Dr. Iraj Ershaghi

Professor

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Biography

Iraj Ershaghi is the Omar B. Milligan Professor and Director of the Petroleum Engineering Program at the University of Southern California (USC). He also serves as the Executive Director of CiSoft and leads the Ershaghi Center for Energy Transition Research. His research focuses on low carbon engineering, greenhouse gas monitoring, and modeling complex reservoirs utilizing pattern recognition techniques. He has extensive experience in monitoring water floods in enhanced oil recovery processes, reservoir characterization, and optimizing unconventional resources through soft computing concepts and digital oilfield design and operations. His professional background includes roles at SIRIP and Signal Oil & Gas, and he has worked as a consultant for various governmental departments and organizations. Ershaghi’s commitment to engineering education is reflected through numerous accolades and leadership positions in academic programs.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1972-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Leading the Petroleum Engineering Program and various research initiatives.

Executive Director

— Present

CiSoft • Los Angeles, CA

Overseeing research programs targeting sustainable energy practices.

Director

— Present

Ershaghi Center Energy Transition • Los Angeles, CA

Leading strategic initiatives in energy transition research.

Awards

#2022

Col Edwin L Drake Legendary Oilman Award

2022-01-01
#2018

James E. Ballinger Engineer of the Year Award

2018-01-01
#2017

Legion of Honor

2017-01-01
#2014

Senior Researcher Award

2014-01-01
#2014

Member

2014-01-01
#2012

Honorary Member

2012-01-01
#2010

John Franklin Carll Award

2010-01-01
#2010

Viterbi Service Award

2010-01-01
#1996

Distinguished Member Award

1996-01-01
#1996

Distinguished Service Award

1996-01-01
#1983

Distinguished Faculty Award

1983-01-01
#1983

Teaching Award

1983-01-01

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.