Our Leadership
Meet the scientists and engineers pioneering the next generation of subsurface energy technology.
Mehdi Ezzatabadipour, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO
My journey began in the world of physics and computational sciences, where I earned a Ph.D. in 2019 focused on designing machine learning algorithms and simulation methods to study complex systems and networks. That early work gave me a deep appreciation for how mathematical models and data-driven approaches can bring clarity to even the most intricate challenges.
Over time, my interests moved toward real-world impact. I transitioned into industry, taking on roles as an R&D scientist, AI specialist, and data expert. I spent years developing AI engines and advanced analytics for companies across the oil and gas sector, from fast-moving startups to some of the largest energy corporations based in Houston, TX. These experiences gave me a front-row seat to the evolving landscape of energy, data, and decision-making.
That’s how Kepler Energy came to life. I co-founded the company with my close colleague, Dr. Hamid Lashgari, to bring together physics-based simulation, AI innovation, and domain expertise under one roof. Our goal is to help oil and gas companies make faster, smarter, and more transparent decisions backed by science and powered by technology.
Hamid Lashgari, Ph.D.
Co-Founder
My career has been dedicated to the numerical simulation and optimization of subsurface energy production. I earned my Ph.D. in Computational & Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, where my research focused on developing thermal and chemical reservoir simulators for heavy oil—a direct precursor to the engine that powers ChemSim.
My passion lies in leveraging highly numerical simulation to forecast production, optimize recovery, and advance low-carbon and clean energy technologies. By integrating AI and ML models with rigorous physics-based simulation, we can achieve a more accurate and efficient understanding of reservoir behavior. This approach is critical for maximizing asset value while minimizing environmental impact.
I joined Mehdi to co-found Kepler because I believe that by embedding this deep domain expertise into an AI-powered platform, we can empower a new generation of engineers to solve critical energy challenges with unprecedented accuracy and speed. We are building the tools to make data-driven, sustainable energy production a reality.
Kamy Sepehrnoori, Ph.D.
Research Advisor
Kamy Sepehrnoori is a professor in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin where he holds the Texaco Centennial Chair in Petroleum Engineering. His research interests include reservoir simulation, enhanced oil recovery, flow assurance, computational methods, naturally fractured reservoirs, high-performance computing, CO2 sequestration, and geological hydrogen storage. He has published over 600 articles in journals and conference proceedings in his research areas, and also coauthored three books.