Mission & VIsion

Mission Statement 

The mission of the Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering at Louisiana State University is to advance the science, engineering, and responsible stewardship of subsurface energy systems through excellence in education, research, and industry engagement. As Louisiana’s flagship petroleum engineering program, we are committed to developing the next generation of engineers who will lead the global energy sector with innovation, integrity, and a deep understanding of both traditional and emerging technologies. 

We are dedicated to: 

  • Delivering rigorous, hands-on education that equips students with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding required for success in drilling, production, reservoir management, and low-carbon energy operations. 
  • Leading transformative research in carbon storage and utilization (CCUS), enhanced oil recovery (EOR), drilling and well integrity, reservoir characterization, simulation, and real-time subsurface monitoring and diagnostics and critical mineral extraction. 
  • Operating the Petroleum Engineering Research, Training & Testing (PERTT) Lab as a world-class field-scale facility that bridges theory and practice. At PERTT, students, faculty, and industry professionals gain unparalleled exposure to real-world well control, CO₂ injection systems, and advanced diagnostics in a controlled and scalable environment. 
  • Collaborating with industry, government, and academic partners to align our educational programs and research initiatives with the evolving needs of the energy workforce and regulatory landscape. 
  • Supporting the economic and environmental goals of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast by producing workforce-ready graduates, engaging in applied research, and providing technical expertise to regional stakeholders. 
  • Empowering our students to build winning careers by equipping them with the skills, experience, and connections needed to thrive in a competitive and evolving global energy industry. 

By integrating classroom instruction, cutting-edge research, and experiential training through the PERTT Lab, we strive to ensure that the Craft & Hawkins Department remains a national leader in petroleum and subsurface energy engineering—driving innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence across the energy value chain.