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  • Number 439  |
  • May 18, 2015

Geology researcher shares her passion for safer energy production and therapeutic riding

Dr. Barbara Kutchko

Dr. Barbara Kutchko.

Dr. Barbara Kutchko always knew she wanted to be a scientist, but she didn’t know what kind until she saw the majestic rock formations at Utah’s national parks. Seeing the layers of rock and the unique structures inspired her to study the Earth’s past and to protect the Earth’s future. Then she realized that geology was her calling.

While completing a master’s in geology at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Kutchko discovered the ORISE program, which brought her to DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). As an ORISE intern, Dr. Kutchko grew as a researcher and became invested in continuing her career at NETL. Good fortune and prior experience using electron microscopy—which uses accelerated electrons to illuminate the structure of small objects—to analyze concrete led Dr. Kutchko to head up a project using electron spectroscopy to help improve cement’s effectiveness in wellbores. This work contributed to completion of her Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University.

Today, Dr. Kutchko leads a team performing a groundbreaking evaluation of foamed cement systems for deepwater offshore drilling and other high-stress environments. Her research aims to improve understanding of the integrity and longevity of these ultralow density cements, helping reduce the likelihood and severity of environmental events associated with deepwater and frontier offshore drilling efforts. The infrastructure of these systems must act “not only as a support system, but also as a strong barrier to keep the oil and gas out of fragile ecosystems,” Dr. Kutchko explained. This is especially important in deepwater drilling operations, where, to protect the world’s oceans, cement needs to remain strong long after it is placed in the well. A stable foamed cement is one in which the density or distribution of bubbles stays consistent throughout the cement. Unstable foams can result in uncemented sections, which are a contributing factor leading to blowouts at deepwater oil and gas drilling rigs. Dr. Kutchko’s research provides extensive knowledge of conditions within the well that will help industry keep wells producing safely for a longer time.

Dr. Kutchko also leads research on the effects of carbon storage and acid-gas injection on well cements. Her research has informed federal policy and increased scientific understanding of the chemical reactions that occur in geological formations under carbon storage conditions.

In April 2010, during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and Macondo blowout, Dr. Kutchko’s expertise regarding deep/ultra-deep offshore wells was sought by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct forensic analysis on the cement that was believed to have blown out of the well during the explosion. Her work proved invaluable, and in recognition of her efforts, Dr. Kutchko was given a certificate of commendation for outstanding performance and invaluable assistance in support of the activities of DOJ’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division in 2012.

Following this work, Dr. Kutchko conducted a thorough assessment of the research needs regarding deep offshore cementing. This assessment was highlighted in the May 2013 issue of World Oil. The findings of Dr. Kutchko’s research were also included in a technical report that has been touted by many as the “roadmap for future wellbore cement research.”

Dr. Kutchko also uses her expertise to inform other professionals about safe energy development. She supports the development of environmentally and socially sustainable shale resources by serving as the team leader for the Shale Energy Resources Alliance (SERA) and serves as a mentor and advisor to multiple Ph.D. candidates. She also represents NETL on the American Petroleum Institute’s Subcommittee on Oil Well Cements, which develops and maintains standards on various oil and gas wellbore cementing procedures for the U.S. petroleum industry.

In addition to her numerous professional pursuits, in her free time, Dr. Kutchko volunteers as walker and horse leader for In-Stride with Therapeutic Riding, Inc., in Eighty-Four, PA, an organization that provides horseback riding with therapeutic benefits to children and adults with disabilities and special needs. Sunday afternoons for the last three years, she has been walking horses there.

Before she started volunteering, Dr. Kutchko was searching for an activity that would help her son, who has Asperger’s, build confidence. That was when she discovered In-Stride. As she watched him at his lessons, she soon realized that the facility needed more volunteers. Although her son is high-functioning and didn’t need much support, other students had a range of disabilities and needed help holding on or sitting upright on the horse. One volunteer always leads the horse while two walk beside the horse in case the student needs assistance. Because three walkers are needed per horse and not enough walkers were always available, not all the students were able to ride. So Dr. Kutchko trained to be a volunteer.

“The program allows parents to give their kids hope,” Dr. Kutchko said. Over the years, she has worked mostly with children who have a variety of mental and physical handicaps. The range of sizes and personalities of the horses at In-Stride help accommodate the children’s different needs, and the emotional connection between the horses and students does wonders for their mental development. As their lessons progress, the students’ core and other muscles grow stronger. Students become more confident, physically stable, and social just because they have been spending time on horseback. Bonding with his horse led Dr. Kutchko’s son to became more confident, relaxed and, of course, stronger.

According to Dr. Kutchko, bonding with a pet at home doesn’t compare to the experience of being around the horses. “Horses are much more sensitive to your emotions because they are prey animals, unlike cats and dogs. They respond to stress and body movements and sense when you are tense or worried.” To be around the horses and eventually have any command of them, the students must work on relaxing and being confident.

In-Stride began providing therapeutic horseback riding for students with mental and physical disabilities in 2006. Volunteers staff the facility, and expenses are covered primarily by donations, fundraisers, and grants. For more information about In-Stride and therapeutic riding, please visit the website. – by Cori Nicole Wamsley

Submitted by DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory