J.J. Azar, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Engineering at The University of Tulsa, is a world-renowned lecturer and researcher in drilling engineering. His contributions to the advancement of drilling technology through teaching, research and publications are well noted. He is the author and/or coauthor of several textbooks and over 60 refereed publications in technical journals.  Dr. Azar served as Director of the TU Drilling Research Project, a joint university/industry research program, from 1974-1996. In addition to his work at The University of Tulsa, Dr. Azar has consulted for numerous oil and gas companies worldwide in various engineering capacities, including Amoco, Conoco, Dowell, Phillips, PEMEX, PDVSA, Exxon, Marathon, JNOC, Petrobras, Mobil, BP, Aramco, Global Drilling, Chevron, Shell and Statoil.  He is a registered professional practicing engineer and a member of SPE. He received the 1997 SPE Distinguished Achievement Award for Petroleum Engineering Faculty, the 1998 SPE Drilling Engineering Award and the Distinguished Member Award in 2004. He was inducted into the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in Washington, D.C. in 2004.