PNNL

Jana Simo joined Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in 2023 as an Earth scientist in the Energy and Environment Directorate. An experienced project manager, she leads and advises research programs in geothermal, hydrogen, and carbon sequestration. Before PNNL, she spent 17 years with Exxon Mobil as a technical expert and project lead for several subsurface research areas. 

Jana is an experienced technical leader with a demonstrated record of solving complex geological problems for the global energy industry . Her expertise is grounded in Earth science (sedimentology, stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, tectonics, and visualization) with deep technical expertise in reservoir modeling and simulation, as well as integrated problem solving.  

With a track record of delivering high-impact results, she is sought out for her ability to translate research and innovation into successful business applications Throughout her career, Jana has  worked at the interface  of research and business as an innovative thinker and problem solver.  A particular strength is identifying technology and information gaps and developing research projects or products to address them. Jana has been specifically requested by project teams to create and apply new ideas and workflows, as well as initiate paradigm changes within projects while mentoring and leading an integrated team through the process. This work has included linking ongoing research and business challenges, and innovating in real time.  

Notable examples include proxy modeling applications with experimental design on high-uncertainty reservoir cases; leadership in reduced-physics simulation and bringing workflows into routine business applications; integrated efficient model updates (framework to simulation) during continuous production drilling; software testing for business use and recommendations, and creating integrated workflows for seismic inversion-modeling simulations that create unified teams and reduced timelines to production.  Her geologic expertise spans deep- and shallow-water clastics and lacustrine and marine carbonates, with roles across research, exploration, development, and production, including influencing overseas operations and rapid-response support efforts. 

During her tenure as a principal scientist in industry, Jana held pivotal leadership roles in project planning, research direction, and technical strategy development for carbon capture, carbon storage, and deepwater projects. She currently manages the Geothermal Subsector at PNNL and provides technical guidance on subsurface research and modeling across sectors. 

She is passionate about teaching and mentoring and lives by the motto "pay it forward",actively works to elevate women and underrepresented people in the work force through network building, mentoring, and increasing visibility. Jana is proud to be recognized and promoted in technical roles for both her technical expertise and performance, and her commitment to team building and positivity.

• Geothermal Energy 
• Hydrogen Storage 
• Carbon Utilization 
• Subsurface Material Transport 
• Subsurface Modeling 
• Seismic Data Integration 
• Reservoir Characterization 
• Cross-scale Modeling 
• Multi-phase Flow 
• Subsurface Fractures 
• Geomechanics 

• Project Management 
• Business Development 
• Industry Relations 
• Data Integration 
• Geology 
• Subsurface Characterization 
• Reservoir Modeling 
• Flow and Transport Models 
• Machine Learning – Subsurface Application 
• Geophysics, including Inversion 
• Communication, Teaching, and Staff Development 

• PhD, Geology, University of Wisconsin - Madison
• MS, Geosciences, University of Arizona
• BS, Geology, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Geothermal Rising 
• WING (Women in Geothermal) 
• Geothermal Rising Student Advisor 

DOE Secretary’s Appreciation Award (FTAP)