Rhys Shea (University College London)
1st Prize: 'Effect of Buoyant Flat-Slab Subduction on Surface Plate Kinematics: The Nazca - South American Case Study'
What is it that first attracted you to study geophysics?
I have always enjoyed my maths and physics education prior to university, however I found it difficult to decide which degree to choose as it is such a big decision and there are so many options. I followed my instincts with physics but I wanted to experience something new too. This brought me to geophysics, a foreign term to me to begin with. I was attracted to the variation of the subject, such as modules in planetary science, deep Earth physics and surface geology.
What was your educational path?
My entire pre-university education was taught in Welsh at St. Asaph High School in North Wales. It was here that I completed my GCSEs and subsequently my Mathematics, Physics and Geography A Levels. My choice of A-levels set me up well for the MSci Geophysics degree at UCL.
Why did you enter the Earth Model Award competition?
I entered the Earth Model Award competition, as I believed my project was well suited to the criteria. I knew that the work I was doing had not been carried out before as my supervisor is at the forefront of this research. The project was highly technical and is relevant to the deep Earth model on a global scale. Having the additional challenge of performing well in the competition was a big motivation boost.
What does winning the award means to you?
Confusion was my first reaction to hearing the good news. Before letting it settle in I responded to the email to make sure there hadn’t been a mistake. I was very happy to hear that it was no mistake and I had in fact won the first prize. I was thrilled to hear that the hard work I had put in had been recognised and it was great to share the news with my supervisor who was great to work with during the project.
What are your next plans?
I am currently completing an MSc in Petroleum Geophysics at Imperial College London with the hope of pursuing a career in the industry at the end of 2015. I do not plan on continuing any intense research for the time being, though I hope to continue contributing to research efforts in the future.
What advice would you give anyone looking for a career in geoscience?
The advice I would give to anyone pursuing a career in geoscience is to be persistent. It is not always a full-throttle industry and it can take some time to get your foot in the door. The current oil and gas industry is a great example of this and I am experiencing some difficulty at the moment with all of my peers. But it’s important to hang on to the motivation and be patient. There are also many paths to go down in geoscience, taking an alternate path now won’t ruin your chances for going down the original path in the future.
Catherine Caulfield (University of Aberdeen)
3rd Prize: 'The Geological History and Prospectivity of the Lincoln Prospect, West of Shetland.'
What is it that first attracted you to study geology?
Since a young age nature and the world on which we all depend on has fascinated me. Geology investigates life’s inception, the tearing of continents and the distribution of all commodities invaluable to a modern civilisation; water, hydrocarbons, metals and minerals. Geology is an extremely broad and fascinating subject: some of society's most prevailing and complex problems, such as energy and water supply, climate change and natural hazards are tackled by Geologists. How could one not be attracted by such a diverse and relevant science?
What was your educational path?
I studied Natural Sciences at Trinity College Dublin where I took courses in Geology, Chemistry, Maths and Biology. I chose to study Geology exclusively for my Sophister years. I subsequently graduated from MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience at Aberdeen University where I studied Geophysics, Petrophysics, Sedimentology, Production Geology and Regional Exploration. I had the opportunity to complete my industry placement on unconventional fractured basement reservoir exploration West of Shetland with Hurricane Energy.
Why did you enter the Earth Model Award competition?
At an evening presentation given by Neftex to my masters class, the purpose of the Earth Model Award: "to stimulate research in global geoscience" was explained. It was described as an opportunity to present your research to a panel of industry and academic professionals and to gain recognition for your work. I was confident that my project on the fractured basement Lincoln prospect, West of Shetland, one of the final frontier regions of the UKCS was unique. I was sure this topic, met with doubt and uncertainty in the past would produce an interesting prospect and so for these reasons I felt it worthwhile to enter the competition.
What does winning the award means to you?
I was delighted when I heard I was awarded 3rd place in the Earth Model Award. Hurricane energy provided me with excellent data and support throughout my placement, this combined with hard work allowed me to produce a thesis that I am proud of, however, there is an even greater sense of achievement and pride that comes with recognition from my academic and industrial peers. Receiving the award has given me confidence in my work and has provided encouragement at the beginning of my professional career in the oil industry. It is particularly reassuring in the midst of the current economic uncertainty.
What are your next plans?
Since receiving the award I have been employed as a Technical Analyst at Hannon Westwood based in London. Hannon Westwood are an informations consultancy company offering database systems, forward looking intelligence services, bespoke consultancy and acquisition and divestment services which are all underpinned by a comprehensive NW Europe focused database with the aim of value creation. I am particularly enjoying the fusion of petroleum geoscience and petroleum economics in my everyday work, gaining insight into the commercial as well as technical aspects of the oil Industry.
What advice would you give anyone looking for a career in geoscience?
I would encourage anyone interested in geology to pursue a career in geoscience by completing a masters course. The MSc courses offered in the UK are vocational and really prepare the student for the oil industry; technically, professionally and mentally. It is an extremely competitive industry where learning and self- improvement is constant. However, it is a fascinating and rewarding industry to be part of.