Lauded for her diverse areas of expertise, Fafa Firouzkouhi is a consultant in Pennsylvania specializing in technology, energy innovation, and marketing. She has more than two decades of experience in the oilfield services and upstream chemicals production sectors. Since 2021, Ms. Firouzkouhi has advised companies, both domestically and internationally, providing strategic guidance on various projects and leveraging her extensive industry knowledge.
Previously, Ms. Firouzkouhi was vice president of product development at Bolder Industries from 2020 to 2021. Her 17-year tenure at the Baker Hughes Company included several key roles, such as senior business development manager and market analyst from 2017 to 2020, senior manager for North America operations strategy and market development from 2014 to 2017, and director of the flow assurance product line from 2013 to 2014. Earlier, she held positions as senior business development manager for North America, manager of flow assurance technology applications, senior chemist in research and development technology and innovations, and laboratory manager at the Taft manufacturing plant.
Ms. Firouzkouhi’s career began in academia at New Mexico Junior College, where she directed the industrial and environmental laboratory from 1997 to 1999. At this institution, she dedicated herself to supporting underprivileged students by extending her hours for tutorials and encouragement. In 2000, she served as a chemistry faculty member at the University of Texas Permian Basin. Ms. Firouzkouhi’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with honors, from Elmira College and doctoral coursework in chemistry at The Pennsylvania State University. She is also an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Firouzkouhi has been committed to civic engagement. Since 1998, she has served as an ambassador for the Western and Central Pennsylvania Chapter of Breakthrough T1D. She also volunteers her free time at the Jubilee Soup Kitchen in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ms. Firouzkouhi has contributed to her field through published works, including “Innovative, Sustainable and Renewable Chemical Treatment to Mitigate Asphaltene Deposition” in 2021 and several other works presented at international conferences.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Firouzkouhi has made significant contributions in every role she has held. One of her notable achievements was encouraging students who were the first in their families to attend college. At Baker Hughes, she worked diligently, earning respect through her extensive knowledge and relentless effort. She developed a patented product that significantly improved the removal of iron sulfide and received numerous technology awards. Recognized as a high-potential employee, Ms. Firouzkouhi advanced through the corporate ranks and traveled the world. Outside of her professional accomplishments, she takes pride in being an ambassador for Breakthrough T1D.
Ms. Firouzkouhi has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Upstream Technology Achievement Award from the Upstream Technology Team at Baker Hughes, the Chairperson Award from the Technology Forum at Baker Hughes, and various additional technology achievement awards from Baker Hughes. She has also been recognized with an appreciation letter from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, now Breakthrough T1D, and an award for being a guest speaker on oilfield work and STEM at a school. Ms. Firouzkouhi attributes her success to her upbringing, discipline, and ability to seize opportunities.
Outside her professional life, Ms. Firouzkouhi is a devoted mother to two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in activities such as kayaking, water sports, and traveling. Looking to the future, she aims to leave a legacy of purposeful living by embracing opportunities that allow her to serve the community, participate in recycling projects, or teach in higher education.
In mentoring future professionals, Ms. Firouzkouhi advises women entering the industry to work hard, adopt a can-do attitude, and never give up. She emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, persevering through challenges, making their voices heard, and taking action to achieve success.