Jeanne Perdue
Jeanne Perdue is a dynamic and innovative professional whose career spans chemistry, library science, oil and gas journalism, and technical writing. A graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany with a BS in Chemistry, she also pursued master's-level courses in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Houston while working full-time. Jeanne built a reputation for translating complex technical concepts into clear, engaging content for the petroleum industry, serving as a journalist, editor, and trainer. She has been recognized as a distinguished member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) for her pioneering work in digitizing SPE technical papers—an initiative that laid the foundation for OnePetro.org, now hosting over 200,000 papers online.
Beyond her technical accomplishments, Jeanne has devoted herself to education and mentorship. She endowed the “Friends of Jeanne” engineering scholarship at the University of Houston, which she recently awarded for the first time, and has consistently championed the development of young professionals in her field. Her volunteer efforts with SPE and other organizations reflect her personal motto: “Learning, Loving, Serving,” a philosophy that guides both her professional and personal life. Known for her strong leadership, public speaking skills, and creative approach to problem-solving, Jeanne has left an indelible mark on the petroleum industry and the broader community she serves.
Now retired from the oil and gas industry, Jeanne pursues her lifelong passion for writing. She is a published author of children’s books, including Dylan the Doddler, as well as a book of poetry and a novel currently in progress. She combines her love of storytelling with her rich professional experience, offering workshops on technical writing, innovation, and creative communication. A devoted patron of the arts, Jeanne enjoys the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet, and her personal and professional life is deeply rooted in family, creativity, and community engagement.
• SPE Distinguished Member
• University of Houston - M.S.
• SPE Distinguished Service Award
• SPE Distinguished Member
• Houston Community College Foundation
• Society of Petroleum Engineers International
• Distinguished Lecturer Committee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong relationships and networking. Early in my career, I joined the Society of Petroleum Engineers, where volunteering helped me develop essential skills—public speaking, negotiation, and handling challenging situations—that aren’t taught in school. Through this work, I built a network of peers, which led to career opportunities, including positions I gained through those connections.
I was also fortunate to have a sponsor at Occidental Petroleum who advocated for me, enabling me to attend international conferences and serve on key committees. That guidance and support were pivotal in expanding my experience, skills, and professional network.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from my mom, who told me it's not what you know, it's who you know. Even though the grammar is off, she was absolutely right. Building your network and relationships is everything in your career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to join a professional association in your field. For me, that was the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Volunteering and participating in the organization helped me develop critical soft skills—public speaking, negotiating, managing difficult situations—that aren’t taught in school. It also allowed me to build a strong network of peers, which can open doors to new opportunities; I’ve even been hired through connections I made there. Beyond networking, staying engaged—reading industry publications, attending events, and taking on responsibilities—helps you continually learn and grow professionally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For writers, one of the biggest challenges right now is securing an agent. That was a major reason I chose to self-publish my first children’s book after facing multiple rejections—agents often see my background as a chemist and question my writing credentials. While self-publishing gave me a way to share my work, I plan to pursue traditional representation for my upcoming novel, which already has 8,000 words written. To do that, I’ll focus on joining professional organizations where agents are active and building relationships through networking, which is essential for gaining representation and advancing in the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the value I hold most dearly. Being known as someone who works diligently and speaks truthfully creates trust and makes you valuable in any professional setting. Personally, my guiding motto is threefold: learning, loving, serving. I strive to continuously learn, show love and kindness in my interactions, and serve others—whether through my work, my community, or professional organizations like SPE. Living by these principles has shaped both my career and personal life.
Locations
Jeanne Perdue
Houston, TX 77072