Dr. Yuejiao Liu | Unconventional Reservoir Logging Interpretation and Evaluation | Best Paper Award

China University of Petroleum (East China)

Yuejiao Liu is a distinguished early-career researcher and PhD candidate in Geological Engineering at the China University of Petroleum (East China), with a profound dedication to the fields of petrophysics, reservoir evaluation, and digital geological modeling. As a student member of SPWLA and SEG, Liu has cultivated an academic and research portfolio that includes 13 SCI/EI-indexed publications, 10 granted patents, and five software copyrights. His achievements also span leadership in five innovation projects, multiple national and municipal competition awards, and honorary recognitions such as being selected among the 100 National Scholarship recipients in People’s Daily. Known for his outstanding performance, Liu delivered the valedictory speech at his master’s graduation ceremony and continues to be a role model in innovation and scholarship.

Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Yuejiao Liu’s academic journey in geoscience began with a Bachelor’s degree in Exploration Technology and Engineering (2017–2021) from Chongqing University of Science and Technology, where he demonstrated an early aptitude for research. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Geological Engineering (2021–2024) at the same university under the supervision of Lai Fuqiang, culminating in an award-winning thesis. Liu is currently advancing his expertise as a PhD candidate in Geological Engineering (2024–present) at the China University of Petroleum (East China), under the guidance of Sun Jianmeng. His doctoral mentorship also includes support from experts at SINOPEC, enriching his practical and academic training.

Experience

Liu’s hands-on experience spans extensive reservoir logging and petrophysical evaluation across several key formations in China, including the Wufeng, Longmaxi, and Ziliujing formations in the Sichuan Basin. His project leadership includes work on shale gas brittleness modeling, logging interpretation for shale oil reservoirs in the Beibu Gulf Basin, and tight sandstone fluid characterization in the Ordos Basin. Liu also spearheaded innovative platforms such as Zhishiyun—a cloud system for intelligent rock image recognition—which won institutional and municipal support. His involvement in both applied and fundamental research has positioned him at the forefront of emerging digital and intelligent geological evaluation techniques.

Research Interest

Liu’s research focuses on the intersection of digital technology and geological science, particularly in unconventional reservoir evaluation. His key interests include digital core modeling, lithology identification through elemental and electroimaging logging, fracture-vug analysis, and brittleness evaluation of shale and tight reservoirs. Liu is particularly committed to enhancing shale oil and gas resource development through intelligent simulation and logging interpretation methods, striving to bridge theoretical innovation with real-world reservoir challenges.

Award

Yuejiao Liu has received a multitude of accolades that underscore his scholarly and innovative excellence. Among the most prestigious is the 2022–2023 National Scholarship, accompanied by recognition in the People’s Daily as one of the 100 outstanding recipients nationwide. He won the Excellent Master’s Thesis Award from Chongqing University of Science and Technology (2024) and claimed national-level awards in events like the SPWLA Annual Academic Conference, the Challenge Cup, and multiple oil and gas geology and logging skill competitions. Additionally, he earned over 15 honorary titles, such as Advanced Individual in Innovation Ability and Outstanding Graduate of Chongqing.

Publication

Yuejiao Liu has co-authored several high-impact publications in top-tier journals:

1. Liu Y., Zhang W., Lai F., et al. Lithology and Macroscopic Coal Lithotype Identification Based on Elemental Mud Logging: A Case Study of the Eastern Ordos Basin Coal Seam. Minerals, 2025, 15: 616.

2. Liu Y., Lai F., Wang H., et al. Simulation of the Controlling Factors and Classification Evaluation of Shale Oil Reservoir Fracability Based on a 3D Digital Core. Interpretation, 2025, 13: T509–T525.

3. Liu Y., Lai F., Zhang H., et al. A Novel Mineral Composition Inversion Method of Deep Shale Gas Reservoir in Western Chongqing. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2021, 202: 108528 (SCI).

4. Liu Y., Lai F., Wang R., et al. Influencing Factors of the Brittleness of Continental Shales Containing Shell Limestone Interlayer. Minerals, 2023, 13(4): 460 (SCI).

5. Liu Y., Wang H., Lai F., et al. Analysis of Influencing Factors of Poisson’s Ratio in Deep Shale Gas Reservoir Based on Digital Core Simulation. Petrophysicists, 2023, 64(01): 67–79 (SCI).

6. Lai F., Liu Y. (Comm.), Tang M., et al. Characterization and Analysis of the Main Factors of Brittleness of Shale Oil Reservoirs in the Liushagang Formation, X Depression, Beibuwan Basin. Minerals, 2024, 14: 958 (SCI).

7. Wang R., Liu Y. (Comm.), Li Z., et al. Microscopic Pore Structure Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Marine Shale: A Case Study of Lower Cambrian Shales in the Southeastern Guizhou, Upper Yangtze Platform, South China. Frontiers in Earth Science, 2024, 12: 1368326 (SCI).

Conclusion

Yuejiao Liu exemplifies the integration of academic rigor, technological innovation, and applied research in the field of petroleum geology. Through his contributions to reservoir modeling, shale characterization, and digital petrophysics, he is shaping the next generation of intelligent subsurface evaluation methods. His work stands as a testament to excellence in interdisciplinary geoscience, and his trajectory points toward continued breakthroughs in unconventional energy exploration. With a robust foundation of research, practical expertise, and innovation leadership, Liu is poised to make lasting contributions to both academic and industrial geoscience communities.