engineering. With strengths in math and physics, his consulting work tends to focus on problems requiring extended theoretical analysis and fundamental principles.
Date & Time:Wednesday, May 27, 2015 : networking at 6:00 p.m., business and program from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location:PoK-e-Jo’s, 2121 W. Parmer Lane at Lamplight Village, Austin, TX 78727
Map:map
Cost:$5.00 minimum charge for the restaurant. Supper is at optional extra cost.
Reservations:Not required. All interested parties are invited to attend.
Registration:https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/34483