Dr. Behnam Jafarpour

Professor

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Biography

Behnam Jafarpour is a Professor of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Southern California. He serves as the Director of the CO2-SMART Center, a National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center that addresses research needs in industrial decarbonization and CO2 sequestration. He is also the Associate Director of the USC Ershaghi Center for Energy Transition, where he holds the Energi Simulation Foundation's Industrial Research Chair in Subsurface Energy Data Science. Dr. Jafarpour earned his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2008. His research focuses on the intersection of machine learning and subsurface energy science, aiming to develop physics-informed AI solutions for industrial applications. He leads an interdisciplinary research lab at USC that combines deep learning algorithms with domain knowledge to tackle complex, high-dimensional energy systems, providing practical solutions for prediction and control. His research has garnered support from government entities, industry, and nonprofit foundations.

Research Interests

Awards

#2024

SPE International Data Science Engineering Analytics Award

2024-01-01
#2024

SPE Western North America Region Data Science Engineering Analytics Award

2024-01-01
#2023

SPE International Distinguished Member

2023-01-01
#2022

Energi Simulation Industrial Research Chair in Subsurface Energy Data Science

2022-01-01
#2021

SPE Western North America Region Reservoir Description Dynamics

2021-01-01
#2017

SPE Western North America Region Formation Evaluation Award

2017-01-01
#2016

Energi Simulation Industrial Research Chair in Advanced Reservoir Characterization Forecasting

2016-01-01
#2015

SPE Western North America Region Management Information Award

2015-01-01
#

Outstanding Engineering Educator Award

2015-01-01
#2014

Mathematical Geosciences Journal Reviewer Award

2014-01-01
#2014

SPE Western North America Region Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award

2014-01-01
#2012

SPE International Junior Faculty Research Initiation Award

2012-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.