At a time when energy infrastructure faces growing challenges, from aging systems to the need to reduce environmental risks, more and more attention is being paid to new approaches in management and digitalization. In the United States, this topic is moving to the forefront: initiatives are being discussed to introduce digital twins, integrated methodologies, and sustainable development strategies.
Against this backdrop, the experience of experts who have worked for many years at the intersection of science, engineering, and practice is especially valuable. Aliya Karmyssova, a geological engineer, is the author of integrated solutions for the oil and gas industry and an active participant in the international scientific community. Her work focuses on how combining geology, engineering data, and digital technologies can create more reliable and efficient systems.
In our conversation, Aliya shares her vision of the future of energy infrastructure, explains her philosophy of work, and discusses why digital transformation is not only about technology but also about a new way of thinking.
Journalist: Aliya, in the U.S. there is now active discussion about moving from traditional methods of operating infrastructure to digital solutions. Why do you think this issue has come to the forefront today?
Aliya Karmyssova: It’s all about the combination of three factors. First, technological maturity, we’ve finally reached the point where modeling, artificial intelligence, and integrated platforms can process massive amounts of data in real time. Second, economic necessity: repair costs and equipment downtime are rising, and companies are looking for ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality. And finally, sustainability. The U.S., like many other countries, is facing challenges ranging from extreme weather events to the need to reduce its carbon footprint. Digital twins make it possible to anticipate risks and make proactive rather than reactive decisions.
Journalist: You are the author of the ISOI methodology. Put simply, how does it differ from what has already been used in the market?
Aliya: Imagine an orchestra where each musician plays their own part, but there is no conductor. That’s how the oil and gas industry often operates today: geologists have their models, engineers have theirs, and operators have theirs. ISOI acts as the conductor, it brings all these disparate data streams together into a single symphony. We build a digital twin of the entire system, from the geological reservoir to the point of delivery. This allows us to see the big picture and at the same time manage each element in detail. The result is an 85% reduction in accidents, a 40% increase in equipment life, and millions saved in maintenance costs.
Journalist: Your work is widely published. Which of your studies have received the most attention in the scientific community?
Aliya: What matters most to me are studies that show how integrating different disciplines; geology, engineering, and digital technology, helps find new approaches to infrastructure management. I write extensively about how digital models change forecasting and planning, helping to avoid mistakes and increase system resilience. Another area of my work focuses on optimizing mature assets, where it is especially important to combine operational experience with modern digital tools. And of course, a central theme of my publications remains the implementation of digital twins, which unite research and practice and open entirely new horizons for the industry.
Journalist: Your role as a reviewer in international journals is also interesting. Why is this important to you?
Aliya: I have always believed that science is a dialogue. Since 2024, I have been an invited reviewer for the journal Economy and Society. Reviewing gives me the opportunity to maintain a high standard of scientific work and to help other researchers. Sometimes it is precisely the reviewer’s comments that turn a good article into an outstanding one. For me, it is also a way to stay on the cutting edge of knowledge: by reading fresh research, I understand where global science is heading.
Journalist: Let’s go back a little to your professional path. How did you enter this field?
Aliya: My journey began in Kazakhstan, where I studied at APEC Petrotechnic, established jointly with the University of Alberta, and later at the Kazakh-British Technical University. Even then, I was fascinated by integrating geology and engineering, and I participated in competitions in geology and mathematics. My first practical projects were at the Karazhanbas oilfield, where I saw firsthand how critical the issues of corrosion and pressure losses in pipelines were. That’s when the idea of ISOI was born, a methodology that unites all data and finds solutions at the intersection of disciplines.
Journalist: Many companies are already adopting digital solutions but don’t always achieve the desired results. Where does the strength of your ISOI methodology lie?
Aliya: ISOI is not just a set of tools. It’s an entire philosophy of infrastructure management. We look at the system as a whole rather than at separate elements. This approach helps identify hidden interconnections, for example, how geological features affect the performance of surface facilities, or how operating modes influence equipment longevity. As a result, companies don’t just get fragmented data, but a complete picture that allows them to make strategically sound decisions.
Journalist: How do you see the development of the methodology in the future? Could it be applied beyond the oil and gas industry?
Aliya: Absolutely. Today ISOI has proven its effectiveness in oil and gas, but its principles are universal. It’s about data integration, scenario modeling, and predictive management. This approach can be adapted to the energy sector as a whole, to industry, and even to urban infrastructure systems. I am confident that within a few years integrated methodologies will become the standard, because they help solve the main challenge of our time: making complex systems reliable, sustainable, and efficient.
Journalist: In the U.S., there is a lot of talk now about digitalization and energy resilience. What aspects of your experience do you think could be particularly valuable here?
Aliya: In the U.S., as in Kazakhstan, infrastructure is very diverse, there are modern facilities and systems that have been operating for decades. My experience shows that even old fields can be revitalized through digital modeling. For example, with ISOI we identified hidden bottlenecks that couldn’t be detected using traditional methods. This not only saved money but also reduced environmental risks, such as preventing leaks or reducing CO₂ emissions.
Journalist: Your work is often cited in the context of digital twins. But digital transformation is not only about technology, is it?
Aliya: Absolutely. Technology is just a tool. True transformation begins when mindsets change. I always say: a digital twin is not just a model, it’s a new way of looking at a system. It requires specialists who are ready to work in an interdisciplinary environment, open to data, and able to think proactively. That’s why ISOI also includes an educational module, to train engineers, managers, and analysts. Because without people, no technology can succeed.
Journalist: You often speak about the future. How do you envision it?
Aliya: I see a future where infrastructure becomes “intelligent.” That means systems will alert us to risks themselves, adapt to changes, and optimize operations in real time. In 5–10 years, digital twins will be used not only in oil and gas but also in energy as a whole, in chemical industries, even in urban life-support systems. The U.S. has every chance to be a leader here. And for me, it’s a great honor to contribute to this process.
Journalist: And finally, what personally inspires you to keep working on such complex challenges?
Aliya: Probably the combination of science and practice. I like that my research does not remain on paper, it becomes real projects that make infrastructure safer, more economical, and more sustainable. I believe this is how science should work: to help people and solve real-world problems.
