Computing

Kalyan Venugopal

Kalyan Venugopal

Biography

Dr. Kalyan Venugopal is a data-driven problem solver with a unique career trajectory spanning 26.5 years of international industrial experience in the upstream oil and gas sector, followed by dedicated years in academia. He leverages advanced data analytics and machine learning to tackle complex business and real-world challenges. His background includes a strong track record of identifying new business opportunities, managing diverse technical teams, and holding a PMP certification. Passionate about computing education and knowledge sharing, Dr. Venugopal specializes in designing and delivering practical curricula in applied data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for both academic institutions and industry professionals. He creates hands-on learning experiences using Python and low-code visual programming environments, bridging core computing concepts with real-world applications in engineering and energy systems. Beyond the classroom, he enjoys playing pickleball, and exploring the red rock landscapes of southern Utah.
 
 
 
 

Experience

  • 13 years of teaching (Academia & Industry)
  • 26.5 Years of International Industrial Experience in Upstream Oil & Gas
  • PMP Certified – Project Management Professional (since 2015)

Research & Interests

  • Physics-Informed & Scientific Machine Learning: Integrating physical constraints and domain knowledge into deep learning architectures.
  • Spatio-Temporal Graph Neural Networks (GNNs): Modeling complex spatial networks and dynamic time-series data for environmental and energy monitoring.
  • Subsurface & Energy Economics Analytics: Applying digital twins, nodal analysis, and visual programming/Python data pipelines to energy assets and resource sustainability.
  • Applied AI Systems & Curriculum Development: Creating hands-on educational frameworks and applied AI courses for academic and industry settings.

Publications

Available on Google Scholar: Dr. Kalyan Publications.

Education

Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering (Aug 2022)

  • University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND,
    USA Dissertation: Data Driven Approach to Saltwater Disposal Well Location Optimization in North Dakota

M.S., Data Analytics (May 2020)

  • University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA

M.Sc., Petroleum Engineering (Oct 2015)

  • Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland

M.Sc. (Honors), Mathematics & B.E. (Honors), Electrical & Electronics (Aug 1995)

  • Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan, India

Courses

  • CS 1400 - Fundamentals of Programming
  • CS-2320 - Introduction to Machine Learning
  • CS 6321 - Natural Language Processing

Contact

Kalyan Venugopal

Assistant Professor of AI and Machine Learning

Email: kalyan.venugopal@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4579

Office: HCC 458