College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

 

In the field of energy, a petroleum engineering Ph.D. student in Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology is gaining national recognition for his research in hydraulic fracturing. At the 2026 Society of Petroleum Engineers Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition, the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technical Section awarded Vishesh Bhadariya as a recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student Award, honoring his contributions to hydraulic fracturing research. 

 

This prestigious award recognizes graduate students whose academic excellence, technical impact and professional engagement advance the state of hydraulic fracturing technology and understanding.  

 

“My research is focused on developing practical, physics-based solutions that industry can use,” Bhadariya said. “My work provides experimentally validated insight into fracture propagation and height growth in layered formations. This helps improve calibration of hydraulic fracture models and enables more reliable prediction of fracture containment and well interference. These are critical problems in field operations, and that is why I submitted my profile and research summary.” 

 

Bhadariya joined OSU in 2022 and has focused his research on reducing uncertainty in hydraulic fracturing design by experimentally studying how fractures initiate, propagate and interact with complex geological formations. Using true-triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments and Digital Image Correlation, his work provides direct evidence of fracture behavior, helping improve fracture modeling and stimulation design. 

 

Bhadariya’s selection was based on his résumé, letters of recommendation and a comprehensive summary of his research contributions, including peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations addressing current challenges and future needs in hydraulic fracturing. 

 

His current research has resulted in more than five peer-reviewed publications in leading journal and conference proceedings, along with multiple technical presentations, with four additional manuscripts currently in preparation. His 2024 American Rock Mechanics Association paper ranked among the top 10% of submissions, and he earned additional recognition in 2025, including Best Poster (Petroleum Conventional) and fourth place in the ARMA Student Research Contest.  

 

“I’ve been fortunate to have strong guidance,” Bhadariya said. “My advisor, Dr. Hunjoo Lee, has been an outstanding mentor throughout my research journey and supported my award application through his recommendation.” 

 

Dr. Heather Fahlenkamp, head of the School of Chemical Engineering, commented that Bhadariya is a great ambassador for the ChE program and all of OSU. 

 

Beyond his research achievements, Bhadariya has demonstrated significant leadership and service in OSU and professional communities, holding roles such as intergovernmental liaison in the Graduate and Professional Students Government Association, vice president in the Chemical Engineering Graduate Association and treasurer of the OSU American Association of Drilling Engineers student chapter.