Lecture Series

Lyman Handy joined USC in 1966 after working 15 years for Chevron Research. Lyman received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Washington. During his tenure with Chevron, he was credited with the development of classical experimental work in capillary pressure and relative permeability, and pioneering work in the field of flow in porous media. Upon leaving Chevron, he brought his expertise to USC, where he established a very active and well-funded experimental research program, which involved significant studies in miscible processes, capillary action, surface and interfacial phenomena, foam and thermal processes. Lyman significantly contributed to the growth of the Petroleum and Chemical Engineering Departments at USC. He served as Chairman of the Petroleum Engineering Department for 20 years, and for a number of years, he was also Chair of both departments. In this capacity, he was responsible for recruiting many of the current faculty in the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering programs.

Lyman also served with distinction in the Professional Society of Petroleum Engineers, in the capacity of at-large Director, as an editor of the SPE Journal, and as the Director of its Los Angeles-based section.

Throughout his career, he received many recognitions and awards, including the AIME's Mineral Industry Education Award, and the SPE's distinguished member, and distinguished faculty award. Handy was a source of inspiration to his students. Many of his former students are now serving with great distinction in various petroleum companies, research laboratories and academic institutions throughout the world.