K.D (Karen) Hagedorn, BSPE ‘86
A second-generation UT PGE graduate, Dr. Karen D. Hagedorn earned a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering from UT PGE in 1986. She earned the degree in three years with highest honors, and her subsequent educational and career paths have remained equally impressive.
While at the university, Karen was involved in many extracurricular activities, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and Delta Gamma sorority. In recognition of her academic achievements, she was elected to Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society, Pi Epsilon Tau, the petroleum engineering honor society, and Mortar Board, a national honor society that recognizes college seniors who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, leadership, and service. As a senior, Karen was one of five finalists for University Sweetheart, and at graduation she was recognized by the Cactus Yearbook as an Outstanding Student and by the College of Engineering with the Outstanding Scholar/Leader Award. After graduation from UT Austin, Karen earned a master's degree and a Ph.D. in petroleum engineering from Stanford University.
Today, Karen is Alaska Production Manager for ExxonMobil, a position she assumed in February 2013. Karen began her career with Exxon in Houston in 1992 in the Alaska Interest Organization of Exxon Company U.S.A before relocating to Anchorage as a reservoir engineer for Prudhoe Bay and Endicott fields. Prior to assuming her current role, she served as EOR research supervisor at ExxonMobil Upstream Research, Operations Technical Manager for US Lower 48 Production and Joint Interest Manager for Esso Angola. Karen has conducted research and field testing of leading-edge methods for improving oil recovery and has worked on design, implementation, operation and business analysis of commercial oil and gas recovery projects worldwide.
Volunteer service is an important endeavor for Karen. A 25-year member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Karen has served on a number of SPE committees, including the community service, editorial review, nominating and Distinguished Service Award committees. During her first assignment in Anchorage, Karen began volunteer work in the Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) shelter, an agency aiding women and children dealing with domestic violence. She served on the External Advisory Committee for UT PGE, the advisory board for The University of Alaska Fairbanks, and was a founding member of the UT Austin Women in Engineering Program Advisory Committee.
Karen was awarded the SPE Young Member Outstanding Service Award and was honored as the SPE Alaska Section Engineer of the Year. In 2004, Karen was honored as a UT Austin Cockrell School of Engineering Outstanding Young Engineering Graduate. In 2006, Karen was honored as a Gilbreth Lecturer, named after the first woman member, by the National Academy of Engineering.
