ANNAPURNA SRI SOWMYA TURUGA, PhD, is a Lead Researcher at Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions in Tomball, TX, specializing in fouling control solutions for the hydrocarbon processing industry. She holds a PhD and an MSc in chemical engineering from the Univ. of Alberta, Canada, and a BEng (Hons.) in chemical engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology & Science, India. Her career includes roles as a research executive at Unilever R&D and a chemical engineering intern at Shell R&D. Sowmya has been recognized with the Petro-Canada Graduate Research Award by Suncor for her contribution to advancing technology in the development of petroleum resources during her PhD. Her notable publications explore the role of clay minerals in oil sands bitumen processing and the impact of treatment methods on bitumen quality, as featured in Energy & Fuels. Her expertise includes process optimization, piloting, data analysis, and advanced analytical techniques, with a focus on oil and gas, consumer goods, and R&D.