Research

My academic research has focused on two areas: US-China policy and oil and gas operations. In my current working paper, I combine my interest in both in looking at the evolving balance of geopolitical power in the energy sector focusing on the US and China.

Migration Preferences of US-Educated Chinese Scientists and Engineers

chinese_stem_research

My research explores the migratory decisions of Chinese STEM PhD graduates trained in the United States, examining how policy, geopolitics, and labor market dynamics shape their choices to stay, return, or move elsewhere.

Below are the peer-reviewed journals concerning this research:

Zeithammer, R., & Kellogg, R. (2013). The Hesitant “Hai Gui”: Return-Migration Preferences of U.S.-Educated Chinese Scientists and Engineers. Journal of Marketing Research, 50(5), 644-663.
Kellogg, R. P. (2012). China’s brain gain?: Attitudes and future plans of overseas Chinese students in the US. Journal of Chinese Overseas, 8(1), 83-104.

Oil and Gas Operations

My research focuses on data-driven approaches to optimize oilfield operations, particularly in mature waterfloods and complex reservoir systems. Using the Wilmington Field in California as a case study, I’ve contributed to the development and deployment of machine learning algorithms, geomechanical assessments, and streamline-based modeling tools to enhance field performance, water use efficiency, and subsurface integrity assurance.

Below are peer-reviewed and conference papers on these topics:

Kellogg, R., Chessum, W., and Kwong, R. (2018). Machine Learning Application for Wellbore Damage Removal in the Wilmington Field. Society of Petroleum Engineers. 190037-MS
Kwong, R. R., Kellogg, R., Thiele, M. R., & Simmons, D. M. (2019). Improving Water Efficiency in the Wilmington Field Using Streamline-Based Surveillance. Society of Petroleum Engineers. 195372-MS
Kellogg, R., & Mercier, D. (2020). Empirical Evidence Demonstrating Injection Containment and Absence of Injection Fracturing, Wilmington Oil Field Case Study. Society of Petroleum Engineers.195282-PA.

Working Paper

Energy Wars: Measuring Relative Geopolitical Power Between the U.S. and China in the Energy Sector (To be presented at 2025 APSA Conference in Vancouver, Canada)

This working paper introduces the Energy Geopower Index (EGI), a novel measure of the evolving balance of geopolitical power in the energy sector, specifically focused on the United States and China. By synthesizing the recent developments in energy security and geopolitical power research, the EGI aims to capture the full spectrum of energy-related strengths and vulnerabilities that shape these nations’ global influence.

This research contributes to energy security literature by demonstrating the utility of an empirically grounded, composite index for assessing geopolitical energy power. It underscores how the interplay of policies, markets, and technological breakthroughs can recalibrate the global balance of power in the coming decade.