Highlights of her skills include:

• Over 20 year of experience of working with E&P multi-discipline team, fully involved in upstream decision-making process, field performance evaluation, reserves evaluation for M&A and SEC filing, and company strategic planning.
• Have audited, studied, and built PSC/Fiscal models for major international oil and gas companies’ properties in over 30 countries.
• Four years of cost engineer experience for offshore field development.
• Advanced skills on economic modeling in PHDwin and others.
• Strong interest in Risk Analysis and Risk Management.
• Advanced data management and data analysis skills. 

DeGolyer and MacNaughton (D&M) – A Legacy of Global Petroleum Expertise

Since its establishment in 1936, DeGolyer and MacNaughton have stood as a pillar of excellence in the petroleum industry, offering a unique fusion of advanced knowledge, integrity, and top-tier service. For over eight decades, D&M has consistently enabled valued clients to make informed decisions that drive the development and recovery of petroleum resources worldwide.

At DeGolyer and MacNaughton, we are more than an oil and gas consultancy; we are a trusted partner in your journey toward sustainable, profitable, and responsible resource development. Our commitment to integrity, knowledge, and exceptional service remains unwavering, ensuring that you have the insights and support you need to thrive in the ever-changing world of petroleum exploration and production.

Partner with DeGolyer and MacNaughton, where expertise meets excellence, and together, we shape the future of energy.

Vice President & Senior Petroleum Economist | DeGolyer and MacNaughton

Yue (Crystal) Cao joined DeGolyer and MacNaughton in 2018 as a senior petroleum economist to evaluate international oil and gas properties.

Cao possesses a wealth of expertise in conducting economic analyses, cost assessments, and reserves evaluations essential for SEC filings and M&A activities.

Her portfolio includes fiscal modeling for oil and gas assets across more than 40 nations. Moreover, she has actively contributed to fiscal term determinations and negotiations with national oil companies in prominent regions such as China, Mexico, and the Middle East.

President and Founder | MingTech Petro LLC

Founded and led an independent petroleum consulting firm.

Past Experience

Other U.S. Consulting Firm | Senior Petroleum Economist 

2006 – 2013

Responsible for economic analysis, evaluation of hydrocarbon reservoirs, and economic components of projects for international clients. Worked on unconventional reserves evaluation training for major Chinese clients. Major clients included ADNOC, China National Oil Company, ENI, INPEX, KNOC, MAERSK OIL, MEPAU, MIMI, PEMEX, PERTAMIA, PETROPERU, Secondary China National Oil Company, and VEGAS OIL.

China National Oil Company | Economic Evaluation Supervisor

2004 – 2006

Developed methodologies, tools, and work processes for hydrocarbon development investment appraisal. Evaluated China National Oil Company and gas properties for SEC filings. Built and maintained economic models, performed economic evaluation, and advised on joint venture oil field supplemental development agreements.

China National Oil Company | Project Economist and Assistant Cost Engineer

1997 – 2001

Worked on various projects, including gas field development, offshore and onshore gas pipeline systems, and gas price determination analysis.

Master of Science (MSc), Resource and Applied Economics | University of Alaska Fairbanks

2001 – 2003

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A), Business Administration, Management, and Operations  | Tianjin University of Finance and Economics

1993 – 1997