AN EXTENSIVE VIRTUAL OUTREACH APPROACH BY SPE DHAKA UNIVERSITY CHAPTER FOR GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Dhaka University (DU) Chapter in Bangladesh commenced its journey on 1st October 2007. From the beginning, it has always been students-centered and fixated to pique broader geoscience disciplined-based interests of the members and arrange several annual seminars, conferences, lecture programs, workshops, and general meetings. Many of these webinars were led by distinguished geoscience professionals known domestically and globally. Engaging and inspiring students, particularly females, in practical and innovative thinking concerning the present energy crisis and exploring the world’s energy sectors remain the central theme in its offerings. The SPE DU Chapter organized a wide variety of events, emphasizing on technical knowledge regarding the exploration, development & production of petroleum and strengthening the students’ professional and improving soft skills. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the SPE to shift the technical sessions, symposium, and quiz competition online. The SPE also conducted an awareness campaign for COVID-19 via social media. Notably, the SPE organized a webinar on the right mindsets in the new normal situation and stepped in to disseminate general geology-related essential contents to its members and invitees to reduce the learning loss due to the pandemic. Noticing the dwindling oil price because of COVID-19, this chapter arranged a timely virtual lecture program on the future of oil and gas. The SPE DU chapter effectively adjusted its whole operation concerning COVID-19 and the safety of its members. The Geological Excursion and Gas field Visit, Petromania, and Geo-modelling Jumpstart: Software Experience are the other signature events of SPE DU Chapter. The former president of the SPE DU Chapter, Noshin Sharmili, attended the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) 2020 in Saudi Arabia and obtained the second position in the “Unlock the Reserve” competition. Being motivated, the chapter hosted a pivotal session delivering the tips of a successful application for IPTC Education Week. The SPE DU Chapter and its executive members have received the AAPG Foundation L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant in 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, the SPE DU Chapter has been awarded the Student Chapter Excellence Award for 2021 and 2020. This prestigious award is the second-highest honor a student chapter may receive and is awarded to only 20% of student chapters around the world.