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Ten Marietta College petroleum engineering students recently gained exclusive access to cutting-edge drilling operations.

This hands-on experience featured visits to a Pruitt facility and a Range Resources’ rig location.

During an immersive industry tour this spring, MC’s petroleum engineering students saw the future of energy exploration come alive. As members of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Student Chapter, they witnessed firsthand the intricate processes that drive modern drilling operations.

The students were featured in Drillbits, the monthly eNewsletter for IADC.

The day began at Pruitt’s state-of-the-art facility in Bentleyville, Pa., where students received comprehensive safety training, a cornerstone of industry practice. The highlight of this stop was an interactive demonstration of a rotating control device, allowing students to operate equipment as they would in real-world scenarios.

Martyn Parker, vice president of Pruitt MPD Services, capped off the educational journey in Bentleyville with a virtual presentation on managed pressure drilling.

This comprehensive overview highlighted the evolution of MPD technology and its critical role in modern well engineering.

The tour then moved to Range Resources’ active rig site in Washington County, Pa. Students experienced drilling operations, from observing rig conditions to peeking behind the curtain in the driller’s cabin.

“Experiences like this give students the exposure they need to succeed in our industry,” said Marietta petroleum engineering student Trevor McNeill of Fombell, Pa. “Students gain a larger perspective, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge and build personal relationships along the way.”