Dan Dressler, MASc., P.Eng.

Experience

• 

  University of British Columbia

  Oct 2006 - Jul 2012

  I was specially requested to be the sole engineer on a standalone research project – a novel design – where I directed all project scheduling, logistics, analysis, procurement, reporting, and testing. I then supported bringing the new product to market. LEADERSHIP – STRATEGY – DEVELOPMENT: • Developed a product aimed at head and neck injury and concussion prevention – the first of its kind• Created and delivered presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences to help support funding for new product launch • Conducted biomechanics testing for the President of a forensics consulting firmRESULTS: ✔ Designed, constructed, rolled out, and conducted additional proof-of-principle experiments with the first working 3-D prototype of the novel design. ✔ Worked alongside CEO and CTO to bring the product to market, including assisting with presentations to angel investors, within a newly launched start-up. Show less I was selected by the Dept. Head of Mechanical Engineering to parlay expertise in fluid dynamics, and lead a number of technical projects and research initiatives within "Own the Podium", a program to help prepare Canadian athletes for Olympic-level competition, specifically the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.LEADERSHIP – STRATEGY – DEVELOPMENT: • Played an active role in contributing to Canada's most successful Olympics performance in its history by being a member of a research team that assisted directly in obtaining 6 Olympic medals.RESULTS:✔ Authored numerous reports and grant proposals that convinced "Own the Podium" executives of the viability in renewing these research projects and technical innovations from year-to-year.✔ Composed a paper regarding the wettability of skis as a means of reducing sliding friction, and travelled to Hawaii to present this subject matter to 30-40 conference attendees at the Asia Pacific Congress on Sports Technology. Show less

  • Research and Development Engineer

    Nov 2009 - Jul 2012

  • Research and Development Engineer - Department of Mechanical Engineering

    Oct 2006 - Oct 2009
• 

  Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL)

  Oct 2012 - now

  I was promoted to Development Engineer, where my responsibilities expanded to support multiple initiatives; 1) leading evaluations and projects supporting value-add opportunities of a key SAGD thermal asset; and 2) provide Exploitation Engineering and project management support for carbon capture initiatives within the Pathways Alliance consortium.LEADERSHIP – STRATEGY – DEVELOPMENT:• Applying subsurface engineering background to lead/support efforts relating to subsurface risk assessments; creation of Measurement, Monitoring, and Verification (MMV) plans; evaluation of legacy wells; CO2 injector wellbore design; site selection and reservoir engineering; stakeholder relations and community engagement initiatives; and CO2 dispersion modelling for the establishment of Emergency Response Plans.• Providing and evaluating detailed carbon capture economic models while leading CNRL thermal carbon capture economics and supporting the Pathways Economic Modeling team• Assessing and supporting key design decisions of planned carbon capture surface facilitiesSELECT RESULTS:✔ Established, led, and presented to senior management detailed economic modeling relating to carbon capture and combined heat and power synergies for thermal post-combustion applications✔ Conducted detailed evaluation of petroleum reserves in thermal assets; reported to US and CDN securities exchanges✔ Performed comprehensive assessment of potential acquisition value, and supported creation of pitch deck, resulting in recommendation to C-suite leadership to acquire key thermal asset Show less I was promoted into this leadership position to guide, and work within, a multidisciplinary team to maximize the net present value of the company’s first horizontal well steamflood, driving thermal asset growth and development. LEADERSHIP – STRATEGY – DEVELOPMENT: • Leverage data analytics (Tableau) to develop efficient and effective business decisions• Drive development and management of operational strategy associated with a novel recovery process• Coordinate and direct economic evaluation and optimization of value-adding projects• Deliver regular forecast and budget presentations to the senior management team• Identify and manage project opportunities and business innovations that create revenue growth and expense reductionSELECT RESULTS:✔ Developed unique solutions that optimized steam resources and reduced SOR and OPEX. Exceeded revenue forecasts, increased return on capital employed, and delivered millions in operating cost savings. ✔ Spearheaded strategy meetings and generated data analytics for roll-up and integration of thermal budget volumes forecast, which received approval from senior management. ✔ Pursued opportunities to lower steam-to-oil ratio through technology initiatives, including steam quality improvement trial and implementation and optimization of inflow control devices. Show less After being specially selected for this role, I joined a team of engineers with advanced degrees to accelerate the commercialization of a novel recovery process. I managed multiple concurrent technical projects to innovate processes and deliver enhanced business value. LEADERSHIP – STRATEGY – DEVELOPMENT: • Guided engineering team members on steamflood operating strategy and influenced daily performance and budget achievement goals• Spurred innovation through design and implementation of unique flow control technology• Oversaw research, collaboration, and documentation of multiple projects to ensure timely deliverySELECT RESULTS:✔ Developed and delivered the first-ever framework for detailed well reviews to support business decision-making and better identify opportunities to increase asset performance. ✔ Guided Engineering team members on strategy associated with the successful development and operation of a novel recovery process now used widely throughout the company.✔ Personally spurred innovation through the design and implementation of unique flow control technology to aid resource recovery and address conformance challenges. Show less I transitioned seamlessly into this new industry to manage and lead production optimization strategies from high-profile Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) wells while supporting an unproven recovery process trial. I ensured optimized cash flow and the achievement of operational targets safely and cost-effectively by bridging communications and information sharing between technical and field teams. LEADERSHIP – STRATEGY – DEVELOPMENT: • Executed depletion plan and strategies to maximize production while responding to well and formation integrity concerns• Developed rapport with team and management to support diversified value-add in all activities• Adapted and excelled in a brand-new thermal production environment, quickly progressing with increasing responsibilityRESULTS:✔ Exceeded budget forecasts while executing CSS steam cycles on the company’s newest and highest-profile thermal CSS project.✔ Maximized production by ensuring all wells were optimized and operated safely and cost-effectively. Show less

  • Development Engineer, Thermal Exploitation

    Aug 2022 - now

  • Depletion Engineer, Thermal Exploitation

    Jan 2017 - Jul 2022

  • Reservoir Engineer, Thermal Exploitation

    Jan 2015 - Jan 2017

  • Production Engineer, Thermal Production

    Oct 2012 - Jan 2015