Management Team
Dr. Valentina Baranova, Principal/COO started her career with the Institute of Physics of the Earth in Moscow, Russia while completing her Ph.D. in Geotectonics. She worked with renowned seismologists in US Geological Survey in California. After moving to Canada she worked on induced seismicity research in Alberta at the Geological Survey of Canada and in Tajikistan under NATO funded research. In 2005 she started her geological consulting business later named as Petro-Explorers Inc. During last 15 years she has been involved in many geological/geophysical projects throughout the world. Dr. Baranova’s project work includes hydrocarbon migration analysis, fault seal analysis, rock physics, sequence stratigraphy, seismic geomorphology and seismic attributes. Dr. Baranova is leading new research in Automatic well log interpretation and correlation through the use of Quantitative Sequence Stratigraphy.
Mr. Azer Mustaqeem, President/CEO started his career as a geologist with a national oil company after graduating in Applied Geology from Azad Jammu and Kashmir University in Pakistan. In 1995 he came to Stanford University, USA, for MS in Exploration Geophysics. Over the last 22 years he has been working in various reservoir geophysics roles for software, service and exploration companies in Canada. Mr. Mustaqeem has gained extensive experience in advanced geophysical and geologic analysis of conventional and unconventional reservoirs throughout the world. In 2009 he joined Petro-Explorers Inc. focusing on providing comprehensive reservoir characterization services for exploration companies. Under his leadership, Petro-Explorers continue to provide excellent client focused solutions and develop novel exploration automation technologies.
Mr. William A. Silk Jr. (Bill) Technical Advisor has over 40 years of experience as a successful oil and gas finder. He has CEO, Chairman and Board experience with a private institutionally owned energy company; senior executive and management experience with a large privately held family based business; as well as management experience within a larger, integrated, public company. Held advisory positions with small technology-based companies based upon technical and business development acumen. Mr. Silk have hands on experience with the development of a corporate strategy, governance, financial controls, compensation, risk and crisis management, corporate reporting and public speaking.
Mr. John Logel is a Geophysical Consultant as a mentor/teacher and prospect reviewer. John's previous positions were as Chief Geoscientist North Sea for Talisman Energy Norge/UK in Aberdeen Scotland, the Lead Geophysicist in Norway, and Senior Geoscience Advisor for North American Operations in Calgary AB. John held several technical management and advising positions with Anadarko Canada, and Petro-Canada in Calgary and before that he worked 19 years for Mobil in numerous assignments in Europe and North America. John has over 34 years of experience in the industry, and has worked on the discovery, delineation and development of several giant, world-class oil and gas fields throughout the world. His interests are in reservoir prediction and characterization from seismic data, understanding and quantifying risk. His latest emphasis has been in the adaptation of geophysical techniques to better understand, predict and exploit unconventional reservoirs effectively. He teaches enthusiastically and loves to develop technology and encourage professional growth. John has authored or co-authored over 50 professional papers. He also teaches professional development courses for PetroSkills in Basic Geophysics and AVO, Inversion and Attributes.