Michael Gaskins ExxonMobil Exploration Company West Africa Operations Manager CCE – Bite of Science March 18, 2013

ABOUT ME Degree in Geology – Oklahoma State University (first in my family to go to college) Employed by ExxonMobil ~30 years Current position West Africa Operations Manager ExxonMobil Exploration Company Married with 3 kids; youngest in high school For the career presentations, we are envisioning a job description, and how they landed in that position. For example, college major or what experience is needed. Often what you majored in in college has nothing to do with what you are doing, so the students need to hear about how one opportunity can lead to another, etc.   Handouts are not necessary, but if you want to have them that’s fine. We have projectors in every classroom, so you will have computer access. I would recommend having something to guide the talk, a powerpoint would probably be easiest, but it is by no means a non-negotiable! Also, I would have your contact information. In case our students would like more information after the career day is over.

What is GEOLOGY? Study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them For the career presentations, we are envisioning a job description, and how they landed in that position. For example, college major or what experience is needed. Often what you majored in in college has nothing to do with what you are doing, so the students need to hear about how one opportunity can lead to another, etc.   Handouts are not necessary, but if you want to have them that’s fine. We have projectors in every classroom, so you will have computer access. I would recommend having something to guide the talk, a powerpoint would probably be easiest, but it is by no means a non-negotiable! Also, I would have your contact information. In case our students would like more information after the career day is over.

What does a geologist do? Study the physical aspects & history of the earth Analyze seismic information to identify the location of oil, natural gas, minerals, and underground water Study, preserve, and clean up the environment Examine chemical and physical properties of specimens in laboratories May study fossil remains of animal and plant life Use two or three-dimensional computer modeling to portray geologic layers Apply geological knowledge to engineering problems in constructing large buildings, dams, tunnels, and highways For the career presentations, we are envisioning a job description, and how they landed in that position. For example, college major or what experience is needed. Often what you majored in in college has nothing to do with what you are doing, so the students need to hear about how one opportunity can lead to another, etc.   Handouts are not necessary, but if you want to have them that’s fine. We have projectors in every classroom, so you will have computer access. I would recommend having something to guide the talk, a powerpoint would probably be easiest, but it is by no means a non-negotiable! Also, I would have your contact information. In case our students would like more information after the career day is over.

Current Assignment What do I do? Exploration - West Africa Operations Manager Evaluate geologic opportunities in the West Africa region in the pursuit of new Oil and Gas deposits Evaluate seismic / geologic data Identify and drill prospects; evaluate economic potential Maintain relationships with partners and governments Travel, learn new cultures For the career presentations, we are envisioning a job description, and how they landed in that position. For example, college major or what experience is needed. Often what you majored in in college has nothing to do with what you are doing, so the students need to hear about how one opportunity can lead to another, etc.   Handouts are not necessary, but if you want to have them that’s fine. We have projectors in every classroom, so you will have computer access. I would recommend having something to guide the talk, a powerpoint would probably be easiest, but it is by no means a non-negotiable! Also, I would have your contact information. In case our students would like more information after the career day is over.

Past Assignments Began my career in Oklahoma City, OK working the Midcontinent and Rocky Mountain areas of the US Moved to Houston, worked Texas, Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Coast Worked Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Region Moved to London, England as Manager over Russian exploration activities Returned to Houston, Manager over our US production geology activities Currently Manager of our exploration activities across West Africa

Path College degree in geology or geophysics Skills Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree may be needed for some jobs Skills Solid background in mathematics, chemistry and physics Effective oral and written communication skills Computer modeling, data processing Ability to think independently and creatively It is impossible to see inside the earth so geologists leverage other sciences & techniques to predict what lies below the surface of the earth – explain to others why this is important

Plate Tectonics Demonstration

Questions?